My excitement grew as the plane touched down in Prague. I had barely slept, partly because of the long haul from Johannesburg, but mostly because I felt like a kid going on her first school trip. I was buzzing. That buzz lasted right up until I stepped out of the airport and the cold slapped me like I owed it money.
Coming from a sunny 30+ degrees Celsius December in Johannesburg, I wasn’t emotionally prepared for the European chill. As my taxi dropped me off at the hotel, it began to snow – real snow, like in the movies. My toes were numb, my breath fogged up the taxi window, and I thought, “What have I signed up for?” But beneath all that cold, my heart was full of anticipation.
This was going to be the first time the entire Europe, Middle East, and Africa team would meet in person. One team, one office, one timezone (well… roughly). Since I was coming from Africa, I had to leave 12 hours earlier than the rest so we could all land around the same time. Twelve hours, a plane full of crying babies, and a cup of truly questionable airplane coffee later – I made it.
While unpacking in my hotel room, there was a knock on the door. Standing there was Tilla – my best friend from Israel, more beautiful in real life than any Zoom call could ever capture. We squealed like teenagers, hugged like long-lost sisters, and within minutes, we were bundled up and wandering through Prague’s Old Town.
We strolled over Charles Bridge, bought ridiculously cheap beer (pro tip: it’s cheaper than bottled water – hydration with a kick!), and clocked 15km on our step counters before heading back to the hotel to meet the others.
Our team: Jakub and Terka from the Czech Republic, Oscar from Serbia, Pavlov from Poland, Ananda from the UAE, Emi from Turkey, Olga from Russia, Rosa from Belarus, Tilla from Israel, and me – the wild card from sunny South Africa. A rainbow of nations, one shared purpose. The next morning, we had our first official meeting. As part of our introductions, each of us shared a piece of our homeland. Before I left South Africa, I had visited the Rosebank flea market and picked out soapstone-carved animals for each team member. Small, tactile tokens of home. I also brought along South African flag bandanas and put together a PowerPoint presentation complete with music – the whole tour guide shebang.
I watched their faces light up. It wasn’t just about the gifts – it was about connection. And as I listened to everyone share about their country, their culture, their food, their traditions – something clicked. We weren’t just colleagues anymore. We were storytellers. Bridges. Soulmates in spreadsheets.
So why am I telling you this now?
This weekend, many countries – South Africa included – celebrate Easter. Beyond the religious significance, I want to reflect on the human aspect. The deeper message that underpins every tradition, regardless of faith: renewal, unity, hope, and love.
And this group of international teammates – these new friends of mine – reminded me of something simple but profound:
We are all more alike than we are different.
We all breathe the same air.
We all laugh at inside jokes (even if they get a bit lost in translation).
We all get home-sick.
We all want to feel seen, respected, and heard.
Yes, we come from vastly different cultures – and that’s exactly what makes this world so beautiful. Cultural differences aren’t obstacles. They’re invitations. Opportunities to listen more, ask more, and assume less.
In my time working across borders, I’ve learned that cultural intelligence isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a daily choice. A choice to ask instead of judge. To stay curious instead of defensive. To choose respect even when things feel unfamiliar.
And it all starts with a few simple principles:
* Truth: Say what you mean. Own your story.
* Integrity: Do the right thing, even when no one’s watching.
* Respect: Treat people the way they want to be treated – not just how you’d want to be treated.
I try my best to live by these. I’m not perfect – ask Tilla about the time I ordered what I thought was a cheese pastry and ended up with something… unidentifiable. But I try.
To my team: thank you for your warmth, your laughter, and your stories. You’ve taught me more than any textbook ever could.
To the reader: whether you’re celebrating Easter, Ramadan, Passover, or just the joy of a good cup of coffee – may you find connection and kindness wherever you are.
We might come from different places, but we’re walking this world together.
May your heart stay open, your mind stay curious, and your coffee stay strong.
With love and a whole lot of gratitude,
Anna