Gateway to Greek
You can speak the same language and still misunderstand each other.
I help individuals and organizations understand the cultural expectations behind communication, from the workplace and relationships to the experience of building a life in another country.
Communication is more than translation.
Two people can understand every word of a conversation and still misunderstand each other.
The same words, tone and behavior can mean very different things depending on the cultural system you're operating in.
I study the hidden expectations behind those differences and turn them into practical tools people can use at work, at home and while adapting to life in another country.
“An interaction can leave one person feeling respected and the other feeling rejected.”
How I can help:
Cross-cultural workshops and consulting for international teams, managers and organizations navigating different expectations around communication, hierarchy, feedback, initiative and collaboration.
Organizations
Cultural integration support for people building a life in Greece and the organizations helping them get here. Go beyond the logistics and understand the communication patterns that shape everyday life.
Relocation
Private cross-cultural sessions for people navigating communication differences in relationships, families, friendships and work.
Individuals and Relationships
The words are only one small part of the conversation.
“Send me the numbers by Friday.”
Clear and efficient to a Greek speaker. Abrupt or demanding to an English speaker.
“It would be great to have the numbers by Friday.”
An obvious request to an English speaker. Merely a comment to a Greek speaker.
An interruption
Engagement and enthusiasm in the Greek communication system. Disrespect in the English communication system.
Stepping in to help without asking
Care and involvement in Greek culture. Intrusion in English culture.
Pause.
Reinterpret.
Respond.
My work helps people recognize when culture may be shaping an interaction, reinterpret what's happening through another communication system and choose a response that works across both.
Selected Clients and Media
FOUR SEASONS
ASTIR PALACE ATHENS
Cross-Cultural Communication Consulting
Featured writing
Finding Meaning Between Languages
TO VIMA
100,000
followers across platforms
Millions reached each month
I'm Heather.
I'm a cross-cultural communication consultant and writer based in Athens, Greece.
After more than a decade living between cultures, I've become fascinated by the assumptions we bring into conversations without realizing they're there.
Drawing on linguistics, cross-cultural communication research and living across cultures, I help people understand the hidden expectations that shape how we interpret one another.
Testimonials
“Heather has a unique ability to bridge the gap between these two worlds, explaining complex cultural nuances in a practical and relatable way.”
Loukas, UK“Heather showed us both where that gap opens up. She teaches with real examples, not theory, and she treats you as smart enough to keep up. It changed how I hear every conversation since. Worth it.”
Theo, USA“I just wanted to tell you that for me - you’re an angel. You have helped me understand and dig to learn more about the Greek language and culture to build a healthier relationship.”
Holly, USA
Communication is never just words.
Whether you're building an international team, relocating to Greece or navigating cultural differences in your personal life, better communication starts with understanding the system behind it.