Alumni Stories: Saurabh Kukreja

I completed my MSc in Management for Business Excellence from the University of Warwick in 2019, and one of the most impactful aspects of my experience was the intercultural training I received during my time there. Today, working in diverse and multicultural environments, I can confidently say that this training continues to influence the way I communicate, collaborate, and lead.

During my course, especially in the early modules like Six Sigma, I faced challenges while working in culturally diverse teams. At that time, I often misinterpreted differences in communication styles and work approaches as personal issues. However, through Warwick’s intercultural training, during my Leadership module, I began to understand that these differences were rooted in cultural perspectives rather than individual intent.

One of the most defining moments for me was leading a team comprising all Chinese peers. Having previously experienced friction, I approached this opportunity differently, focusing on respect, group harmony, and inclusive decision-making, which are deeply valued in their culture. This shift in mindset not only improved team dynamics but also resulted in a successful collaboration where everyone felt heard and valued.

One of the most practical ways this training has helped me is in my current work environment, where I interact with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I’ve observed that many of my clients use sarcasm and indirect communication styles, which initially could have been misinterpreted. However, intercultural training, particularly the Intercultural Awareness Workshop, helped me develop the ability to read between the lines and understand the intent behind their communication. This significantly improved the clarity and effectiveness of my interactions and helped me build stronger relationships. I was also better able to be more aware of my own intent behind my own behaviours.

Additionally, coming from an Indian cultural context where directly saying “no” can be perceived as rude, I learned to adapt my approach. Instead of refusing client requests outright, I began presenting alternative solutions and options aligned with what I could realistically deliver. This not only maintained respect in communication but also enhanced client satisfaction and contributed to business growth.

Overall, while my experience at Warwick exposed me to a highly diverse environment, the Intercultural Training workshops helped me make sense of and actively learn from these experiences, allowing me to collaborate more effectively, question my assumptions, and develop a more open and adaptable mindset. It has encouraged me to think beyond rigid perspectives, break mental barriers, and approach each interaction with greater awareness, adaptability, and critical thinking. The intercultural training at Warwick has truly been instrumental in shaping my global outlook and continues to be a cornerstone of my professional success. I would encourage everyone no matter what background, studies, experiences etc to go sign up😊