“I was looking to improve my understanding of working with people in Iraq and the wider Middle East. Although I had a reasonable understanding of business and professional relationships, I recognised that there were cultural differences and nuances that I didn't always fully appreciate. Darren was particularly helpful in explaining some of these and giving me a better insight into how people communicate and approach business in the region.”
“One example was the use of "Inshallah". He explained that it isn't simply a casual way of saying yes, or we will see. Depending on the context, it can express genuine hope or intention, but it can also mean that something is uncertain or dependent on circumstances. Things like timing, relationships, respect, patience and the way commitments are expressed can all mean something different culturally.”
“Rather than making assumptions or taking everything at face value, I became more conscious of listening carefully, understanding the context and asking the right questions. It gave me greater confidence when dealing with people from different cultural backgrounds. Successful international business is as much about understanding people as it is about understanding the commercial opportunity.”
“I would absolutely recommend speaking to Darren. He has a genuine ability to explain cultural differences in a straightforward, practical and memorable way. He didn't just give general advice; he explained the reasoning behind things and shared insights that you can actually use in real conversations. Sometimes it's the small things you don't know that make the biggest difference.”
Let’s start a conversation.
To talk about working or living in the region, for you, your team or your partner, or to book a call, get in touch with Darren.