Promoting understanding, collaboration, and success in a diverse world.
Monday, 5th June 2023: Mr Sanjeev Gupta left an indelible mark on the students and staff, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected global society during his talk as part of the Curtin Dubai Speaker Series.
One of the key highlights of Mr Gupta’s talk was his definition of Cultural Intelligence as the ability to comprehend, adapt to, and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the various components of Cultural Intelligence, including cultural knowledge, mindfulness, and adaptability, which form a solid foundation for navigating cultural differences and how they can grow businesses.
His knowledge and passion for the subject stem from his personal experiences of moving from India to Botswana at a young age. Botswana was not as well known internationally as the US or the UK, so having to move there and blend into the culture was a very rewarding trial. This is why he painstakingly emphasises the importance of developing Cultural Intelligence, which can yield numerous benefits, such as enhanced communication, improved teamwork, and more successful problem-solving across cultural boundaries.
He drew examples of cultural adaptability from gigantic international brands like Hermès and KFC. The major fashion brand, Hermès saw their designs not doing well in India and then adapted to the culture by releasing a line of sarees for the region. KFC followed a similar strategy wherein they launched a veggie burger, now India’s highest-selling product. This is mandatory in today’s world as the pace of change in this time and generation is much faster than even, say, 20 years ago.
“I loved today’s session because when you speak to students, you always get back more than you give them. The diversity in the group of students was incredible, and the best part was feeling the gratification of seeing their enthusiastic participation, questions, and eager discussions. I want to thank Curtin Dubai for the speaking opportunity and would love to come back for another session because I love engaging with students,” explained Mr Gupta.
The event concluded on a high note, leaving students and staff alike motivated and empowered to apply their newfound knowledge of Cultural Intelligence in their personal and professional lives. Mr Sanjeev Gupta’s talk catalysed change, encouraging individuals to embrace cultural diversity and work towards a more inclusive and interconnected world.
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