Immersing Yourself in Other Cultures Can Make You a Better Leader

In today’s interconnected world, great leaders are culturally aware, adaptable and open-minded. That is why I am forever a student of new cultures.

I had my first experience being fully immersed in another culture as a first grader in a French public school. I faced isolation and fear not being able to speak the language, yet that experience profoundly influenced my leadership philosophy, even today. It taught me the importance of building a welcoming work environment, of instilling confidence and of creating environments where everyone feels inspired to do their best. I have since traveled to more than 40 countries.

Last year, my wife and I returned to France for the entire summer where we fully immersed ourselves in the countryside, experiencing the culture through a completely new lens. I took the laptop and ran my business, based in the US Midwest, from the French Countryside. I learned not only how to conduct business remotely with a 7-hour time difference, but I also collected new experiences that helped me grow as a leader. I gained a renewed appreciation for the value of cultural diversity. That value is found not only in observing differences, but in learning why people approach life differently. This insight has helped me to celebrate the uniqueness of others, meet them where they are and build stronger, more cohesive teams, recognizing how each individual’s background, experience and capabilities work synergistically.

So what can you expect from a cultural immersion experience and how can the experience make you a better leader?

• A Reset for the Mind: Stepping into a new culture disconnects you from the ordinary, forcing you to pause and reflect. The unfamiliar surroundings allow your subconscious to "defrag," often leading to clarity and innovative ideas. Immersing yourself in a different environment clears mental clutter, providing a renewed focus and a fresh perspective on challenges.
• New Ways of Thinking: Great leaders are lifelong learners. By asking “Why?” in new cultural settings, you can uncover alternative approaches to problems, gain confidence in what already works or discover better ways to do things. For example, I spent time in Eastern Europe where I learned the value of extended social interactions spanning several hours or even days. I’ve since incorporated longer social interactions into team-building activities. These deeper connections foster collaboration and mutual understanding, crucial for any leader.
• Appreciation for Complexity and Good Communication: Cultural differences highlight the nuances in language and behavior that shape how people perceive and respond to the world. Meeting people in the "language" of their background and experience, rather than your own can build stronger relationships and help to avoid miscommunication.

Immersion doesn’t happen by accident, it requires intention and effort. Consider the following practical tips to help you dive in, embrace the experience and gain the most from your time in a different culture.

• Prepare to Jump in Fully: Do your homework on local customs, language and norms, but once you arrive, commit to experiencing the culture. Turn off your emails, skip familiar restaurants and stores and embrace the local food, traditions and news media. Immersion is about letting go of the familiar and jumping into the unknown.
• Avoid Living in Two Worlds: Resist the urge to maintain your routine from back home. Total focus on where you are allows you to notice little things you’d otherwise miss. Whether it’s new sights, sounds, or smells, being fully present leads to richer experiences.
• Welcome Differences Without Judgment: The purpose of travel is to learn, not to compare. Approach every cultural difference with curiosity rather than criticism. This mindset enables you to grow and avoid the trap of clinging to the way things have always been.

If you think you don’t have time for cultural immersion, consider that the most effective leaders delegate, trust their teams and prioritize personal growth. By stepping away, you not only enrich your own perspective but also empower those around you. Immersing yourself in other cultures doesn’t just make you a better traveler—it makes you a better leader, ready to meet the demands of a complex world.