In an interview with Forbes Education (August 6, 2025), Carlos Ghosn shared thoughtful perspectives on corporate training across different cultures, illustrating his pragmatic approach to leadership and efficiency in global environments Forbes Russia.
Learning styles shaped by culture: Ghosn observes stark contrasts, citing how the Japanese focus on practical application, favoring concise theory, repeated exercises, and data-rich case studies, while the French value conceptual, big-picture thinking without repetition. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring training to local needs and allowing HR professionals to adapt content accordingly.
Cultural adaptation in practice: Ghosn advocates a practical perspective on tradition. From respecting gender-door-passage etiquette in Japan to moderating soy-sauce habits, he integrates customs when they don’t hinder performance but he prioritizes competence over age or seniority, promoting the most capable individual over traditional hierarchy.
Training and empathy: Rather than relying on external consultants, Ghosn credits cultural understanding to immersive, on-the-ground engagement. He insists that curiosity and respect are more effective tools for navigating cultural complexity than distant analysis.
Leadership principles: He maintains that in today’s world, soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are just as vital as technical expertise. With emerging technologies and AI making factual knowledge more accessible, these human-centric skills will only grow in importance.
6 August 2025