In this insightful episode, host Christine explores the challenges of communicating across languages in global business with bilingual leader Pedro Lozano de Castro. With 40 years of international executive experience, Pedro dives into the frustrations, embarrassments, and difficulties of being the only "non-native" English speaker in high-level meetings. He provides inclusive communication tips, stressing the need for cultural awareness and diversity in leadership. Pedro also advocates for seeing beyond language skills to find hidden talent. Christine and Pedro have an enlightening dialogue on creating psychologically safe spaces for clarification, embracing diverse thinking, and building cross-cultural connection. CHRISTINE AND PEDRO DISCUSS Why being the only bilingual English speaker in meetings can lead to feelings of frustration and embarrassment. Tips for English speakers to become more inclusive, conscious communicators. Why leaders should focus on cultural awareness and learn to adapt their communication approach. How organisations could benefit from diverse leadership. How to look beyond language skills to uncover hidden talents in interviews. Why we need to create safe spaces for clarification questions. The differences between language proficiency and communication competency. Why the manner we communicate in is as important as the language itself. BEST MOMENTS "When there is a disconnection, everything fails." "Everybody heard it. And how did I feel? Raging, of course, first of all, but incredibly embarrassed." "If you are not comfortable in the way you are communicating with the others automatically, well, this is something that affects everything, the decisions you could make and everything around." "If those people can try to avoid using those complex words or specific acronyms or slang, it would help others be more comfortable." "They do not realise that you are working heavily every single moment that you are speaking in a foreign language. It doesn't matter if you are having dinner, or playing cards, or other things, because you must be so concentrated in what they are saying that you are not resting and you are not relaxing." "It's the way you interact as a leader with the people, must work for you. And that's something that I always try to tell people is it's not only what you say it's what they, they heard." ABOUT THE GUEST Pedro is an Independent C-Suite Consultant, with over 40 years’ experience in international companies such as Sitel, The Continuity Company and Warner Bros at executive level. Highly experienced in managing successful transformation and organizational changes, Pedro advocates for fair hiring practices in global firms. His key leadership skill lies in building winning teams, promoting multicultural collaboration. He has a keen eye for spotting talent, and empowering women to step into leadership roles they may not always realise they are ready for. https://www.linkedin.com/in/plozanodecastro/ ABOUT THE HOST Christine is a certified culture trainer, teacher and neurocoach with cross-continental career experience. She teaches bilingual expats and tech professionals how to unlock the power of inclusive expression. Using “Culture Active: The Lewis Model”, Christine helps them develop clear, confident, collaborative English communication. She specialises in cultivating neuroculturally inclusive teams, enhancing their efficiency and productivity. Alongside individual and group coaching, Christine designs customised training programmes and interactive workshops for organisations on various neurocultural communication, public speaking and presentation topics. Through the Connected Communication Supporters’ Club, she shares unpublished public speaking, pronunciation  and communication training, making communication expertise accessible to all.   Supporters’ Club: www.connectedcommunication.club Lifetime Member: www.phenomenalpresenters.com  Contact: christin