Ep.46: Lost in Translation with Sapana Gupta and Daniel Zinner

Show notes

Summary: How do cultural differences shape the way we communicate? In this episode of the Global People Mobility Podcast, Daniel Zinner and Sapna Gupta dive into the challenges and opportunities of intercultural communication, particularly between Germany and the USA.

Sapna, a language coach specializing in intercultural communication, shares her personal journey from the US to Germany, reflecting on the cultural contrasts she has experienced. The discussion covers key topics such as language barriers, Germany’s welcome culture, and different feedback styles in leadership.

Beyond Germany and the US, they also explore communication between Germany and India, highlighting how cultural misunderstandings can arise in professional settings—and how technology can help bridge these gaps.

Key Takeaways:

• Language shapes relationships – Mastering a language is more than vocabulary; it’s about understanding cultural nuances.
• Germany’s welcome culture has room for improvement – Navigating bureaucracy and social integration can be challenging for newcomers.
• Feedback styles vary widely – In Germany, direct feedback is valued, while in other cultures, such as India, feedback is often more indirect and relationship-focused.
• Leaders set the tone – Managers must be aware of how their communication style impacts intercultural teams.
• Small talk matters – While often overlooked in Germany, it plays a crucial role in building professional relationships in other cultures.
• Technology can bridge the gap – Digital tools are reshaping how we navigate intercultural interactions.

Speakers: Daniel Zinner is an international HR expert, entrepreneur, and communications consultant. His expertise lies in HR, strategy, digitalisation, and transformation strategy.

Sapna Gupta is a US-born language coach with Indian roots who has lived in Germany for nearly a decade. She helps businesses and individuals use English to bridge cultural gaps, navigate communication barriers, and build stronger cross-cultural connections.

About People Mobility Alliance: The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.