Cultural Intelligence: Why this is important for the future of work
Free for everyone
Organised by The CIPD Branch in South West London
Free for everyone
Organised by The CIPD Branch in South West London
Why people professionals need to know about cultural intelligence for the future of work
Cultural Intelligence is the ability to function and relate effectively in culturally diverse situations and is backed by a wealth of scientific research.
This interactive session will introduce the concept of Cultural intelligence and its role in creating an inclusive workforce for team management and talent progression.
We will look at the different ways culture influences us all and how this shows up in the day-to-day of the workplace. Cultural Intelligence goes beyond awareness so we will illustrate some practical examples of CQ in action. We will also consider a case study describing the impact of CQ training within an NHS trust before concluding with a Q&A.
This session will serve as a starting point for a longer journey toward mastering Cultural Intelligence and creating a more inclusive, effective work environment.
Key outcomes:
About the speaker
Polly Collingridge is General Manager of the Cultural Intelligence Centre UK. She has extensive knowledge of the variety of challenges experienced by our UK clients across all sectors and a deep understanding of customised CQ training as a solution.
In the NHS, for example, this could mean using CQ to drive inclusive leadership, or to improve employee (and patient) relations, EDI goals and conflict resolution.
With our corporate clients the focus is often on ensuring that leaders and team members working across cultures and time zones don’t fall prey to misunderstandings that render them less effective.
In order to support her clients, Polly draws on her previous professional experience working in global mobility, employee wellbeing and as an ex board member and department head at the independent publisher Canongate Books.
Although Polly was born and (mostly) raised in London, she knows what it is to cross national cultures herself, having lived in Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ireland and the USA. This may be why she is so passionate about all things intercultural, and the role of CQ in helping us work towards a more inclusive society in which we all understand ourselves, and each other, a little better.
As well as being a CQ Certified Facilitator, Polly holds degrees in Cross-Cultural Psychology and Italian/Spanish.
Please note:
Wed 21 Jan 2026, 18:30-20:00
Online