Lessons in Leadership from My Global Career: How a Global Life Shapes the Way I Lead
- Eric Enriquez
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
In my years of living and leading around the world, I’ve often found that my journey mirrors the intricate, unpredictable rhythm of the cities I’ve called home. From the vibrant chaos of Jakarta to the structured harmony of Seoul, each stop in my global life has contributed a vital thread to the leadership philosophy I carry today.
What I’ve learned is that a global life isn’t just about collecting passport stamps or navigating airports—it’s about immersing yourself in different mindsets, communication styles, and cultural norms. It’s this deep immersion that shapes more thoughtful, adaptable, and human-centered leaders.
Leading Across Cultures Means Listening Differently
One of the most pivotal lessons from my global life emerged in a boardroom in Indonesia. Picture this: a room buzzing with anticipation, perspectives clashing due to a rich mix of cultural backgrounds. It was in that environment that I learned the true essence of leading across cultures.
Cultural fluency, I realized, isn’t just about speaking the language—it’s about interpreting the unspoken. A nod, a pause, a shift in tone. These were signals I learned to pay attention to. Leading across cultures meant slowing down, listening harder, and letting empathy guide my decision-making.
More than a leadership skill, empathy became a survival tool. When working in multicultural teams, global life teaches you that the loudest voice isn't always the most insightful. Often, the best insights come from the quietest corners of the room.
From Jakarta to Seoul – A Leadership Philosophy Born from a Global Life
“Global experiences have shaped my leadership philosophy.”
This quote remains true every day. The transitions I made—from Indonesia’s complex, relationship-driven business environment to Korea’s performance-focused culture—pushed me to evolve. The friction of adapting didn’t weaken my leadership; it sharpened it.
In Korea, I encountered the power of collective input—decisions made not in haste but through consensus. It taught me patience, trust, and the humility to know that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about making space for others to bring theirs.
This ability to flex and adapt, without losing your core, is what a global life demands—and what great leadership requires.
Why Every Leader Needs a Global Life Perspective
In today’s interconnected world, having a global life mindset is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re leading a multinational team, entering a new market, or simply managing diverse perspectives, thinking globally helps you act with wisdom, empathy, and clarity.
A global life teaches you to approach leadership with curiosity instead of certainty, openness instead of assumption. And those qualities are the ones that create inclusive, high-performing teams.
Even if you never relocate, you can adopt the mindset of global leadership—by seeking out different viewpoints, building cross-cultural relationships, and embracing the unfamiliar.
Let’s Build Leadership for a Global Life
Whether you're:
Leading across markets and cultures,
Seeking strategic insight grounded in global leadership experience,
Looking for a speaker, mentor, or advisor who’s lived the global life—
Contact Eric at eric-enriquez.com/book. Let’s unlock the leadership wisdom only a global journey can teach.
FAQs
Why does Eric believe global life is essential to leadership?
Because it forces you to see beyond your assumptions. It sharpens your awareness, expands your empathy, and grounds your leadership in real human connection.
What’s one lesson Eric learned from leading across cultures?
That listening is more powerful than speaking. Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice—it’s about having the deepest understanding.
Can leaders embrace global life principles without moving abroad?
Absolutely. Global life is a mindset. Stay curious, engage with diverse perspectives, and lead with openness—that’s how global leadership starts, wherever you are.
In closing, let's cherish these lessons and let them guide us towards creating leadership that not only transcends borders but also unites us in our shared human journey.
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