Leading in English: How to Confidently Communicate and Inspire Others in the International Workplace

Praise for leading in english

"Leading in English guides us along a new path to better global understanding. It does take two to tango, and I recommend this book highly."
Debbie Greagor, Global Development University, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

"In a fast–paced global environment, it is easy to underestimate or overlook the challenges of international professionals in a predominantly English speaking working world and the potential impact on career progression and business performance. Leading in English is written by experts well versed in business dilemmas and real–life challenges, and provides new insights for individuals and organizations to be better prepared to team and lead effectively across differences and create an inclusive environment that allows all to thrive."
Karyn Twaronite, Global Diversity & Inclusiveness Officer, EY

"The world is shrinking and speaking English. Leading in English is invaluable for native and non–native speakers trying to be understood globally."
Charlie Walter, Manager, BASF

"Every organization that touches the global arena deals with the recurring difficulties of working in English. Leading in English elegantly defines the issues companies face on the front lines of conducting business in English a real–world problem mostly overlooked in talent–management circles. The authors develop a user–friendly, effective approach: highlighting the latent issues in basic communication that belie everyday business. They deliver a cogent approach for resolving problems from a leader′s perspective."
Michael E. Santa Maria, Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP

"International professionals are key to addressing the global shortage of leadership talent in organizations. Global talent strategies need to address the challenges they face. Leading in English sheds light on this important dimension: to communicate and be understood by global colleagues and customers, and create respectful and trusting relationships."
Sylvester Mendoza, Director, Global Inclusion & Strategic Alliances, Northrop Grumman Corporation

"In an increasing international business context and time of people migration, this book provides valuable insights to the topic of language, communication, team effectiveness and organizational culture. In addition, it gives concrete guidance on how to improve the level of inclusion in your company. I highly recommend it!"
Pia Höök, Global Diversity Manager, Skanska

"Leading in English is a crucial book for global organizations. Conventional thinking emphasizes technicalities of language without linking them to leadership effectiveness. By exploring the intersection of language, confidence, and leadership, this book focuses on essential challenges for international professionals."
Satomi Yamamoto, General Manager, Global Leadership Studies, International Christian University, Tokyo

Acknowledgments v

At the Airport Lounge vii

Chapter 1 It Takes Two to Tango 1

Chapter 2 Speaking Clearly It s about You 27

Chapter 3 Speaking with Impact It s about Them 63

Chapter 4 Developing a Compelling Narrative It s about Moving Them 99

Back at the Lounge 135

Toolkit 143

Notes 157

About the Authors 161

Index 163

D. VINCENT VARALLO, is the cofounder and CEO of Lead in English. He consults for global companies and coaches international executives to help them become stronger communicators.

JOERG SCHMITZ is a Managing partner at ThomasLeland and an anthropologist specializing in turning the study of culture and interaction dynamics in complex organizational environments into result–driven solutions.

STEPHAN M. MARDYKS is CEO of SMCOV, a world leader in learning and development solutions across eighty countries, as well as a Manager Partner at ThomasLeland.