Navigating Cross-Cultural Waters: Andy Foord and Mher Mardoyan

From living in Japan to working in the media industry, Andrew Foord　アンドリュー　フォード shared some fantastic insights from his varied experiences. Watch his standalone episode streaming on the Hiyaku Coaching YouTube channel on Wednesday, July 5th at 12:00 pm EDT!

Andy found himself in a language school where students from different corners of the world united through their common goal of mastering Japanese.

The importance of language and cultural understanding became crystal clear as Andy shared his experiences adapting to Japanese society. Even without fluency at the beginning, immersing himself in the culture gave him a solid foundation to work within NHK, Japan’s major public broadcaster. It's not just about the language—it's about embracing the whole package.

Andy's experience working for NHK while based in the UK shed light on the disparities between Japanese and British work cultures. The use of pronouns, work ethics, and managing expectations, he encountered it all.

In the face of these cross-cultural challenges, Andy shared some golden advice. Empathy and communication are the magic ingredients that bridge the gap. Put yourself in someone else's shoes, understand their struggles, and build a foundation of mutual respect. It's all about creating an environment where questions and concerns are welcomed, fostering open dialogue.

Andy also mention the importance of compromise. In these cross-cultural waters, understanding and embracing different perspectives is key. We don't need to assimilate; we need to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. It's the secret recipe for better profitability and an enriching work environment.

Catch Andy's standalone episode on the Hiyaku Coaching YouTube channel, streaming Wednesday, July 5th at 12:00 pm EDT!

On July 12th and 19th at 12:00 pm EDT, Mher Mardoyan, Career Coach appears on LinkedIn Live to speak about the importance of intercultural awareness and diversity in the workplace. Join in to ask questions, share your thoughts, and network in the chat!

Mher, who hails from Lebanon and is now based in Canada, discussed the stark cultural differences he encountered during his journey. In Lebanon, people are divided by religion, but in Canada, there is a mix of people from diverse backgrounds. This realization prompted Mher to become more aware of how to interact with individuals from different cultures and to respect their boundaries.

One particular incident that Mher shared was when he unintentionally invaded someone's personal space, which made him realize the importance of being respectful and asking for consent. Now, he actively makes an effort to ask if he's invading someone's privacy or being too touchy. It's all about being mindful and considerate of others' comfort zones.

As someone who works with students from various backgrounds, Mher emphasized the need to choose our words carefully and to apologize if we unintentionally say something rude or disrespectful. He stressed the importance of understanding and advising students properly by seeking more information when needed. It's about fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Mher also shed light on the challenges faced by international students and immigrants in gaining local Canadian experience. He recommended volunteering, networking, and taking contract jobs as effective ways to bridge that gap. Celebrating and respecting different backgrounds, values, and customs are not only crucial in the HR field but also in society as a whole.

Moreover, Mher shared his inspiring journey into HR and career coaching. He discovered his passion for HR during his undergraduate studies and further pursued it with a focus on human performance technology for his master's thesis. Moving to Canada, he started working as a recruiter and eventually became a career coach. His networking skills and YouTube channel played a significant role in his career progression.

Mher's tips on networking and job searching are golden! He encourages doing thorough research about companies before interviews, showcasing knowledge about their latest developments, and offering solutions even if it means working for free initially. Building relationships, maintaining regular communication, and personal branding on LinkedIn are key strategies for success.

Join Mher on LinkedIn Live on Wednesday July 12th and Wednesday July 19th at 12:00 pm EDT. Ask your questions and have your say!

Can't Watch the Shows Live?

Be sure to check out every past episode on the Hiyaku Coaching YouTube Channel!

If you prefer audio, subscribe to the Intercultural Insiders Podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many other major podcast platforms!