Categories
Community Joseph Macdonald Podcast TTT Transcultural Communication

Season 4 Episode 35:  Joseph Macdonald on Engaging Within a Global Community

“There is no way to define my engagement in this process other than to call it a passion.  A passion for supporting immigrants and refugees in every way possible and for enhancing communication and understanding for all people.”

Joseph Macdonald, Strategic and Business Development Specialist
Joseph Macdonald, Strategic and Business Development Specialist

Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in. 

I am your host, Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

I am travelling virtually across the Canadian Rockies to Calgary, Alberta, where I am meeting up with Joseph Macdonald, an innovative thinker who connects with businesses to facilitate overcoming challenges.  Joseph is a brilliant communicator who fosters a sense of purpose and commitment within organizations, both private and public, enhancing opportunities for growth and influence. He believes that collaborative problem-solving encourages personal growth and increased job satisfaction.  

Joseph is involved in many projects and initiatives.  Today, he has joined me to talk about working with partners from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and three Calgary immigrant serving organizations to deliver workshops on transcultural communication skills.  

Transcultural Communications Workshop

What is the definition of transcultural communication?  How do we acquire this skillset?  What are the benefits to us personally, and to our communities? These are the questions that will be discussed today.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting dialogue on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Thank you, Joseph, for sharing your knowledge, experience, and insights.  Although we have never met in person, you have been a source of encouragement to me over the years.  You remind me that we are living the story of our generation.  Our stories will link to the past, influence the future, and become interwoven within the greater narrative of humanity. 

Listeners, I invite you to connect with Joseph on LinkedIn and the website, Transcultural Communications Workshop

Until next time we meet dear friends, safe travels wherever your adventures lead you.

Joseph Macdonald on Engaging within a Global Community – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

23 replies on “Season 4 Episode 35:  Joseph Macdonald on Engaging Within a Global Community”

This was fascinating, Rebecca. Joseph has such a wonderful outlook, and so many of his ideas can be implemented even in our daily life. I am going to pay more attention to the people I can meet, and I am going to try to act on those opportunities.

Liked by 2 people

I am delighted that you listened in, Dan! I am looking forward to signing up to one of the workshops. Will give you an update. I am with you in paying more attention to the people I meet. It is so easy to become task and schedule orientated and miss out on opportunities for communication.

Liked by 4 people

By Post Author

Very well said, Pete. You have introduced the concepts of acceptance and understanding in your classrooms over the years. These are essential qualities that will open doors to new possibilities and opportunities for all. Thank you for being a teacher and mentor.

Liked by 4 people

By Post Author

Thank you both very much for this marvellous and interesting conversation about workshops of “multiculturalism”. You know, Rebecca, that I have always loved to be together with people of other cultures and to be openminded and learn from them in various ways. It has been and it still is a challenge and I sometimes just enjoy to be in the place where I grew up, which still has its tradition and agricultural environment and seems easier and gives me quietness! But who knows, whether I could still live there for good!

Liked by 3 people

Martina – your ability to connect with other cultures has inspired me. Your love of language and travel has given you a unique perspective on diversity. You enjoy meeting new people and have friends from all over the world. I agree, there is a sense of belonging with our traditions and location. I remember visiting my grandparents farm and seeing the fields of grain flow to the horizon, with only the sound of birds flying overhead to keep me company. Many thanks for your visit and profound thoughts. Very much appreciated.

Liked by 4 people

By Post Author

Joseph’s eloquent remarks about the positives of diversity make this podcast a must-listen, Rebecca! And he has really “walked the walk” in actions as well as words. I — as someone with a diverse family, in a diverse apartment complex, in a diverse town, but in a country where the far right despises diversity and despicably considers it “woke” — was very heartened to hear this conversation.

Liked by 2 people

I am delighted that you listened in, Dave, and for your insightful comments. You are a champion for diversity and creating compassionate communities where life-affirming conversations shine a light into the shadows. Do you remember the following quote from Ray Bradbury’s brilliant book, “Fahrenheit 451”.

“Oh God, the terrible tyranny of the majority. We all have our harps to play. And it’s up to you to know with which ear you’ll listen.”

Let’s keep on playing our harps!! Let the music flow…

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

Thank you, Joseph and Rebecca, for this excellent conversation about each of us and our relationships with friends and acquaintances from other cultures and backgrounds, It was encouraging to me that it was easy to get the feeling of love and respect for those who were the subjects of the discussion. Working and getting to know and respect for those of other cultures broadens the ability for new ideas and diversity. Actually, those who worked in this environment enjoyed the inclusive experience and encouraged otters to join them. I appreciated Joseph’s wide experience working with many of different cultures–that is where the words “transcultural communication” gives meaning! Canada still has its wide and
diverse cultures! Joseph believes conversations need to be “through and across rather than between!” This was a very important conversation for me personally, and as was mentioned: “We need to look into ourselves” and have “mutual respect”! It would be a delight to attend a workshop!

Liked by 3 people

I listened to this thought-provoking conversation with a great deal of interest. In my last place of employment, there was a big emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The staff training most often consisted of “thou shalt nots,” in terms of language. I understood the thinking behind it, but I think the approach was a shortcut, where depth was needed.

My own experience has been that in order for me to communicate effectively with someone from a culture different from my own, I need to know how they think and how they perceive the world. This can only happen through conversation. I can do this fairly easily in a one-on-one conversation in a face-to-face setting. The challenge comes when you’re communicating in a group setting, particuarly when it’s online. From my understanding of the workshop Joseph offers, he provides an opportunity for people to learn how to engage in this types of conversations in a group setting?

When Joseph talked about language, the thought that came to mind was the challenge posed by connotation. It’s a tall order to be fully-cognizant of connotative language in your own culture, let alone a different culture.

My final thought was the paradoxical nature of transcultural communication. Your culture is determined by your belonging to a particular society or group–but effective communication has to start with respect for the indivdual.

Again, thank you for a very thought-provoking conversation.

Liked by 2 people

Joseph appreciated your comments, Liz! He said, “Liz’s comment has the potential to provoke more conversation on its own.” I agree wholeheartedly!! Your insights add so much to this important topic.

Liked by 2 people

By Post Author

Comments are closed.