07/03/2026
A few days ago I stepped onto a very big stage to test a new keynote.
Not just any stage…the main stage at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks is one of the largest theatre stages in the South East of England.
And I had the privilege of sharing it with a room full of courageous speakers who were stretching themselves, testing ideas and sharpening their message.
My talk explored a question that sits at the heart of so many global teams:
'From Culture Clash to Culture Cash'
Because whenever people from different cultures work together, one of two things happens:
🥊 Differences create friction.
🚀 Or differences create fuel.
In the talk I explored:
• Why international professionals often feel like insiders and outsiders at the same time
• How accents and assumptions shape confidence and contribution
• Why belonging directly influences performance in multicultural teams
• And how leaders can transform cultural friction into a competitive advantage
Huge thanks to Elliot Kay and Jess White ✨ for creating such an energising two-day experience at SpeakFest.
There is something powerful about a real stage.
You instantly feel:
• What lands
• What moves people
• What matters
And this message clearly matters:
Culture will either be your greatest cost or your greatest competitive advantage.
More to come as this talk evolves.
I am curious:
Where have you seen culture clash or culture cash in action?
(photos © Bass Film Co)
