Cultural Communication Confidence

Hosted by Victoria Rennoldson

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194

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Culture Cuppa's podcast, Cultural Communication Confidence, is for global leaders who want practical communication skills and to build their cultural intelligence for impact, performance, business and career growth. Each episode is hosted by Victoria Rennoldson, CEO and Founder of Culture Cuppa, where she shares communication tools and confidence strategies, plus cultural intelligence insights for working in global teams. Grow your impact and influence through confident cultural communication.

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60 recent

June 12, 2026Episode 18437 min

184 - Pushing through is not resilience, with Julian Roberts

What does resilience really look like? I meet many professionals today who are navigating wave after wave of change: Reorganisations, shifting priorities, business uncertainty, technological disruption and growing pressure to do more with less have become familiar features of organisational life. Yet while resilience is frequently talked about, it is often misunderstood. In this conversation with Julian Roberts, executive coach, author and host of the Helping Organisations Thrive podcast, we explore what resilience really means for leaders and teams operating in increasingly fragmented environments. After a 20-year career in senior roles at global organisations including Heinz, Yoplait and Johnson & Johnson, Julian founded Julian Roberts Consulting, specialising in helping leaders and teams thrive under pressure. He is the creator of the Team Resilience Diagnostic Tool and author of Weathering the Storm: A Guide to Building Resilient Teams. Together, we discuss why resilience is not about simply pushing through adversity, why 'grit' can sometimes become counterproductive, and how leaders can create the conditions for individuals and teams to navigate uncertainty more effectively. At the heart of this conversation is an important shift in perspective. Resilience is not a fixed trait that some people possess and others lack. It is a capability that can be developed, strengthened and intentionally cultivated, both individually and collectively. What you will learn in this episode: Why uncertainty and constant change are creating new leadership challenges for teams The difference between healthy resilience and what Julian describes as 'toxic resilience' Why resilience is not about simply working harder or pushing through difficulty Practical habits that help strengthen personal resilience, including gratitude, mindfulness and community How leaders can create greater resilience through purpose, meaning and clarity Why understanding the psychology of change helps leaders support people more effectively How diversity of thought strengthens a team's ability to navigate uncertainty and solve complex problems Why healthy challenge and critical thinking are essential leadership capabilities in today's workplace One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is that resilience is not about individual toughness. Many organisations focus on helping individuals become more resilient, but resilient teams are created through something different. Purpose, trust, psychological safety, challenge, diverse perspectives and strong relationships all play a role in helping teams perform well under pressure. Ultimately, resilience is not about avoiding storms, it is about developing the capability to navigate them with greater clarity, adaptability and confidence. When faced with uncertainty, do you tend to push through harder, or create space to learn, reflect and adapt? What practices could help you strengthen your own resilience and support the resilience of those around you? Resources: Connect with Julian Roberts on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julesroberts/ Learn more about Julian's book, 'Weathering the Storm': https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DFTYN2Y2 Listen to Julian Roberts' podcast: https://www.julianrobertsconsulting.com/podcast-1 Find out more about Victoria's leadership and Cultural Intelligence programmes: https://culturecuppa.com/individuals/ Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration:https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

June 5, 2026Episode 18322 min

183 - Why Challenging Conversations Are Rarely About The Communication

When people talk about challenging conversations, most assume the difficulty lies in what needs to be said. Yet in my experience, whether working with senior leaders, high-potential professionals or global teams, the real challenge often begins long before the conversation starts. Recently, while leading a workshop for a women's leadership network, I was struck by the types of conversations participants described as challenging. They were not primarily about conflict, disagreement or confrontation, instead, they centred on accountability, role clarity, priorities, influence and managing without authority. This episode explores a powerful reframe: what if challenging conversations are not fundamentally a communication problem, but a confidence, clarity and self-leadership challenge? We explore what sits beneath difficult workplace conversations and why planning how you will engage in them often matters more than the words themselves. At the heart of this episode is a simple but important insight- challenging conversations become easier when we stop focusing solely on what we want to say and start paying greater attention to how we lead ourselves before we enter the room. What you will learn in this episode: Why many challenging conversations are actually clarity and confidence challenges rather than about communication How to prepare for challenging conversations before they happen Why intention matters more than simply trying to 'win' the conversation A practical framework to help you prepare for the discussion How to reduce tension and create better outcomes Understanding the source of disagreements and how to create solutions to move forward A practical approach to building commitment without forcing agreement What challenging conversation are you currently avoiding, and what might be sitting underneath that hesitation? Are you entering difficult conversations focused on your position, or focused on understanding the broader goal? What would change if you approached your next challenging conversation with greater curiosity rather than certainty? Resources Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Message Victoria to book a 30-minute clarity call to talk through a challenge you're facing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

