Respecting Differences: How Culture Shapes the Way We Communicate

Hello Friends,

In today’s #MondayMusing - and the final post in our Communication series - we spotlight one of Konseye’s inspiring Mentors who’s reshaping the way we think about connection and impact. Meet Vikrant Joshi, a global communications professional, educator, and purpose-driven leader whose career has been defined by the powerful integration of storytelling, education, and mentorship to drive transformation and amplify underrepresented voices. His work is anchored in a deep commitment to equity, sustainability, and human development, principles that consistently guide his leadership across every initiative and platform.

Vikrant opens up about his personal journey navigating communication across cultures, offering thoughtful insights and practical tips we can all learn from. A special shoutout to Konseye’s Community Manager, Muhammad Abubakar, for crafting the questions that made this Q&A such a meaningful exchange.

Let's get into it!

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1. As someone who works with changemakers from different parts of the world, how do you ensure your communication stays clear and respectful across diverse backgrounds?

"Working with changemakers across cultures has taught me that communication isn’t just about the words we choose, it’s about the intention behind them and the context they exist in. I prioritize listening before leading, taking time to understand cultural nuances, lived realities, and local values. I consciously avoid jargon or one-size-fits-all language, instead opting for inclusive, localized messaging shaped by collaborative input.

Clarity comes from humility, by recognizing that language can either bridge or break, I slow down, check for understanding, and build in reflective pauses during our exchanges. Respect is shown by being open to correction, willing to rephrase, and, most importantly, by treating every voice as equally valuable, regardless of accent, fluency, or experience. That is how trust is built, and trust is the cornerstone of impactful global dialogue."

2. Can you describe a time when you had to adjust your communication style while leading a project? What prompted the change, and what lessons did you take away from that experience?

"While leading an international SDG education toolkit initiative, I found that some youth collaborators from rural and indigenous communities weren’t engaging deeply in our virtual meetings. Initially, I thought it was a language barrier, but over time, I realized it was the format of our communication that was exclusionary.

I paused the project briefly, reached out personally, and co-created new ways of engaging: using audio messages instead of emails, adding storytelling circles instead of slide decks, and allowing for verbal feedback instead of written reports. The shift was transformative. Participation soared. Ownership grew.

The biggest lesson? Leadership in communication is not about having the best ideas, it’s about making space for others to bring theirs. Adapting our communication style isn't a compromise, it's an act of inclusion."

3. You've coached many young professionals. What are some common communication mistakes you see, and how can they be improved?

"The most common mistake I see is speaking to impress rather than to express. Many young professionals feel the pressure to sound “smart” instead of being clear, which can dilute authenticity. Another is not knowing their audience, either over-explaining or assuming shared knowledge.

I encourage them to anchor every communication with three questions: What is the goal? Who am I speaking to? What do I want them to feel or do after this? The second mistake is avoiding vulnerability, thinking it’s a weakness. But I remind them that real connection lies in relatability, not perfection.

And lastly, they often undervalue the power of silence. Filling every moment with words can drown meaning. Learning to pause is learning to be powerful."

4. As a mentor, what role does active listening play in your mentorship approach, and why do you think it’s so important in communication today?

"Active listening is the heartbeat of my mentorship approach. It’s how I honour the dignity of the other person’s experience. Too often, mentorship becomes a performance of advice-giving. But real growth happens when we hold space, not rush to fix.

In today’s hyper-connected world, where interruptions are constant and attention is scattered, being fully present is a radical act. I make it a point to listen not just to words, but to tone, pauses, and what’s left unsaid.

When young professionals feel genuinely heard, they begin to trust themselves. That’s when confidence grows, not because I gave them an answer, but because I helped them hear their own."

5. People often communicate to be heard, not to listen, especially when they believe they already know the answers. What strategies can help introduce humility in such moments and foster more open, respectful dialogue across different experiences and perspectives?

"One powerful strategy is to enter conversations with curiosity instead of certainty. I ask, “What am I missing?” or “What does this person know that I don’t?” It disarms ego and opens a doorway for learning.

I also advocate for using perspective-taking exercises in teams, where members temporarily adopt another’s viewpoint in debates. It builds empathy and reveals blind spots.

Most importantly, I model humility myself, by admitting when I’m wrong, thanking others for correcting me, and showing that not knowing is not a weakness.

Respectful dialogue begins not with shared opinions, but with shared humanity. And that only flourishes in the soil of humility."

6. What advice would you give to someone trying to build confidence in their communication, especially when they feel their voice doesn’t matter?

"I would say: Your voice is not meant to be an echo; it’s meant to be a lighthouse. Confidence isn’t the absence of fear, it’s choosing to speak even when your voice shakes.

Start small: share your thoughts in a safe space, journal your ideas, practice in front of someone you trust. Celebrate expression, not perfection. And surround yourself with listeners, not just speakers, people who reflect your worth back to you.

I also remind them that every changemaker I’ve met, including global leaders, once questioned the value of their voice. What made them different wasn’t talent, it was persistence.

When you communicate from a place of purpose, not performance, your words carry weight. Your voice does matter, especially when it’s speaking for those who haven’t yet found theirs."

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What an insightful way to conclude our #MondayMusings for July, which focused on communication. I hope the responses provided valuable strategies to help bridge your communication gaps.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to seeing you next month for another thought-provoking #MondayMusings theme.

Have a great week!

Adejoké

Team Konseye