Coffee Break Confessions — Episode 2 “Same Words, Different Signals”Cultural Differences

Episode 2 of Coffee Break Confessions explores one of the biggest lessons from my years between Lebanon and Nigeria: communication is far more than words. Body language, silence, eye contact, pace, emotional expression, and hierarchy all shape how trust and leadership are perceived across cultures. What may feel normal in one culture can feel overwhelming — or even disrespectful — in another. Understanding these differences changed the way I lead, negotiate, and connect with people across Africa and the Middle East.