Grant Hall

Why I named my blog ‘where words fail’

Corporate cultural diplomacy is the opposite of megaphone marketing – it’s more like music

Ethiopians Hate to Lose!

Originally posted on Untold Stories:
We are slightly star struck when entering the office of the world famous runner Haile Gebresalassie. We’re not here to talk about his amazing achievements as an athlete, but to talk business – his business that is. The prize-money Haile won as a runner has been invested wisely in Africa’s…

International business, trust and putting the horse before the cart

“Despite the theoretical knowledge about the crucial nature of trust in many emerging markets, few businesses adequately invest in developing relationships at an early stage”.

A guide to insulting the world’s religions

“Criticising a religion by intellectual reasoning is an act of cultural engagement and is more likely to have positive outcomes. It’s like opening a door to let someone in rather than slamming a door in their face.

The silent killer murdering international business ventures

Businesses that ignore culture in new markets do so at their peril.

On quality, business, sport and the arts

What is Quality? Why are the arts and sport so important and what can business learn from both of them?

Double Shafra Culture

Originally posted on Brave New Libya:
Double Shafra (arabic: دبل شفرة, translation: two cards) | (noun) 1. A cell-phone that can hold two sim cards 2. A Libyan with a second passport There is a large Libyan diaspora community, disproportionately sizable compared to our national population. Many people were forced to flee under the Gadhafi regime, many…

Corporate Cultural Diplomacy and David Warner’s “Speak English” Cricket Controversy

As international business expands, companies are learning the importance of good relationships in foreign markets. What role can our sport stars play?

Why every kid should collect stamps

“And if you look closely, you can almost trace a country’s evolution through its stamps. In a sense, they’re a reflection not only of how a country wants to be seen — but also of how it sees itself.”

Australia Day and why racism is bad for business

A personal account of Australia Day violence, racism and what it means for international business.

International business, cultural savviness and the importance of reading

How diverse reading builds cultural intelligence, reduces xenophobia and opens doors to good corporate relationships.

International business: 2 dozen reasons to use corporate cultural diplomacy

Corporate cultural diplomacy is a tool to manage international business relationships and gain influence in foreign markets. Here’s why you should use it.