Weekly Discussion Topic

Where Connection Really Starts

I want to share a quick lesson I learned early in my career.

My first job out of school was at a global pharma company. I was doing internal comms before I even knew that’s what it was called—trying to coordinate messaging for thousands of employees across different continents and cultures.

One of the first things I learned was how important it is to get time zones right.

It seems like a small detail, but it can completely change how a message lands.

Working across borders means paying attention to all the subtle differences—whether it’s how we format time, or how cultural norms shape communication.

When we get those right, we build trust and help our messages resonate—no matter who the stakeholder is.

This month, as we explore what it means to communicate across borders, think about the signals you’re sending—through timing, format, and follow-up. That’s where connection really starts.