What better way to follow a milestone than with a conversation that redefines leadership for a multicultural world?
In the latest episode, I speak with Gwen Kolader, Global DE&I Leader and People & Culture Strategist, about how cultural intelligence has become one of the most overlooked and powerful skills in leadership today.
The result? A thought-provoking conversation that blends personal insight, global experience, and practical tools to build more inclusive teams. In other words, a true Cultural Intelligence 101 episode.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ Why inclusion, not diversity, is the foundation of strong teams
✅ How to challenge bias without losing momentum
✅ What the Maasai can teach us about leadership and cultural intelligence
This episode is for anyone who wants to lead with more clarity, trust, and human connection in today’s diverse, complex workplace.
Listen to the episode by hitting play above, or find it on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon.
✨ The Magical Moments
At the start of the episode, we talk about Gwen’s recent leadership trail in Kenya. It’s a wonderfully open and honest discussion about her experiences. Here are three that stood out to me.
🌌 Sleeping under the stars with the Maasai
No phone. No watch. Just trust. Gwen shares how a week disconnected from tech—and fully immersed in nature—transformed her awareness as a leader.
🧠 Catching herself in a stereotype
What started as skepticism about a cultural ritual became a moment of deep insight. A powerful reminder that assumptions fade when understanding grows.
🔥 The cold, the silence, and the campfire stories
From hyenas in the dark to stories around the fire, Gwen’s leadership trail was more than symbolic. It showed how deep reflection creates real transformation.
What was your favorite moment from the episode? Let me know in the comments.
“Everybody at the end of the day wants the same thing. And that is being heard, seen and valued.” - Gwen Kolader.
🛠 Three Practical Takeaways for Culturally Intelligent Leadership
For leaders who want to thrive across teams, cultures, and countries, here are three takeaways that matter:
Measure inclusion, not just diversity.
Set KPIs for connection, not just representation.
Slow down to challenge bias.
Cultural intelligence starts with pausing before you decide.
Make inclusion a habit.
Intentional practices—like connecting with someone different each quarter—create long-term change.
These are strategies that work at scale, but also in small teams and startups. Because cultural intelligence isn’t about size. It’s about awareness.
Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
We’re not slowing down. Next week, we’ll learn from Merel Zimmerman and Bibi van Gijsel how government loans and grants can help startups in direct and indirect ways.
And, as this clip will show you, working for the government does not equal a lack of ambition:
Until then, stay curious, stay kind, and don’t forget to keep being awesome.
Dirkjan
P.S. If this is your first time here, hit that subscribe button to get new episodes and interviews with women changing tech from the inside out.
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