# #9 – Corina Goetz – Bridging Cultures: How to Lead Across Divides

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-whole-truth-leadership-stories-with-sarah-perugia-7098484/9-corina-goetz-bridging-cultures-how-to-lead-across-divides
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-whole-truth-leadership-stories-with-sarah-perugia-7098484/9-corina-goetz-bridging-cultures-how-to-lead-across-divides.md
Podcast: [The Whole Truth: Leadership Stories with Sarah Perugia](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-whole-truth-leadership-stories-with-sarah-perugia-7098484)
Published: 2025-06-04T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.sarahperugia.com/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/8de7563a-f381-46f7-b070-11ba191a7b22.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2672

## Resource

Corina Goetz knows what it means to live between worlds. Born in East Germany and shaped by the fall of the Berlin Wall, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and fearless transformation. Today, she’s an intercultural strategist and trusted advisor to global leaders navigating the complexities of doing business across the West and the Middle East. From boardrooms in London to business deals in Riyadh, Corina helps leaders go beyond translation, teaching them how to build real trust, understand the unspoken, and thrive in unfamiliar terrain. As founder of her consultancy, she’s become a bridge for those daring enough to lead across cultures. In this episode, we talk about: (04:07) Growing up with limited travel in the Eastern Bloc (09:47) Living under surveillance and missing family history (13:02) How generational change creates new divides (14:00) The lasting East–West cultural split (18:29) Family, identity, and Middle Eastern stereotypes (21:15) Bridging worlds: first impressions of Saudi Arabia (25:54) A travel experience that challenged everything (27:05) The side of Saudi Arabia no one talks about (30:20) What most people misunderstand about culture (33:53) Empowerment through learning and change (36:43) Meeting Princess Reema: Saudi Arabia’s top US envoy (42:54) A modern guide to Middle East business etiquette Corina’s journey is an inspiring testament to the value of breaking down barriers, whether personal, cultural, or professional. Her passion for connection, inclusion, and courageous curiosity offers powerful lessons for any leader ready to step beyond their comfort zone. About the host Sarah Perugia is an expert women-in-leadership coach and whole-person leadership transformation specialist, dedicated to empowering female leaders to thrive. With 20…

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