Cultural Intelligence in Action
Cultural intelligence training
Cultural intelligence is not about knowing facts about other cultures; it’s about awareness, flexibility, and relational intelligence. This session offers a practical, human-centered approach to cultural intelligence, focusing on how participants show up, interpret behavior, and respond under…
Workshop
Description
Cultural intelligence is not about knowing facts about other cultures; it’s about awareness, flexibility, and relational intelligence.
This session offers a practical, human-centered approach to cultural intelligence, focusing on how participants show up, interpret behavior, and respond under pressure in multicultural settings.
Key Activities:
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Guided self-reflection exercises
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Group discussions on real workplace experiences
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Simple, actionable tools for everyday cultural navigation
Benefits
Key Benefits:
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Increased cultural awareness and self-reflection
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Clearer communication across multicultural teams
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Reduced misunderstandings and interpersonal friction
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Stronger trust and collaboration in international environments
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More confident decision-making across cultural differences
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Improved team alignment, engagement, and effectiveness
Hosted by Elif Soykan
About the Host
I am an intercultural coach, facilitator, and writer who works at the intersection of culture, identity, and human behavior. My strength as an instructor comes from my ability to translate complex cultural dynamics into clear, usable insight -without reducing culture to stereotypes or rigid models. Having lived and worked across multiple countries and cultural systems, I bring both academic grounding and lived experience into the room. I understand cultural difference not as theory, but as something that shows up daily; in how people speak, decide, lead, hesitate, avoid, or confront. As an instructor, I am known for creating spaces that are psychologically safe, intellectually stimulating, and deeply reflective. Participants often describe my facilitation style as calm, precise, and engaging; allowing difficult topics to be explored with clarity rather than defensiveness. I have a strong ability to read group dynamics, surface unspoken cultural patterns, and ask the right questions at the right moment. Rather than positioning myself as someone who “teaches culture,” I guide individuals and teams toward greater self-awareness, cultural intelligence, and relational clarity. My background in sociology and cultural studies, combined with my work as a writer and coach, allows me to communicate with depth, nuance, and narrative sensitivity. I listen carefully, challenge gently, and help people see both themselves and others more clearly. At the core of my work is the belief that effective cross-cultural work begins with awareness -of one’s own cultural lens first, and only then of others.
Client Requirements
I deliver both one-on-one sessions and virtual trainings. For virtual sessions, participants are required to have access to a computer and a meeting platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Past Clients
I collaborate with global mobility service providers and, through these partnerships, have worked with executives from international companies such as Boeing, P&G, Bosch, Unilever, Johnson&Johnson, Mercedes Benz, Chanel, SKF, Nike, UPS and many more
Focus Areas
Location
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Languages
English, Turkish
Travel Locations
I am open to travel. Travel expenses are expected to be covered, along with an additional $150 travel fee.
Corporate Experience
Significant
Session Types Offered
Interactive (eg. improv, group-art, yoga etc.)
Past Experience Doing Sessions
Yes - Interactive
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