Chris Holman welcomes Fathy Shetiah, Founder, President & CEO, 7C Lingo, Lansing, MI, to the MBN studio at the Capital Region International Airport, Lansing, MI.
Watch Fathy and Chris discuss how Cultural Intelligence transforms workplaces, leadership, and teamwork in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several questions for Fathy to lead into these topics over a series of interviews for which this is the first.
To kick things off, how would you explain Cultural Intelligence—and why is it more than just being culturally “aware”?
You talk about CQ Drive and CQ Knowledge as foundational—what do those mean, and why do they matter in real-life interactions?
Can someone develop Cultural Intelligence over time—or is it something you’re born with?
How can someone deepen their cultural understanding without making assumptions or falling into stereotypes?
What kind of impact do you see when Cultural Intelligence is strong—or missing—in a workplace or community setting?
Fathy is looking to start a conversation about Cultural Intelligence (besides what is it) would be:
-How is CQ different from just being culturally “aware” or “sensitive”?
-What are some common misunderstandings people have about what culture is?
-What happens when CQ is missing in a conversation or workplace setting?
-Can you share a real-life example where high or low CQ made a noticeable difference?
-What’s a common myth or misconception about who needs Cultural Intelligence?
-How does CQ show up in places we don’t always think about—like in schools, healthcare, or customer service?
-Can you think of a moment where you personally had to adjust your behavior or thinking because of cultural differences? -What’s one simple way someone listening today could start building their Cultural Intelligence? -If we could all grow in our CQ, what kind of changes do you think we’d see in our communities or workplaces?
You can pick and choose or throw your own questions in there! There are some in this list that are similar or could be combined.
These ones are specifically tailored to the CQ Knowledge and Drive section:
– Is CQ something people are born with—or can anyone develop it?
– How can someone deepen their understanding of another culture without falling into tokenism or assumptions?
-Why is it important to understand your own cultural lens—not just someone else’s?
-How does CQ Knowledge help in places like healthcare, education, or public service?
-What are some tools or ways people can expand their cultural knowledge without traveling?
– Why do some people lean into differences with curiosity while others avoid or resist them?
– What does it look like when someone has high CQ Drive but low CQ Knowledge? Or the other way around?
– How can organizations or teams help people stay motivated to learn about culture—not just check the box?
Exciting Changes at the Lansing Center As of July 1, the Lansing Center has entered a new chapter under the management of ASM Global, the world leader in venue operations.
Lorri Rischar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, joins Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI. Together they Co-Host the new MBN show “BOLD
Thursday, July 17th MBN was on the road to LAFCU’s corporate headquarters to join in celebrating the winners of LAFCU’s 2025 Pathway to Financial Transformation Essay Contest. Enjoy highlights of
Exciting Changes at the Lansing Center As of July 1, the Lansing Center has entered a new chapter under the management of ASM Global, the world leader in venue operations.
Lorri Rischar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, joins Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI. Together they Co-Host the new MBN show “BOLD
Thursday, July 17th MBN was on the road to LAFCU’s corporate headquarters to join in celebrating the winners of LAFCU’s 2025 Pathway to Financial Transformation Essay Contest. Enjoy highlights of
Chris Holman welcomes Fathy Shetiah, Founder, President & CEO, 7C Lingo, Lansing, MI, to the MBN studio at the Capital Region International Airport, Lansing, MI. 
