295. Disagree Without Disconnecting: Cross-Cultural Skills for International Managers (With Lindsay McMahon, All Ears English)
In this episode, I talk with Lindsay McMahon, CEO and co-host of All Ears English , about how senior managers can disagree more effectively and sensitively in global business settings. We explore cultural differences in communication, key concepts like context and power distance , and practical English phrases you can use to disagree without damaging relationships. Enjoy! Here are the timings: 00:00 – Introduction & why disagreeing well matters for leaders 01:00 – Meet Lindsay McMahon and her global communication insights 02:30 – A real-life story about missing cultural cues 04:30 – Key ideas: high vs. low context cultures and power distance 07:00 – How culture and personality shape disagreement styles 08:00 – Three approaches to disagree in English 08:30 – Style 1: Direct disagreement 10:00 – Style 2: Disagreeing while maintaining relationships 12:00 – Style 3: Delaying or avoiding disagreement 13:30 – Final takeaways: focus on connection, not perfection 14:30 – Where to find All Ears English GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN COACHING WITH ME? Register interest to be informed of future places on my 3-month programme THIS PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FANTASTIC SUPPORTERS. WANT TO BECOME A SUPPORTER TOO? TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnelly YouTube @annabusinessenglish