Self-preservation is a powerful instinct to ignore when faced with perceived dangers. Only by learning about those not like us can we eliminate our biases, ignore misinformation, and reject false narratives of “otherness.” Slavery, homophobia, bigotry, misogyny—these are not part of our genetic code; they are human creations. Educating ourselves on the lived experiences of others is crucial for leaving a better, more inclusive world to future generations. We all have assumptions of the people around us, whether an immediate neighbor or someone halfway across the world.

Culturally-intelligent communicators realize that not everyone views the world through the same cultural lens, they do not perpetuate biases and stereotypes. Using the methods contained within this book, you will learn to see things from new perspectives, engage those with different worldviews, and leverage your differences to make powerful connections. We are living in an extremely diverse, inter- connected world. Technology allows people to interact and exchange ideas in ways that were not even imagined for almost all human history. The leaders of tomorrow need to understand how to connect with differences in a positive way. This book provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to transcend barriers, bridge cultures, and cultivate strong relationships with anyone, anywhere.