How Speaking Globally Makes Me a Better L&D Professional... and a Better Human

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the?Zukunft Personal Europe ?event in Cologne, Germany. I always look forward to speaking at international events, not just because it exists at the intersection of two things I love, speaking at events and traveling, but also because of the unique learning that comes from immersing myself in a different culture. As I reflect on the past few days, I’m reminded of how much I learn from these experiences,—both on and off the stage.

Using Technology to Bridge the Language Gap

Since I don’t speak German, communication was one of the immediate challenges I encountered. While many locals speak English, there are still many moments when a language barrier emerges. Thankfully, technology came to the rescue. I relied on Google Translate throughout my time in Germany to bridge that gap.

One memorable interaction stands out. As I met new people, I often held up my phone with a message that read, “Do you mind if I use this app to translate for us?” It was a simple approach, but it worked wonders. In some cases, it helped facilitate basic interactions—like asking for directions or making small talk. But in one memorable instance, it turned into a more meaningful conversation.

We used the app to discuss our work and she picked my brain about her current challenges. The technology faded into the background as we chatted, and we even laughed at comments as we read them on the screen during the conversation. It was a great moment that made me realize that technology doesn’t just serve as a workaround for a language barrier—it opens up opportunities for a deeper connection.

It was a great reminder that human connection can still thrive even when we don't share a common language.

The Joy of Talking to Locals After Hours

While the conference itself has been a rich learning experience, some of the best learning moments have come during my off-hours, when I’ve had the chance to chat with locals. One evening, I had a delightful conversation with a waitress at a restaurant.

She spoke English pretty well, so she didn't need to use the app, but was curious about it. We had fun going back and forth between German and English to see how well it worked. She also gave me some fantastic local beer and food recommendations, which helped me dive into the local culture. In return, she asked me about New York, a city she had never visited but was fascinated by.

What I love about these interactions is how they offer a window into the everyday lives of the people who live in places different from mine. Conversations like this help me understand the local culture on a deeper level than I ever could just by sightseeing. These moments make travel feel personal, as if the place and its people are casually revealing themselves to you.

Adapting My Delivery for a Global Audience

As a native New Yorker that's spent my entire life living on Long Island, I’m very aware that I have an accent, tend to speak quickly, and use colloquialisms that don’t always translate well for an international audience. During my session, I was mindful of these tendencies. I knew that while my session was advertised as being in English, many attendees likely spoke it as a second language.

To better connect with the audience, I consciously tried to slow down my speech and minimize the slang I’d typically use. I also spoke to the event organizers beforehand to understand any specific cultural factors I should know. This preparation helped me adjust my delivery to make the content more accessible and valuable for everyone in attendance.

These adjustments are small but meaningful. They remind me that effective communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it, how it's heard, and ensuring that your message truly resonates with the people you’re speaking to.

Gaining Empathy and Perspective

One of the most valuable gifts of traveling, especially to places where you're immersed in a different culture, is the way it expands your empathy. Being in an unfamiliar environment, where the norms and everyday life differ from your own, makes you more aware of how others experience the world. I’ve felt that in several small but significant ways during my time here in Cologne.

Whether navigating a foreign language, learning local customs, or observing how people live and interact, every experience gives you a deeper appreciation for perspectives outside your own. It pushes you to recognize that what’s familiar or natural to you might be entirely different for someone else. This week, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much our daily experiences shape who we are and how stepping into someone else’s world, even briefly, can challenge and deepen our understanding of humanity.

Conversations with locals, for example, give me a glimpse into their lives, aspirations, and challenges. These moments remind me that empathy isn’t just about understanding people intellectually—it’s about truly appreciating the different contexts in which they live. By stepping out of my comfort zone and actively engaging with these perspectives, I become more open-minded, not only in my personal interactions but also in how I approach problems and solutions.

This enhanced perspective inevitably finds its way back into my work in learning and development. By better understanding the diverse needs and backgrounds of the people I interact with, I’m able to create experiences that are more inclusive, thoughtful, and impactful. It’s a reminder that the work we do, at its core, is about people—and the more we understand them, the better we can serve them.

Becoming a More Well-Rounded Person Through Travel

Traveling, especially for work, offers more than just a chance to see new places—it’s an opportunity to grow as a professional, and as a person. Over the past few days, I’ve been reminded how much growth happens naturally when you step out of your routine and immerse yourself in something new.

Yes, I try to approach these experiences with intent—seeking out local conversations, adjusting my presentation style, and actively seeking out the perspectives of peers I don't always have access to. But the reality is that most of the growth happens in those unexpected moments: when you’re using an app to communicate, sharing a laugh with a local, or hearing a fresh perspective that makes you rethink an old problem. It’s these experiences that shape us into a more mindful and well-rounded people, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that invitations to speak at international events provide.

Thanks for reading.

About David...

David Kelly constantly explores the convergence of learning and technology, demonstrating a profound commitment to transforming workplaces and enriching lives through innovative learning strategies. With over two decades of experience in learning and performance leadership and consulting, he brings his passion to life in his daily work building events and resources as Chairman of Learning Guild, and as a dynamic speaker and writer, inspiring others to view their work through a fresh, technology-enhanced lens.