May 29, 2026Episode 18235 min

182 - Generationally speaking: generations at work with Alastair Greener

How can you communicate, collaborate and build trust across generations at work? This episode addresses this leadership challenge that many organisations are quietly navigating, but not always naming clearly. As workplaces become more complex, AI accelerates change, and expectations around leadership evolve, generational differences can easily become a source of misunderstanding, frustration or missed opportunity. Yet beneath the stereotypes about Gen Z, Millennials or Gen X, there is a much more nuanced conversation to have about identity, experience, communication and human connection. In this conversation with Alastair Greener, generational communication expert, founder of Present Yourself communications training, event MC, moderator, and current President of the Professional Speaking Association, we explore what really shapes generational behaviours. We examine why curiosity, not judgement, may be one of the most important leadership capabilities for the future. Alastair has worked in communications for over 30 years, with a background in TV presenting and performance, and helps organisations create stronger relationships and more cohesive workplaces through effective generational communication. His recently published book, Generationally Speaking, explores how generations communicate and what organisations need to understand to bridge differences more effectively. At the heart of this conversation is an important reminder: generational tensions are rarely only about age. They are often about expectations, upbringing, context, communication styles and the environments leaders create around people. What you will learn in this episode: Why generational stereotypes can create more barriers than understanding How communication gaps between generations can quietly impact productivity, engagement and retention Curiosity as one of the most powerful leadership skills when working across generations The role onboarding, expectations and workplace culture play in building trust with younger generations entering organisations Practical ways leaders can create stronger cross-generational relationships and more inclusive team dynamics Designing conversations and environments for social connection, learning and team Why future-focused leaders will need to embrace continual adaptation One of the strongest themes throughout this conversation is the tension between stereotypes and understanding. It is easy to describe generations with labels, but these don't help us build stronger relationships. Instead, understanding comes from asking better questions and recognising the wider influences shaping how people communicate and behave. Where might assumptions about generations be influencing how you communicate with your team? Resources: Connect with Alastair Greener on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairgreener Connect with Alastair Greener on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ag.generationallyspeaking Connect with Alastair Greener on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GenerationallySpeaking Find out about Victoria's Cultural Intelligence programmes for your leaders and teams:https://culturecuppa.com/contact/ Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

May 22, 2026Episode 18126 min

181 - The Visibility Gap: Why High Performers still get Overlooked

What happens when you are already doing great work, but the right people still are not fully seeing it? In this episode, I explore a challenge that I am seeing come up repeatedly when working with ambitious professionals and established leaders alike- the visibility gap. Some professionals I meet are high performers, consistently exceeding expectations and aiming for promotion, yet others continue to make progress ahead of them. Some are already operating strategically behind the scenes- influencing decisions, connecting the dots and adding real value, but are still being perceived as support, rather than leadership. At the heart of both situations is the same challenge- strategic visibility. This episode explores why visibility matters, even if you are already high performing, and how to move from being overlooked to being intentionally recognised for the value you bring- clearly communicating your positioning, impact and contribution so others understand the difference you make. What you will learn: How high performers can be overlooked for promotion Why visibility starts with positioning, not self-promotion Articulate your value clearly and strategically The importance of building your own reputation and impact awareness My practical 3-part visibility framework Identify the key people who need to see more of your work Why visibility can feel emotionally difficult, and how to move through it One of the most important ideas in this episode is that visibility is not about doing more work. In fact, many professionals I meet are already delivering at an exceptionally high level. The challenge is that their impact is not always fully understood or communicated. If you do not intentionally position yourself, others will do it for you- your reputation already exists, whether you actively shape it or not. Are you currently experiencing a visibility gap? Who are the key people who need to better understand your value and impact? What is one action you could take this week to make your contribution more visible? Resources: If Leadership Breakfasts sound like the kind of space you would value, send Victoria a message to learn more and be part of the invitation list: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

May 15, 2026Episode 18037 min

180 - Leading Across Difference with Trisha Carter

What does it really take to lead effectively across difference? In this conversation with Trisha Carter, organisational psychologist, CQ Fellow and host of The Shift podcast, we explore why Cultural Intelligence has become such an essential leadership capability in today's global and complex world. As we discussed, many workplace frustrations are universal- teams experience friction around communication styles, hierarchy, decision-making, risk, belonging and leadership expectations. These tensions can create misunderstanding, emotional strain and disconnection if they are not navigated effectively. Trisha shares a practical and human perspective on Cultural Intelligence, explaining why it is not about memorising cultural rules or stereotypes, but instead developing the capability to work effectively with people who are different to you. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful reminder that Cultural Intelligence is not fixed. It is a capability that can be developed through curiosity, reflection, awareness and adaptability. What you will learn: Why Cultural Intelligence matters even more in leadership today Why workplace friction can emerge around communication, power and risk The emotional impact of exclusion and cultural disconnect The growing need for leaders to create belonging and connection in increasingly fragmented environments How reflection and perspective-taking strengthen Cultural Intelligence How leaders and organisations can adapt systems and leadership approaches across cultures This conversation is ultimately one of optimism. Despite growing division in many parts of society, there are also more leaders, organisations and practitioners actively working to build understanding, connection and inclusion. How comfortable are you working with people who think, communicate or lead differently to you? Are you relying too heavily on historical cultural knowledge and experience, rather than ongoing curiosity and reflection? Resources: Connect with Trisha Carter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishacarter/ Listen to Trisha's podcast, The Shift: https://substack.com/@trishacarter Find out about Victoria's Cultural Intelligence programmes for your leaders and teams: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/ Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

