Embracing Cultural Legacies in the Modern Workplace: A Lesson from Uber Freight’s Diverse Team

“Cultural legacies are powerful forces. They have deep roots and long lives. They persist, generation after generation, virtually intact, even as the economic and social and demographic conditions that spawned them have vanished, and they play such a role in directing attitudes and behavior that we cannot make sense of our world without them.” ― Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success

In a world where globalization is no longer just a buzzword but a lived reality, this quote from Malcolm Gladwell rings truer than ever. At Uber Freight, where I work with a vibrant team of 35 people from 11 different countries—each bringing their own language, culture, and experience to the table—Gladwell's words serve as a daily reminder of the influence cultural legacies have on our working environment.

The Power of Cultural Legacies

Working in such a diverse setting, I’ve witnessed how these "powerful forces" manifest themselves in the everyday. Cultural legacies are not simply things we read about in textbooks—they actively shape our thoughts, behaviors, and communication styles. From how meetings are conducted to decision-making processes, and even how we approach problem-solving, cultural backgrounds play a subtle but undeniable role in influencing our work dynamic.

Take, for example, the notion of time. In some cultures, time is seen as a rigid framework, where punctuality is not just expected but respected as a sign of professionalism. In other cultures, time is more fluid, allowing for flexibility, and the focus shifts to the relationships being built rather than the clock. Both approaches have value, and understanding the underlying cultural legacies allows us to navigate potential conflicts, collaborate better, and leverage each other's strengths.

Navigating Diversity: More Than Just a Buzzword

At Uber Freight, diversity is more than a checkbox to fill—it’s a real asset that drives innovation and creativity. However, navigating this level of diversity takes more than understanding the languages spoken by the team. It requires us to delve deeper into the cultural legacies that drive each individual’s behavior and thought processes.

For example, when I lead a meeting, I’m not just considering the agenda or the goals of the project. I also need to be aware of how different cultures approach hierarchy, assertiveness, and collaboration. In some cultures, speaking up and challenging ideas is seen as a sign of engagement and strength. In others, deference to authority and consensus are valued more highly. By recognizing these cultural legacies, we can create an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing, knowing their voice will be heard and valued.

The Silent Impact of Language

Language is often the most overt marker of diversity in any workplace, but it’s also just the tip of the iceberg. At Uber Freight, working with over 11 nationalities means navigating the complexities of multiple languages and communication styles. While English is our common tongue, I’ve learned that true communication goes beyond the words we speak.

Cultural context shapes how we interpret tone, body language, and even silence. What might be seen as enthusiasm in one culture could be perceived as aggression in another. Similarly, someone who may seem quiet or reserved could simply be demonstrating respect for the speaker—a behavior deeply rooted in their cultural legacy. By becoming attuned to these nuances, we can foster more effective and empathetic communication across the team.

Stronger Together: The Power of Diversity

The beauty of working in such a diverse environment is that, despite our cultural differences, we are all united by a common goal. At Uber Freight, the emphasis on "Stronger Together" is not just an abstract principle—it’s a daily practice. We respect each other’s legacies, but we also find ways to merge them, creating something that is not only stronger but richer in its diversity.

Of course, this blending of cultures isn't without its lighter moments. Take lunchtime, for instance. As someone originally from South Africa, I’ve always been pretty flexible with food. But here in the Netherlands, the sight of a Dutch "broodje kaas" (cheese sandwich) causes quite the stir among my French and Italian colleagues. They come in with their wholesome, freshly prepared meals and simply refuse to eat at their desks—horrified at the idea of rushing through lunch. For them, it’s not just about eating; it’s about savoring the experience. Meanwhile, I’m just happy there’s food on the table, trying to keep the peace over a sandwich!

The Road Ahead: Building a Culturally Intelligent Workplace

As someone responsible for People and Culture, my focus is on making sure every team member feels valued, heard, and respected—regardless of their background. This involves more than just celebrating our diversity on special occasions or during international food days. It’s about embedding cultural awareness into the fabric of how we work.

This means fostering a culture of open-mindedness where we encourage curiosity about each other’s backgrounds, rather than assumptions. It means offering ongoing cultural intelligence training to help our team understand the legacies that inform their colleagues’ perspectives and behaviors. Most importantly, it means creating a space where these cultural legacies are not only respected but leveraged as a force for success.

Conclusion: The Future of Success

Cultural legacies, as Malcolm Gladwell so eloquently states, are enduring forces that influence our attitudes and behavior in ways we may not even be conscious of. They are often invisible, yet they shape how we interact with the world—and with each other. At Uber Freight, working with a diverse team has been both a challenge and a privilege. It has shown me that while cultural legacies may seem like barriers at first glance, they are, in fact, bridges to deeper understanding, collaboration, and success.

In a globalized world, recognizing the power of these legacies is not just important—it’s essential for thriving in today’s workforce. As we continue to grow and evolve as a team, I look forward to seeing how these legacies shape not only our success at Uber Freight but also our individual journeys, both personally and professionally.

By understanding and respecting the cultural legacies we carry, we don’t just make sense of the world—we shape it.