Understanding how culture shapes communication, leadership and decision-making has become essential for professionals in today's global economy. To explore this topic, #GlobalTalks, the international webinar series organized by the Global Academic Network (GAN), will present a new session on Saturday, July 19, focused on intercultural intelligence in international business.
The session will be conducted by Pinkas Flint, an educator and leadership consultant with broad experience in cross-cultural dynamics, international education and organizational behavior. His presentation will introduce key concepts of intercultural intelligence and its relevance to real-world business contexts.
What is intercultural intelligence?
Intercultural intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand and adapt to cultural differences in behavior, values and communication. It extends beyond emotional intelligence by focusing on interactions between people from different cultural backgrounds—where assumptions, norms and expectations may differ dramatically.
“Reality is not universal,” explains Flint. “We all interpret the world through mental models shaped by our cultural experiences. What seems logical to a German executive may appear cold to someone from Peru. What a Chinese professional sees as respectful may be perceived as distant in Latin America. These gaps can easily lead to miscommunication, failed negotiations or lost opportunities.”
Flint’s session aims to introduce the foundations of this concept in a practical way, allowing participants to reflect on their own biases and begin developing strategies to navigate intercultural situations more effectively. The focus will be on avoiding stereotypes, building awareness of cultural mental models and fostering professional empathy.
#GlobalTalks: knowledge without borders
#GlobalTalks is a free-access event series developed by the Global Academic Network, which brings together higher education institutions across Latin America, Europe and Asia. The series is designed to provide students, faculty and working professionals with access to global knowledge and thought leadership on emerging trends in business, education and innovation.
Past editions have featured topics such as AI in education, future skills, emotional intelligence and sustainable development. The July edition aligns with growing demand for cross-cultural competence among managers, entrepreneurs and professionals operating in multinational environments.
Participants in #GlobalTalks represent a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. Attendees typically include graduate students, university faculty, startup founders, and mid-career professionals working in sectors such as technology, public policy, business consulting, and international trade.
Participation is open to members of institutions within GAN’s network, which spans over 20 countries.
About Pinkas Flint
Pinkas Flint is a specialist in global leadership, intercultural communication and professional development. With experience in both academic and business environments, he has delivered training programs and lectures for international universities and corporate teams in the United States and Latin America.
His approach blends academic theory with real-world scenarios, focusing on how cultural intelligence can improve performance, collaboration and leadership outcomes in global settings. Flint is also known for advocating proactive learning, encouraging professionals to prepare for intercultural challenges before they encounter them—rather than learning “the hard way” through trial and error.
This introductory session is particularly designed for professionals who may not yet have direct experience working across cultures, but are seeking tools and perspectives to prepare for a globalized career path.
Why intercultural intelligence matters
In today's interconnected economy, professional success increasingly depends on the ability to collaborate, negotiate and lead across cultures. Misunderstandings rooted in cultural differences can slow down projects, damage trust and derail business partnerships. Conversely, professionals who possess cultural insight are more likely to foster inclusive environments, build stronger teams and reach global markets effectively.
Flint’s session will help participants identify their own cultural lenses and explore ways to bridge gaps when working with international clients, colleagues or institutions. Through examples, stories and practical frameworks, attendees will gain a toolkit for developing intercultural awareness as a strategic advantage.
From cross-border trade to virtual team management, the ability to decode cultural signals and adapt communication styles is now a must-have in roles that involve international interaction. Organizations increasingly look for professionals with high cultural agility who can navigate complexity and connect with diverse audiences.
Expanding global competence
The upcoming #GlobalTalks event represents not just a learning opportunity, but a gateway to long-term skill development. For universities, companies and individuals committed to global excellence, intercultural intelligence is no longer optional—it is a core component of strategic growth and professional success.
This July 19 session invites attendees to take the first step toward a more informed, inclusive and globally effective professional mindset, guided by the insight of a seasoned expert in cross-cultural leadership.
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