May 8, 2026Episode 17924 min

179 - Networking: From Transactional to Genuine Connection

Networking is something many people feel they should be doing more of. Whether it is for career progression, business growth, or visibility, it often comes with a sense of obligation. And when it feels like that, it becomes transactional, uncomfortable, and ultimately ineffective. In this episode, I share insights and explore how to shift your approach, from short-term, transactional networking to something more meaningful, relational, and genuinely impactful, because in today's interconnected, global environment, your ability to connect is not only useful, it is a leadership capability. What You Will Learn: Networking is not about quantity, it is about depth and trust Why intention matters more than simply having a goal for networking Practical strategies to create stronger connections in the moment- start with curiosity Framework for before, during, and after networking Generosity changes the networking dynamic for long-term collaboration People remember how you make them feel How to follow up in a way that builds long-term relationships Why connection is a critical leadership skill in today's world What intention could you set before your next networking conversation? How do you want people to experience you when you connect? What is one action you can take after your next interaction to build the relationship further? Next Steps: If you want to deepen your ability to build meaningful connection as a leader, this is a core part of my work helping professionals with Global Leadership Communication. You can explore this further in my book, Become a Global Leader, where in the Connection pillar, I share practical strategies to build trust and relationships. And as always, I would love to hear from you- what is one shift you are going to make in your networking approach? Reach out and continue the conversation with me on LinkedIn. Resources: If Leadership Breakfasts sound like the kind of space you would value, send Victoria a message to learn more and be part of the invitation list: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

May 1, 2026Episode 17832 min

178 - Unique is Better than Better, Impactful Communication with Andrea Wojnicki

What does it really mean to communicate with impact? In this conversation with Andrea Wojnicki, executive communication coach and Harvard Business School PhD, we look at a topic that sits at the heart of leadership- how you communicate in a way that influences others, builds credibility and ultimately drives results. As we explored, impact is not about speaking more, but helping others think differently or take action. Whether that is contributing in a meeting, influencing a decision, or progressing your career, your communication is a critical lever. Andrea shares a clear and practical framework to understand how impact is built, and importantly, where most leaders get stuck. At the centre of this conversation is a simple but powerful idea- impact is not the starting point, it is the outcome of building strong foundations. What you will learn: What impactful communication means and how it shows up in leadership Andrea's leadership presence framework Why early career professionals focus on speaking up, while senior leaders elevate their brevity and precision The shift from executive presence to leadership presence, and why language matters How to think about personal branding as your professional identity Andrea's simple three-step framework to introduce yourself with confidence Why clarity is becoming increasingly important One of the most important takeaways from this episode is that many leaders are trying to jump straight to impact, without strengthening the layers beneath it. Strong communication foundations build confidence. Confidence strengthens how others perceive your credibility. Credibility then enables you to have real impact. Another important shift is moving away from trying to be a 'better' communicator and instead focusing on being 'distinct'. Your accent, your background and your experiences are not limitations, they are part of your value. And finally, effective communication is not about saying more. In fact, at senior levels, it is often about saying less, but with greater clarity and precision. Are you trying to sound like someone else, or are you leaning into what makes you unique? How confident do you feel introducing yourself? What is one way you could simplify and sharpen your communication this week? Resources: Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawojnicki Connect with Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingabouttalk Visit Andrea's website: https://www.talkabouttalk.com/ Learn more about and buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

