Leading Across Cultures

In today’s global business environment, leadership is no longer confined by borders. Yet while Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are widely discussed, we often overlook a key dimension: culture. So much of what defines how we lead, collaborate, make decisions, and build trust is shaped by our cultural background, our values, communication style, and even how we approach time or feedback. Too often, DEI conversations focus only on the visible, gender, ethnicity, or background, and neglect the less obvious, but equally important, cultural differences. And yet in international teams, understanding those differences isn’t just useful. It’s essential.

This is something I feel strongly about, both professionally and personally. At Hanson Search, an international executive search consultancy, I work closely with leaders across markets. And outside of recruitment, I lecture on cross-cultural management at Paris University, helping future leaders recognise and navigate cultural nuances. What I’ve learned is that truly effective cross-cultural leadership starts with Cultural Intelligence (CQ) : the ability to adapt and thrive in different cultural contexts. Leaders with high CQ adjust their style, communicate more thoughtfully, and build meaningful relationships, whether they’re in New-York, Riyadh, Singapore, Berlin, or anywhere in between. It also takes flexibility. Good leaders understand that what motivates one team might completely miss the mark with another. The best ones listen first, stay curious, and adapt with humility. Clear, context-aware communication is equally important, not just what’s said, but when and how it’s said. And of course, understanding the “invisible” aspects of culture, how people relate to hierarchy, risk, time, or feedback, is what often makes the real difference.

So where do Headhunters come in?

At Hanson Search, we do more than match CVs to job specs. We act as a bridge — connecting organisations with the right leaders, not just on paper, but in practice. We look beyond qualifications to understand how someone leads, adapts, and connects across cultures. We’re also often the ones who pick up on the quieter details: motivations, hesitations, and ambitions that don’t always show up in formal interviews. And we’re honest with our clients. We don’t just fill roles; we help shape leadership teams that are cohesive, culturally aware, and built for long-term success. Inclusion is a core part of that. We actively build diverse shortlists : across gender, ethnicity, experience and education, because we know diverse teams don’t just look better, they perform better. Ultimately, the leaders who thrive today are those who bring people together across borders, cultures, and perspectives. They create spaces where innovation and collaboration flourish, and where people genuinely feel seen and heard.

And the Headhunters who really make a difference? They’re the ones who recognise and champion this kind of leadership, with thoughtfulness, clarity, and care.

Hanson Search is a global executive search firm specialising in senior marketing and communications recruitment, from CMOs and Heads of Brand to Corporate Affairs and PR leaders. Since 2002, we’ve helped organisations across sectors build high-impact marketing and communications teams that drive growth, reputation and long-term brand value.

Looking to hire Marketing & Communications talent, or considering your next role? Get in touch with our team at Hanson Search — we’d be delighted to help.