"You've got to take control of that journey yourself." Former Nielsen APAC President Justin Sargent on why cultural intelligence, career ownership, and human leadership matter more than ever.

A snap decision in a traffic jam became a 25-year journey across six countries. Justin breaks down what he learned leading teams from Sydney to Shanghai, bridging HQ and local markets, and turning relationships, adaptability, and intentional career moves into sustainable performance. We cover the shift from waiting for direction to owning your development, reading cultural cues that others miss, and why vulnerability and openness unlock trust faster than authority ever will.

In this episode:

The motorway moment: how one decision launched an international career
India's "say-do ratio" and the art of bridging global HQ with local brilliance
China's "meeting outside the meeting" and what leaders miss when they don't adapt
Why cultural intelligence is the difference between short-term compliance and long-term results
Career ownership: filling your own gaps instead of waiting to be developed
Leading virtual global teams and getting people excited when you don't manage them directly
Why change and transformation demand cultural intelligence more than the status quo

Justin Sargent, Founder, Justin Sargent Advisory | Author, Beyond Borders, Beyond Belief

If you lead across cultures, manage global teams, or want to own your leadership trajectory, this one's for you.

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If the topics discussed resonate with your own leadership challenges or the conversations happening in your organization - assessing international leaders, aligning global and local teams, building capabilities across regions. You can reach us at LYC Partners to set up a consultation.

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Produced by Bonjour Podcast (Melanie Hong), Leaders in Motion blends storytelling, strategy, and data-driven insight, giving today’s leaders a roadmap to anticipate tomorrow’s challenges and lead with intention.

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5. From Rainy Motorway to Six Countries: Cultural Intelligence with Justin Sargent