In a world where work is no longer confined to one time zone, country, or culture, the ability to lead a global team has become a defining leadership skill. It’s not just about managing across borders—it’s about embracing different worldviews, working styles, and communication norms to build trust, collaboration, and momentum across distance and difference.

Leading global teams requires more than logistics—it requires a mindset shift. It means moving from “my way is the bet way” to “there are many ways, and I’m here to learn.” It means creating space for diverse perspectives while aligning everyone around a shared purpose.

As leaders, we’re not just responsible for the outcome—we’re responsible for the experience people have while working toward that outcome. This is especially important in global teams, where assumptions, unspoken norms, and cultural blind spots can easily cause disconnect or confusion.

Here’s the good news: when we approach global leadership with curiosity and cultural intelligence, we unlock more creativity, innovation, and trust. And we grow in the process.

What does it take to lead a global team well?

As you lead in global spaces, remember this: you don’t have to have all the answers—you just need the humility to listen, the courage to adjust, and the vision to bring people together. When you embrace the power of diverse perspectives, you create more than just a productive team—you build a culture where everyone belongs and contributes.

Leadership across borders isn’t just about results. It’s about relationships. It's about influence, not control. And it's about showing up with a willingness to grow as much as you guide.

Let this be your moment to lead with empathy, to learn with intention, and to lead in a way that honors the global voices around you.

What’s one perspective this week that you need to pause and listen to more deeply?

Reminder to Take Care of Yourself This Week!

Burnout doesn’t always arrive with flashing lights—it often creeps in quietly.

As leaders, we’re wired to serve, guide, and perform—but that drive can sometimes come at the expense of our own well-being.

This month, I’m reminding all of us (myself included) that leadership is also about stewardship of self. Whether it’s setting better boundaries, disconnecting when needed, or making time for simple joys—these aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. Because the best leaders don’t just show up for others… they learn how to show up for themselves, too.

On A Personal Note...

Speaking of cultures, our Mediterranean cruise offered more than scenic beauty—it was a journey through values and ways of life that hold important lessons for today’s global business leaders. We started in Athens and ended in the storied canals of Venice, passing through communities where pride in heritage and a deep sense of belonging is woven into daily life. The pace is slower, more intentional. Meals are moments of connection rather than quick refueling stops—phones are rarely present at the table, and conversations take center stage. Even casual attire reflects a quiet elegance, suggesting that how you show up—physically and mentally—matters.

For business leaders navigating an increasingly global landscape, these observations are more than cultural curiosities—they’re leadership insights. In a world driven by speed and disruption, there’s growing value in slowing down to listen, to understand, and to lead with emotional intelligence. The future of business will belong to those who can bridge cultures, foster authentic relationships, and bring a sense of humanity back into strategy. Leadership today isn't just about market share—it's about mindset, presence, and the ability to connect meaningfully across borders.

Leadership Resources:

When Cultures Collide by Richard D. Lewis

This insightful book explores how cultural differences impact communication, leadership, and collaboration in the global workplace. With real-world examples and practical frameworks, When Cultures Collide helps leaders navigate cross-cultural dynamics, avoid misunderstandings, and build more effective, inclusive teams.

Manager Tools Podcast

If you're looking for practical, proven advice on leading teams—especially across time zones, cultures, and communication styles—Manager Tools is a great resource.

Hosted by Michael Auzenne and Mark Horstman, this award-winning podcast offers bite-sized tools and strategies for real-world leadership challenges.

From giving effective feedback to managing one-on-ones with remote employees, each episode is packed with actionable steps leaders can implement right away. It’s especially valuable for global leaders who want to lead with clarity, consistency, and confidence—regardless of where their team is located.

Their motto says it best: “Tools you can use today.”

Click here to listen!

Leadership Spotlight: Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a powerhouse in global leadership. As the first woman and the first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization, she’s breaking barriers while building bridges across nations.

Before leading the WTO, she served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and spent 25 years at the World Bank, where she rose to the No. 2 position. Throughout her career, Ngozi has been a champion for inclusive economic growth, transparency, and global cooperation.

“Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses.”

Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t confined by geography. It’s amplified by vision, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.

Read more about her story here!

Sheeba Varghese is a strategic partner for your talent development solutions and the author of Confidence, Clarity & Ease: A Guide For Emerging Leaders To Thrive. Her passion is to inspire and equip men and women to lead with excellence and authenticity within the spheres of influence that they are called to impact in life. The spheres may be in a home, on a team, in a classroom, among partners in a firm, or within management, to name a few.

Senior Leaders and professionals who want to develop stronger leadership skills, have impact, and move forward in their careers

Teams who want to work cohesively within their organizations

Coaches who want to renew or apply for certification with ICF

If you want to improve your leadership skills, transition from managing to leading, ensure your team is amazingly successful, increase your self-awareness, and progress your career, or aspire to be a masterful coach for your clients, then Sheeba would love to support you. She works with clients globally, both face-to-face, by phone, or by Zoom.

In her time apart from clients, Sheeba enjoys time with her husband, Santosh, and their 2 sons, Sam and Steven. She loves great movies, a good book, decorating, and dining at the wonderful restaurants in the Bay Area.