Why do some teams seem to click instantly while others misfire — even when everyone speaks the same language?

In this episode, we unpack how cultural differences influence communication styles, feedback, decision-making, and even silence. From Edward T. Hall’s theory of high-context vs. low-context cultures to surprising real-life misunderstandings, we explore what happens when people from different cultural backgrounds try to work together — and how to do it better.

We’ll talk about:

• Why “yes” might mean “no” (and vice versa)
• Why directness can feel rude — or refreshing
• How cultural blind spots show up in teams
• Simple tools to navigate complexity, build trust, and avoid unnecessary friction

Whether you're leading a global team, working in a multicultural environment, or just curious about how culture silently shapes our conversations — this one’s for you.

🌍 Explore your own cultural profile here:
👉 Hofstede Insights – Compare Countries

In this episode of Hearing the System with Maik & Juan, we share our perspectives on the many facets of leadership. We discuss what leadership really means beyond holding authority and how it involves inspiring and guiding people toward a shared vision. We explore the qualities of a good leader, such as courage, empathy, and accountability, and talk about how these traits can be developed through continuous learning and self-awareness.

We also consider the different contexts in which leadership is applied—whether in organizations, NGOs, or communities—and how each setting may require a unique approach. Additionally, we discuss the importance of leadership in achieving organizational goals, the challenges leaders often face, and the impact they have on team performance.

Join us as we offer our insights and viewpoints on these essential questions, highlighting the vital role of leadership in shaping organisations and teams.

• What do we mean by saying "Meet the people where they are"?
• Why is it important?
• Examples of meeting & not meeting people where they are
• Free flow talk

GOAL - Awareness of bias and that it's normal, why it happens, what to do.

Guest: Pavithra Shenoy

• Context: we are talking about gender bias at work
• Why is this important to talk about gender bias?
• What is bias and how does it occur?
• Why does it happen?
• Different kinds of bias followed by examples
• Combating strategies
• Fun facts

Intro

• Motivation & purpose
• Target audience

Episode

• What does it mean to be vulnerable?
  • Vulnerable
  • Vulnerabilities
• Where is the boundary of being too vulnerable?
• When not be vulnerable ?
• What situations is good to be vulnerable and which not?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of showing vulnerabilities?
• Leaders
  • How can they encourage a team to be vulnerable?
  • What are the advantages and what should they watch out for?
• Being vulnerable seems to be the natural way of being yourself and yet lot of people are uncomfortable sharing their vulnerabilities.
  • Why are some people afraid of being vulnerable?
  • What are the reasons to feel this way?
  • What needs to change here?
  • Does something need to change at all?
• What makes a person or a group comfortable to share vulnerabilities?
• How can one build strengths through vulnerabilities? Is that possible at all?
• Personal & professional context?

• What do we each understand by personal & professional development?
• From where does personal development start?
• Personal development Vs career
• Is it possible without any overlap?
• Does personal development need support? Coach, Guide, Mentor, Peers?
• Ground condition / corner stones for personal or professional development
• Work Life Balance Vs Work Life Integration
• Should there be a clear goal or a rough direction?