April 24, 2026Episode 17727 min

177 - The Confidence Journey: How Leaders Thrive in Uncertain Times

Confidence is the number one challenge I am hearing from leaders right now. Whether you are stepping into your next role, leading in complexity, or already operating at a senior level, there are moments where self-doubt creeps in. And in today's environment, with constant change, pressure and uncertainty, that challenge is only increasing. In this episode, I share a practical and honest perspective on leadership confidence. Not as something you either have or do not have, but as something you build through action. I explore the misconceptions that hold leaders back, why confidence often feels elusive, and what you can actually control. Most importantly, I introduce a simple framework to help you strengthen your confidence in a way that is grounded, practical and sustainable. This is about moving forward despite the doubt, not waiting for confidence to appear first. What you will learn: Why confidence is not a fixed trait, but something you build over time The common misconceptions that undermine leadership confidence The difference between external challenges and internal control Why confidence comes from action, not the other way around How to challenge self-doubt A practical framework to build confidence through identity, clarity and action How to define your own version of leadership energy Are you waiting to feel confident before taking action, or moving forward despite the doubt? How clearly have you defined your leadership identity and strengths? What actions are you taking to build your confidence? If this resonates, start with one part of the framework. Focus on your leadership identity, your clarity of direction, or your leadership energy and actions. Choose one and begin there. And if confidence is something you want to explore more deeply, this is the theme of the next Leadership Breakfast I am hosting in London. This is a confidential space for leaders to reflect, share and gain clarity together on confidence actions. If you would like to be part of that invitation list, message me on LinkedIn and I will share more details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Resources: If Leadership Breakfasts sound like the kind of space you would value, send Victoria a message to learn more and be part of the invitation list: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

April 17, 2026Episode 17637 min

176 - The Meeting Mistakes that are Slowing you Down, with Mamie Kanfer Stewart

Why aren't your meetings working? I know so many professionals I meet feel stuck in too many meetings that take too much time, that create debate and frustration, and still don't get to action and move things forward. In this latest podcast episode, I'm joined by Mamie Kanfer Stewart, host of The Modern Manager podcast, author, executive coach and trainer who helps professionals successfully manage themselves and their teams, so everyone can be their best selves and do their best work. Mamie brings a clear and practical perspective on why meetings often don't work, and what to do differently, including defining the meeting purpose, one of the biggest mistakes leaders make in meetings, and how to reset the meeting culture. Mamie is passionate about helping people thrive at work, and this highly practical conversation is for anyone who wants meetings to feel less draining and far more productive. What you will learn: Why meetings so often feel frustrating, slow and unproductive The difference between meeting activities and meeting outcomes Why information sharing is usually a poor reason to hold a meeting The key reasons meetings are genuinely useful, including planning, decision-making and relationship building How to think about meetings as a cycle- before, during and after- rather than as a one-off event Why clear team expectations around meetings reduce friction How to close meetings to get to decisions, actions and accountability Are you clear on the desired outcome for each of your meetings? What expectations around meetings are assumed in your team rather than made explicit? How often do your meetings end with genuine clarity on who is doing what by when? Resources: Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Connect with Mamie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamiekanferstewart/ Connect with Mamie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipwithmamie Visit Mamie's website: https://www.mamieks.com Join Mamie's podcast: https://www.themodernmanager.com

April 10, 2026Episode 17520 min

175 - Who Should Adapt? Rethinking Cultural Intelligence in Teams

In this episode, I explore a question that comes up repeatedly in my work with global, cross-cultural teams and leaders- who should adapt? It is a deceptively simple question, but one that sits at the heart of how teams collaborate, communicate and ultimately perform. When this is unclear, it creates friction, slows progress and can even stop teams from doing their best work. Some assume that the new person should adapt, or that everyone should adapt equally, or that people should simply be authentically themselves. In reality, none of these approaches fully work. The shift is not about deciding who adapts, it is about asking a better question: How do we work smarter together? This requires moving from assumptions to intentions. It means making the invisible visible, being explicit about how you want to work, communicate and collaborate as a team to create momentum. In this latest episode, I share a practical framework based on cultural intelligence to help you do exactly that, from understanding why it matters, to diagnosing differences, to creating clear ways of working and putting them into action. Because the most effective teams do not leave this to chance, they design it intentionally. What you will learn: Why the question of who should adapt often leads to frustration and misalignment The three common assumptions about adaptation, and why they do not work Why shifting to focusing on how you work smarter together creates better outcomes How to use cultural intelligence to understand differences in behaviour and communication How to create clear, explicit ways of working as a team Why small, intentional actions are key to building effective collaboration How to create a new way of working When have you felt expected to adapt in a new environment, and how did that feel? Where might assumptions about adaptation be creating friction in your team today? Have you explicitly discussed how your team works together, or are you relying on assumptions? If this is a challenge you are navigating right now, do not leave it to chance. Start the conversation with your team and define how you want to work together. Test it, refine it, and make it part of how you operate. If you would like support in applying this through a cultural intelligence lens, I would love to explore this with you and your team- message me on LinkedIn or book a clarity call via the link below. Resources: Learn more about Victoria's Cultural Intelligence support- book a time to meet and discuss how she can support you and your team: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/ If Leadership Breakfasts sound like the kind of space you would value, send Victoria a message to be added to the invitation list for future events: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson