🌍🧗‍♀️ What does bouldering have to do with intercultural differences?

At first glance, probably not much. After all, bouldering is just climbing a wall without ropes, right? But if you take a closer look, it’s a fascinating reflection of how we deal with challenges, collaboration, and failure, all of which are deeply shaped by our cultural background.

In bouldering gyms around the world, you see people approach problems differently:
➡️ Some quietly observe and plan before making a single move.
➡️ Others jump straight on the wall, learning through trial and error.
➡️ Some seek advice or cheer each other on, while others focus on individual performance.

None of these styles are right or wrong - they simply mirror diverse ways of thinking, learning, and communicating that are often influenced by cultural values.

In intercultural work, I often see the same dynamics in teams: how we take risks, give feedback, or celebrate success can vary greatly depending on where we come from. Recognizing these differences, just like reading a boulder route, helps us navigate challenges with more awareness, empathy, and flexibility.

💡So next time you watch someone on the climbing wall (or in a meeting), ask yourself:

How does culture shape the way we approach our next “move”?