New podcast

What Works Across Cultures

A podcast on the art and science of global collaboration and leadership

A new podcast on the art and science of global collaboration and leadership, hosted by Anna Kostecka.

Anna draws on +15 years of hands-on experience to explore what works across cultures. Joined by experts from around the world, each episode offers different perspectives on key aspects of cross-cultural collaboration, real stories from global teams, and practical insights.

Listen on:

Podcast cover with the photo of the host

Episode 1: Jan 15th, 2026

Building Trust: Perspective from India

To me, it’s really about trustworthiness, not just trust.

A conversation with Sudeep Chhabra, a leadership development expert with over 26 years of experience.

We discuss cultural differences in trust-building and what things could look like from the perspective of someone from a relationship-based and group-oriented culture, such as India.

Episode 2: Feb 13th, 2026

Communication: Perspective from the US

Actually, I don’t think you need to be more direct. You need to be more clear.

A conversation with Karen Cvitkovich, a consultant and facilitator with almost 20 years of experience in the intercultural field.

We discuss what “good communication” really means across cultures, the difference between low-context and high-context cultures, direct vs. indirect communication styles, and giving effective feedback in a global team.

Episode 2 cover

Building a workplace that works for everyone requires time and commitment.

I created What Works as a collaboration platform to bring high-quality consultants to help you advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at your organization.

Episode cover art with a photo of a guest

Episode 3: March 12th, 2026

Conflict Style: Perspective from Canada

We argue differently based on culture. And the danger I think we run in is not understanding that.

A conversation with Hamlin Grange, a Canadian IDEA strategist (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism) and an interculturalist with over 26 years of experience.

We discuss how culture shapes the way people approach conflict at work, different conflict styles, the Canadian perspective on addressing disagreements, real-life examples of conflict dynamics and practical tips for navigating conflict across cultures.

Episode 4: April 16th, 2026

Psychological Safety: Perspective from Japan

Just because you don’t hear much from colleagues in Japan or across APAC doesn’t mean they have no opinions or that they agree with you.

A conversation with Keiko Sakurai, Director of Consulting at Aperian, based in Japan. Keiko has over 20 years of experience in helping European, North American, and Asia-Pacific (APAC) teams collaborate more effectively.

We discuss the impact of culture on building psychological safety and provide practical tips to help global teams create an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up, contribute, and take interpersonal risks.

Episode cover art featuring the guest and podcast name: What Works Across Cultures
Episode cover featuring the guest and name - What Works Across Cultures

Episode 5: May 21st, 2026

Community: Perspective from Ukraine

A person without a community is like a tree without roots.

A conversation with Maria Andruchiw, a Ukrainian community organizer, activist, and cultural advocate based in Poland. Maria has over 10 years of experience in cultural diplomacy and community organizing.

We discuss how culture shapes our understanding of a community, what happens when there is a crisis, the key differences between Poland and Ukraine, and tips for working across cultures, especially when collaborating with colleagues from Ukraine.

Episode 6: June 18th, 2026

Creativity: Perspective from Poland

If the right people work together, there is this additional flavour to what they both can produce. In this case, one plus one equals more than two.

A conversation with Paweł Karpiuk, Senior Training & Development Specialist at CD Projekt Red, the Polish video game company behind The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. 

We discuss how culture shapes creativity, why Polish teams approach problem-solving differently, and what global organizations can learn from working across cultures. 

Podcast cover for "What Works Across Cultures" with a close-up portrait of the episode guest.
Episode cover featuring the guest

Episode 7: July 23rd, 2026

Work-life Balance: Perspective from Denmark

In some countries, it’s long hours, it’s your availability. In Denmark, it will be almost the opposite. Being hardworking means delivering efficiently within the agreed-upon hours.

A conversation with Ekaterina von Gertten, who has been leading the global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion agenda at GN Group in Denmark.

We discuss why work-life balance looks different across cultures, the Danish work culture, real-life examples of common tensions surrounding sustainable work, rituals for building relationships at work, and practical ways leaders and organizations can manage tensions related to work-life balance in global teams.

Episode 8: August 20th, 2026

Leadership: Perspective from China

In China, people are the core of leadership. For leaders, it’s most important that they can win the support of their people so that they can drive what they want to achieve for the group, not just for individuals.

A conversation with Benita Bi, an experienced L&D strategist and consultant who has 25+ years of experience in talent & leadership development across China, the U.S., and Europe.

We discuss how culture shapes what we expect from leaders and why behaviours that make perfect sense in one culture can be confusing or even counterproductive in another. In this episode, you’ll discover

  • What effective leadership has in common across cultures and where expectations differ
  • Why “ownership” and “taking initiative” can mean very different things in China, the Netherlands and the US
  • What can happen when a global leader and a Chinese team have completely different ideas about who should solve a problem
  • Practical strategies for leading more effectively across cultures
Podcast rpisode cover image with a photo of a guest

Building a workplace that works for everyone requires time and commitment.

I created What Works as a collaboration platform to bring high-quality consultants to help you advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at your organization.

Testimonials

Why What Works?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a journey without a destination
and it takes time and commitment to do it right.

We wholeheartedly recommend What Works to organizations seeking an experienced and reliable partner in the area of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Our collaboration with What Works, particularly with Anna Kostecka, was a highly valuable experience. As part of the “Activate Curiosity!” educational series for IKEA employees, we jointly delivered two sessions focused on respect, curiosity, and identity in the workplace.

Anna is a top-tier professional with extensive, up-to-date expertise in DEI. Throughout the sessions, she created a safe and open space that encouraged the free exchange of diverse perspectives. Her attentiveness, dialogue facilitation skills, and genuine curiosity about others enabled participants to engage with the topic.

Zdjęcie Katarzyny Kaczmarek

Katarzyna Kaczmarek

Country Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Leader, IKEA Retail Sp. z.o.o.

She is a well-rounded professional, educator, and advocate who truly understands what it takes to elevate any organizations’ diversity actions to a higher level of effectiveness.

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Anna on the design and delivery of an inclusive leadership program. Anna has shown an innate talent for leading a multifaceted program and for leveraging her in-depth knowledge and experience to support leaders and employers in achieving inclusive workplaces. She is a well-rounded professional, educator, and advocate who truly understands what it takes to elevate any organizations’ diversity actions to a higher level of effectiveness.

Shirley Marie Garcia

Director, People and Culture at March of Dimes Canada

Not only we recognized personal growth from Anna’s coaching but, as a team, we became a more aligned leadership team.

In 2020, our team embarked on a journey of inclusive leadership & culture transformation. We engaged Anna to customize an IDI assessment, conduct individual coaching sessions to my leadership team, and facilitate an interactive learning session for the group. Not only we recognized personal growth from Anna’s coaching but, as a team, we became a more aligned leadership team and have implemented a number of practices benefiting our entire organization.

Professional photo of Daniel Yeung

Daniel Yeung

Director, Customer Experience Strategy and Operations at Telus