The Berlitz Language & Culture Podcast

Episode 6: Collaboration Across Borders: Lessons from France and the US

In Episode 6 of the Berlitz Language & Culture Podcast, host Louisa Ajami sits down with intercultural experts Julia Gaspar Bates and Sylvie Day to explore how French and American professionals can collaborate effectively across borders.  Julia and Sylvie share stories from their joint book project, highlighting the nuances of teamwork, communication styles, and cultural norms.   Whether you work in multicultural teams, lead international projects, or are simply curious about cultural competence, this episode offers practical insights and real-world examples for improving collaboration across borders.  Tune in to discover actionable tips for collaborating effectively across borders and strengthening your intercultural skills.

Episode 5: Cultural Competence at Work: From Self-Awareness to Better Outcomes.

In Episode 5 of The Berlitz Language & Culture Podcast, host Louisa Ajami speaks with Donika Jones, a public health practitioner, business strategist, and stakeholder engagement specialist, about why cultural competence is essential in today’s global and diverse workplaces.  Donika shares practical insights on cross-cultural awareness, inclusive program design, and effective stakeholder engagement. From examining our own cultural lenses to building responsive, people-centered strategies, this episode explores how humility, collaboration, and integrated thinking can lead to stronger programs and better business outcomes.  Whether you work in public health, business, leadership, or global teams, this conversation offers actionable takeaways on designing and leading with culture at the center.  Tune in to explore key themes including cultural competence, cross-cultural communication, inclusive leadership, stakeholder engagement, and designing programs with culture at the center.

Episode 4: Beyond Borders: Thriving in International Assignments with Sharp Skills

What does it take to succeed in an international assignment when you're on your own from day one?   In the fourth episode of the Berlitz Language and Culture Podcast, global business and security expert Dan Bolger shares his experience relocating to Albania with minimal support and the essential lessons he learned along the way.  From overlooked onboarding gaps to the power of cultural awareness, language skills, and personal resilience, Dan offers practical advice for professionals and organizations preparing for global deployments. This episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, expats, and anyone navigating cross-cultural careers.

German Sounds Decoded: Vowels, Umlauts & Diphthongs

Think German’s hard? Wait till you meet its vowels. In this episode, we break down the sounds that confuse learners, terrify tourists, and make German speakers silently judge you. From plain old vowels to those spicy little Umlauts (yes, the dots matter), plus diphthongs that twist your tongue and your dignity, we’re covering it all. You'll finally understand why “ie” and “ei” are basically linguistic booby traps, and why “ö” isn’t just a weird “o.”  Inspired by Berlitz’s blog article “How to pronounce German vowels, diphthongs and the Umlaute.” Buckle up. Your pronunciation glow-up starts now.    * Created with AI using original content from Berlitz US.

Episode 3: The Language Advantage: Multilingual Teams & Customer Success

In this episode, we sit down with Jack Sinclair, a seasoned leader in international team management and language training, to explore the power of multilingual communication in business process outsourcing (BPO) and customer retention.  Jack shares why having language-skilled staff isn’t just a bonus—it’s a strategic asset, especially when employees shift roles or when cultural sensitivity becomes critical. From hiring diverse assessors to handling tough customer conversations through active listening, he dives into the subtle yet essential communication practices that make a lasting impact.  You'll also hear fascinating insights on regional and generational communication styles, including how to approach conversations with children and adapt to slower-paced dialogues in the South.  Whether you lead a global team or work on the front lines of customer service, this episode will change how you think about language, culture, and connection.