In this episode, Christine encourages you, on International Women's Day, to "Dare to Be Difficult." Emphasising the importance of self-awareness in effective communication, she explores the active nature of listening, the impact of emotional repression, and the influence of language and culture on understanding. Christine also discusses neurodivergence and societal systems, sharing personal stories and advocating for acceptance of individual differences. Using the example of Ireland's pirate Queen, Grainne Mhaol, Christine highlights the role of cultural intelligence in overcoming communication barriers and challenges gender norms, promoting the redefinition of "difficult" women. The episode concludes with advice for leaders on fostering open communication and an invitation for listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue. About Christine: Christine is a TEDx Speaker, English Pronunciation & Brain-based Conversations® Coach, and Culture Active Trainer. She bridges the gap between language, culture and the brain for tech teams and professionals working in global English-speaking environments. Currently residing in her 5th country, Spain, Christine has worked with individuals from over 40 cultures. Her master's thesis literature review, "Factors Influencing Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Ireland," was selected for presentation at the Irish Institute of Management in 2015. Alongside private and company-sponsored coaching for individuals, Christine hosts engaging in-house and online workshops on linguistic inclusion, cultural competence for business, the neuroscience of confident communication and The Spiral of Awareness. Her content is designed to make you laugh and think. She aims to make her online training platform available to marginalised communities, so everyone has a fair chance to develop. By supporting her work, you play a part in helping this dream become a reality. You'll also get access to her entire library of resources on “The Science of Speaking."   Access the Resources Here: https://bit.ly/Connected_Communication Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.