My Most Memorable Cultural Immersion Experiences

A Multicultural Journey: More Than Just Travel

When people ask about my experiences with cultural immersion in travel, living and working in multiple countries across Asia, I often find myself responding with a warm smile and an anecdote or two. Growing up overseas and navigating the unique landscapes of Indonesia, Korea, and Vietnam enriched my life beyond mere travel—they shaped my leadership perspective and fundamentally shifted my worldview. Cultural immersion wasn’t just about seeing new places; it was about becoming a part of them, about integrating, learning, and evolving as a person and a leader.

Jakarta – The Foundations of Belonging

Reflecting on my early adulthood in Jakarta, Indonesia, where I spent 8 years as an expat child attending Jakarta International School, I recall fond memories that etched invaluable lessons into my identity. Jakarta’s vibrant streets, the warm embrace of its people, and the complex symphony of its languages became my mentors. The immersion into Indonesian culture, with its rich tapestries of traditions and communal values, taught me empathy and respect—cornerstones of my leadership mindset.

I remember sharing meals with new friends, our conversations peppered with laughter and learning. Through these interactions, I realized the importance of understanding perspectives different from my own and the profound impact this has on building genuine connections. Culture isn’t something you visit; it’s something you live, every day, with every person you meet.

Korea – Learning to Lead Across Unwritten Rules

Years later, as a Global Operations Director based in Pusan, Korea, I confronted a different challenge: leading a team across unwritten rules and cultural nuances, an intricate dance of mutual respect and understanding. My Aisa regional role covered, Korea, China and Vietnam. It was here that I truly grasped the saying, “Living in new cultures expanded my understanding of people.”

Korean culture's subtle emphasis on hierarchy and harmony taught me to listen intently, to read between the lines of silence and words. By adjusting my leadership style to embrace these nuances of cultural immersion in travel, I fostered an environment where trust and cooperation flourished naturally. This experience didn’t just improve the team dynamics; it also made me realize that leadership is a journey of continuous learning.

Cultural Immersion Is Leadership in Action

Each cultural immersion experience has left an indelible mark on me—shaping me into not only a better listener but a more empathetic collaborator and strategic global leader. Through these experiences, I learned that leadership is about connection—connection to the people, to the culture, and to the underlying human stories that bind us all.

Let’s Connect Through Culture, Leadership, and Purpose

Whether you’re:

• Building a globally diverse team,

• Seeking AI or leadership consultation with a cultural lens,

• Looking for a speaker on cross-cultural leadership,

• Or simply want to collaborate on something meaningful—

Reach out at eric-enriquez.com/book

Let’s shape the future through empathy, leadership, and cultural immersion.

FAQs

1. Why does Eric emphasize cultural immersion in leadership?

Because you can't lead what you don’t understand. Immersing in other cultures taught me how to listen without judgment and lead with deeper connection.

2. Can cultural immersion be learned without living abroad?

Yes, it starts with mindset. Curiosity, humility, and openness to different ways of thinking are more important than miles traveled.

3. What’s Eric’s most memorable cultural lesson?

In Indonesia, I learned that slowing down, observing, and sharing meals can teach you more than any meeting ever could. Culture lives in the details.

Embrace this wonderful journey of cultural immersion—it’s where true global leadership begins.