Hey, I'm Michael Kovnet, host of The Next Big Idea Daily. The show is a masterclass in better living from some of the smartest writers around. Every morning, Monday through Friday, we'll serve up a quick 10-minute lesson on how to strengthen your relationships, supercharge your creativity, boost your productivity, and more. Follow the next big idea daily wherever you get your podcasts.

What does it take to genuinely connect across cultures, identities, and worldviews?

In this episode, we sat down with my friend Melisanda Gingachavan Shifter

to unpack the mindset and skill set behind powerful human connection.

Having lived in multiple continents,

worked across sectors and spoken several languages, Melly brings a rare global lens to the art

and strategy of bridging difference. We explore the essential skills behind meaningful connection, trust,

curiosity, and communication, and how they can be cultivated by anyone.

Melly shares insights from boardrooms to grassroots movements showing how cultural fluency

and emotional intelligence can drive collaboration and results.

Melly is an executive leader with a global track record in shaping inclusive corporate

strategies, international policies, and social impact initiatives.

Her career spans Fortune 500 companies, global nonprofits, and international organizations like

the World Economic Forum.

She's known for turning complex social challenges into actionable strategies that strengthen

both organizational performance and societal impact.

Whether you're navigating a multicultural workplace or simply looking to build stronger,

more authentic relationships, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration

to help you connect with greater clarity, empathy, and confidence.

And without further ado, let's jump into the interview.

I grew up between two cultures, two continents of Germany and Thailand, and with that,

two different languages, two different religions from both my families,

...