In this episode, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with cultural psychologist Deborah Ko for an eye-opening conversation on identity, belonging, and adaptation across cultures. Deborah shares her personal experiences growing up at the intersection of American and Hong Kong backgrounds, and reveals how cultural psychology became a lens for understanding her multiple selves. The discussion explores the discomfort of duality and dialecticism, Western versus Eastern notions of selfhood, and the fluid meaning of authenticity for those living between cultures. They unpack leadership and workplace dynamics, examining how the “ideal leader” looks like across cultures and how multicultural teams navigate these hidden norms. Deborah offers insights on communication, self-presentation, and adapting to professional norms abroad. The conversation also tackles how AI risks ironing out our individual quirks and cultural nuances, highlighting the critical importance of intentional engagement with technology. Memorable reflections on home, third-culture kids, and embracing complexity round out this compelling exploration of life in the in-between.
Chapters
00:00 Cultural Psychology: An Introduction
02:30 Growing Up Between Cultures
06:17 Understanding Identity Across Cultures
11:31 The Interdependent vs. Independent Self
16:32 Self-Presentation and Cultural Expectations
22:52 Leadership and Cultural Biases
28:16 Cultural Morality: What’s Right or Wrong Across Contexts
33:33 Communication Styles and Cultural Norms
40:14 Emotional Expression Across Cultures
45:59 Honesty vs. Kindness in Communication
51:17 The Impact of AI on Authenticity
57:05 Cultural Nuances in AI Communication
01:05:40 The Role of Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
01:13:28 Cultural Identity and the Migrant Experience
01:19:50 Closing Reflections
Resources mentioned:
“Geography of Thought” by Richard Nisbett
“The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer
“On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong
“Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner
Connect with Deborah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahko/
Medium: https://psykobabble.medium.com/
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
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