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Behind the Scenes: The Science and Soul of Our CQ Quiz
Photo by Hanna Pad from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-dress-shirt-and-white-pants-sitting-on-floor-using-macbook-7552374/ I’ve taken more online assessments than I can count — personality tests, leadership quizzes, cultural awareness assessments. Most told me I was “culturally aware.” None explained why my multicultural team still struggled to communicate. So, we built a quiz that actually reveals what matters. Table of Contents: Why Most Cultural Inte

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Oct 244 min read


Why Your Cultural Identity Makes You a Better Leader
If you want tools and strategies to lean into your identity, use it to lead more strongly across difference, and build CQ that actually works. Discover how to leverage your cultural identity with the 2 Stages 2 CQ framework.

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Oct 175 min read


The 2 Stages 2 CQ Framework: How to Build Cultural Intelligence That Actually Works
Your team has the talent. So why does everything take three times longer than it should? The answer isn’t solely about communication skills; it’s about cultural intelligence (CQ) . Let’s say you have a global project meeting over Zoom. The U.S. manager dives straight into business, while the Japan team stays quiet, waiting for cues from the hierarchy. The silence is deafening. The manager thinks there’s disengagement, while the Japanese team assumes she doesn’t value harmony.

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Oct 105 min read


From Cultural Blind Spots to Team Breakthroughs
At work, cultural blind spots show up as misunderstandings, strained teamwork, or missed opportunities. The good news is that once we recognize them, those blind spots can turn into breakthroughs.

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Oct 25 min read


Unlocking the Hidden Costs of Communication in Remote Teams
Ready to stop leaving $12,506 on the table? Explore our cultural intelligence (CQ) solutions and build a team that communicates across cultures — and across borders with ease.

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Sep 255 min read


The September Reset: Cultural Intelligence Strategies for Q4 Success
Photo by Ahmed from Pexels September isn't the start of the end — it's the launchpad for your strongest quarter yet. You come back from...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Sep 55 min read


Building Trust Across Cultures: Why It's Hard—And How to Get It Right
Image via https://unsplash.com/photos/two-women-work-together-on-a-laptop-Iq-9YjCEHJo In some cultures, trust is built over time. In...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Aug 284 min read


Unlearning Bias: Why Getting Uncomfortable Is the First Step Toward Cultural Intelligence
Image via https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-white-heart-paper-r3Nl1mIKqbI You don't have to be a bad person to hold bias. It's a...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Aug 144 min read


What Are You Really Avoiding at Work? Start with the Cultural Stories You've Inherited
Image via https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-in-black-coat-standing-near-body-of-water-during-daytime-GFLVQDTPKcM You can't lead what...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Jul 34 min read


Cultural Intelligence at Work: 9 Essential Strategies for Success
Cultural intelligence (CQ) has become an important skill in every modern workplace. It describes the ability you gain once you've spent...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Apr 245 min read


Why Adaptability Is the #1 Leadership Skill in 2025
Image by Wix In the uncertain world of 2025, leadership requires more than expertise. For everyone to thrive, leaders need to learn,...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Mar 75 min read


Cultural Intelligence (CQ): What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Keep working on these principles to develop your cultural intelligence and connect with sensitivity and confidence on every level.

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Aug 16, 20246 min read


Personifying Cultural Intelligence: 7 Key Traits of Culturally Intelligent People
In today's increasingly globalized world, cultural intelligence (CQ) is more important than ever. It goes beyond simple awareness of...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Aug 9, 20244 min read


From Blunders to Brilliance: Turning Cross-Cultural Mistakes into Cultural Intelligence
Image by Wix Media Working across cultures offers numerous benefits but also presents challenges in communication, leadership styles, and...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Jun 28, 20245 min read


How to Increase your CQ with the CultureQ Framework
From cultural knowledge to communication and workplace behaviour, CQ impacts all aspects of teamwork and collaboration, including your ability to grow into new markets.

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Dec 29, 20234 min read


15 Cultural Intelligence Principles For People Managers and Global Professionals
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay CQ is the new EQ Cultural intelligence (CQ) refers to the ability to understand and adapt to...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Nov 24, 20235 min read


Why Does Building Inclusive Classrooms Matter?
In the realm of education, the quest for inclusive classrooms is a noble one. Teachers across the globe are striving to create learning...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Sep 8, 20234 min read


Why Leaders Need to Better Understand Their Multicultural Teams
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/coworkers-in-a-conference-room-having-a-meeting-5439481/ Plenty of data says...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Jul 13, 20225 min read


What is the Difference Between Cultural Intelligence and Cultural Competence?
© hola illustrations | Vecteezy The importance of being culturally intelligent and competent cannot be over-emphasized. More appreciation...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Jun 9, 20224 min read


Why Do We Need Cultural Intelligence (CQ)?
© Pikisuperstar | Freepik We've learned through deep conversations, corporate training, and statistical research that everyone is living...

Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
Jun 6, 20224 min read
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