Episode number:
18

Identity, Culture and Feedback

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the intersection of identity, culture, and feedback in engineering teams. Our guest shares her incredible stories about relocating across countries (Ukraine to Poland to the Netherlands) to finding a new sense of self and belonging and a new cultural identity.

This episode is packed with practical and emotional insights, offering a unique lens on:

Identity shifts through relocation: How moving across borders shapes personal and professional perspectives.

Cultural dynamics in feedback: Why understanding cultural differences is critical in engineering teams, and how to adapt feedback for growth rather than criticism.

Overcoming imposter syndrome: Advice for newcomers in tech adjusting to new environments and building meaningful connections.

Feedback challenges: How to navigate giving upward feedback, breaking cultural barriers, and creating an open feedback culture.

Drawing from her Culture Map workshop, our guest shares real-world examples of how different cultures approach feedback—from the directness of Ukrainians to the subtlety of Japanese teams—and how these differences impact team dynamics and productivity.

We’ll also explore:

• The role of feedback in re-establishing boundaries and fostering trust.

• How to balance asking questions and making assumptions to uncover hidden meanings in multicultural communication.

• The importance of leading with empathy and curiosity in diverse teams.

Whether you’re an engineering leader, a team member in a multicultural workplace, or simply navigating feedback challenges, this episode will give you actionable strategies to build stronger, more inclusive teams.

Tune in to discover how to embrace cultural diversity, enhance feedback practices, and thrive in today’s global tech world.


OUR GUEST:

is Alisa, who has over 12 years of experience in the information technology industry, with a strong background in technical project management, agile development, and process improvement. Alisa is passionate about creating and implementing innovative, user-friendly solutions that enhance user online experience. In November 2024, Alisa gave a talk about Feedback for intercultural teams, which was received very positively and highlighted the importance of understanding each other in diverse teams. Outside of work, she is an adventurous traveller and has visited 15 countries and counting!

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