What does it involve for societies, communities or individuals from different countries to live and work together towards common objectives? How do we share cultures? What does it mean to be culturally aware? And why does it matter?

Enhance your organisation's understanding of these issues and strengthen your business results with our Cultural Awareness and Intercultural Communication workshop.

The programme will be delivered by our Associate Consultant, world class leading expert Dr Lorella Viola PhD, who undertakes research in Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics and Intercultural Communication, has worked as a legal and court translator and currently teaches in the field of Intercultural Communication. 

Cultural awareness is a major element of cultural competence and the foundation of intercultural communication. We will reflect on the importance of cross-cultural communication in everyday life and the workplace.

In this interactive workshop you will learn how to:

- Acknowledge how culture shapes our own perceptions

- Be more responsive to culturally diverse colleagues and clients

- Be more sensitive and accessible as a global citizen

- Be alert to cultural differences and similarities that will present opportunities and challenges to working in a multicultural environment

To find our more about how this service can improve your productivity and give your organisation a competitive edge contact [email protected].

Having assisted in the development and October launch of City College Norwich School of Higher Education's Mentoring Programme, Rachel Blackburn kicked off her role as Mentor to two business students in an Executive box at Carrow Road, home of Norwich City Football Club.

The Mentees, Laura Key and Kasia Mydlik (pictured left and right, respectively), were eager to be mentored by Rachel after learning of her own story and experiences in business, including founding US2U Consulting.

Rachel plans to meet the Mentees several times over the next year to provide guidance and advice in line with the agreed targets and objectives for the Programme.

Laura commented on the first meeting, "It was really motivating and energizing. I will be putting your communication advice into practice immediately!"

"I am so appreciative of not only the way you have taken us under your wing but also of your generosity with your time and resources" said Kasia.

Thank you to Norwich City FC for their contribution to the City College Norwich Mentoring Programme.

Rachel Blackburn attended the City College Norwich Graduation Ceremony 2016 at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 22 October.

For the second year running Rachel was invited to the ceremony as a distinguished guest after working closely with City College Norwich Higher Education to develop and launch their Mentoring Programme. Click here to read about the programme's launch.

This year City College Norwich is also celebrating its 125th Anniversary since being founded in 1891, during which time it has grown to become one of the region's integral educational institutions.

"It was inspirational to see so many people celebrating the results of their hard work!" said Rachel.

US2U Consulting are pleased to support City College Norwich School of Higher Education's Business Management Mentoring Programme, and attended the launch at St Andrews House on 17 October.

The programme aims to support students in pursuit of business degrees, matching individuals with mentors from specific fields or sectors of interest. It also focuses on fostering greater links between organisations and individuals within the community.

Rachel Blackburn, who was heralded as instrumental in working with City College Norwich to develop the programme, spoke at the launch of her own personal mentoring experiences and of the three key benefits of the programme for both parties.

For mentees these typically include getting inspired, being able to identify and learn from a professional role model and finding a source of advice in problem-solving.

Mentors themselves can also benefit greatly from the experience, with the process reinforcing what best practice means in their line of work, challenging their assumptions of 'what is normal?' and also providing a sense of personal satisfaction. Mentoring may also lead to extra responsibilities and therefore have benefits for career progression.

Rachel was excited to meet and scope meetings with her mentee and looks forward to lending her advice over the next year!

Watch City College Norwich's video to find out more about the programme

US2U Consulting attended the Norfolk Institute of Directors 2016 Annual Dinner on Friday 14 October, held at Carrow Road, home of Norwich City Football Club.

The event brought together business leaders from across the region, providing valuable networking opportunities and a great atmosphere.

The evening was also headlined by Lord Paddy Ashdown (pictured with Rachel Blackburn), who delivered a fantastic after-dinner speech - and thankfully, no hats were on the menu!

We look forward to seeing how business across Norfolk and beyond responds to opportunities in the near future.