The Berlitz Language & Culture Podcast

Episode 5: Cultural Competence at Work: From Self-Awareness to Better Outcomes.

In Episode 5 of The Berlitz Language & Culture Podcast, host Louisa Ajami speaks with Donika Jones, a public health practitioner, business strategist, and stakeholder engagement specialist, about why cultural competence is essential in today’s global and diverse workplaces. 
Donika shares practical insights on cross-cultural awareness, inclusive program design, and effective stakeholder engagement. From examining our own cultural lenses to building responsive, people-centered strategies, this episode explores how humility, collaboration, and integrated thinking can lead to stronger programs and better business outcomes. 
Whether you work in public health, business, leadership, or global teams, this conversation offers actionable takeaways on designing and leading with culture at the center. 
Tune in to explore key themes including cultural competence, cross-cultural communication, inclusive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and designing programs with culture at the center. 
 

Episode 4: Beyond Borders: Thriving in International Assignments with Sharp Skills

What does it take to succeed in an international assignment when you're on your own from day one?  
In the fourth episode of the Berlitz Language and Culture Podcast, global business and security expert Dan Bolger shares his experience relocating to Albania with minimal support and the essential lessons he learned along the way. 
From overlooked onboarding gaps to the power of cultural awareness, language skills, and personal resilience, Dan offers practical advice for professionals and organizations preparing for global deployments. This episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, expats, and anyone navigating cross-cultural careers. 

German Sounds Decoded: Vowels, Umlauts & Diphthongs

Think German’s hard? Wait till you meet its vowels. In this episode, we break down the sounds that confuse learners, terrify tourists, and make German speakers silently judge you. From plain old vowels to those spicy little Umlauts (yes, the dots matter), plus diphthongs that twist your tongue and your dignity, we’re covering it all. You'll finally understand why “ie” and “ei” are basically linguistic booby traps, and why “ö” isn’t just a weird “o.” 
Inspired by Berlitz’s blog article “How to pronounce German vowels, diphthongs and the Umlaute.” Buckle up. Your pronunciation glow-up starts now. 
 
Created with AI using original content from Berlitz US.

Episode 3: The Language Advantage: Multilingual Teams & Customer Success

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Sinclair, a seasoned leader in international team management and language training, to explore the power of multilingual communication in business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer retention. 
Jack shares why having language-skilled staff isn’t just a bonus—it’s a strategic asset, especially when employees shift roles or when cultural sensitivity becomes critical. From hiring diverse assessors to handling tough customer conversations through active listening, he dives into the subtle yet essential communication practices that make a lasting impact. 
You'll also hear fascinating insights on regional and generational communication styles, including how to approach conversations with children and adapt to slower-paced dialogues in the South. 
Whether you lead a global team or work on the front lines of customer service, this episode will change how you think about language, culture, and connection. 

From Oui to Non: Structuring Negation in French

In this episode of The Berlitz Language and Culture Podcast, we explore the essential grammar behind negation in French.  You’ll learn: 
The basic structure of French negation (ne...pas) 
Common variations like ne...jamais, ne...plus, and ne...rien 
When and how to use them in real-life situations 
Tips to avoid common mistakes made by learners 
Perfect for learners at any level looking to build stronger, more complete French sentences. 
Created with AI using original content from Berlitz US.

Episode 2: Shaping Leadership Culture: Adaptability, Hope & High-Performing Teams

In Episode 2 of The Berlitz Language & Culture Podcast, hosted by Louisa Ajami, Dr. Naomi Olson shares how cultural skill-building goes beyond noticing differences—it's about developing strategies to navigate them and unlock the strength of diverse teams. 

“El”, “La”: Understanding Gender in Spanish

Welcome to Berlitz Language and Culture Podcast, your go-to space for unlocking the secrets of any language! In today’s episode, “El, La” we’re diving into one of the most puzzling and fascinating parts of Spanish grammar: gender. 
Why is a table feminine and a book masculine? How can you tell which article to use? And what happens when gender goes beyond el and la? 
Whether you're just starting out or brushing up your skills, we’ll break it down with clear explanations, real-life examples, and a few fun facts along the way. 
Let’s make Spanish gender rules feel a little less intimidating, and a lot more logical.¡Vamos! 
Created with AI using original content from Berlitz US.

Episode 1: How to Build Stronger Intercultural Remote Teams

Building stronger remote teams isn’t just about working from different locations—it requires intention, strategy, and cultural awareness! 🌎
In our very first episode, hosted by Louisa Ajami, Manager of Cultural Training Solutions, intercultural expert Maria Garaitonandia breaks down the 4 crucial stages every remote team must go through to succeed.