Category:

Since starting Soulcast Media, I have heard from countless leaders and professionals who have appreciated the acknowledgment of Quiet Culture traits while existing in a Loud Culture workplace, and the point of friction this has created. I frequently receive notes like this one: "I too grew up in a culture that emphasized modesty, keeping your head down and working. But, as you've pointed out before, those are not necessarily the best tips when you're trying to succeed at the office. I've read books and taken courses about how to overcome these mental barriers, but I've never heard the acknowledgment [of this cultural friction] and have never taken advice from someone whom I related with. I think that was the key. I took [your advice] to heart and simply applied some of these 'gold nugget' tips." Those gold nuggets are now in this book, and they're meant to give you a new way forward too.

In fact, even if you were raised in a Loud Culture household but resonate more with Quiet Culture traits, this book will provide a road map for how you too can build influence. It can also be for those who identify as having been raised in a Loud Culture but want to better understand the thinking of those raised with Quiet Culture values. Perhaps, in reading this, we can also begin to shift how people perceive those raised with Quiet Culture traits to create a more inclusive workplace. It is important to note, though, that this book is not meant to be the one solution to a complicated and layered workplace experience. But it will shed light on some of the unspoken and often silent dynamics at play.

Today, I am honored to have impacted millions of people around the world. My courses on LinkedIn Learning are consistently ranked among the most popular and have been watched by more than two million people, many of whom are global leaders. I'm frequently invited to speak at Fortune 100 companies to teach and inspire teams to better show up, engage, and stand out in a hypercompetitive business environment. When I reflect back to that person who struggled with showing up and sharing her ideas at work, I can still see her, because it's not about completely changing who we are. Rather, it's about taking our Quiet Culture values and reframing them so we get noticed for all the right reasons. Now you will be able to do that too.

PART 1

CULTURE SHOCK

Our most formative years, our childhood years, are often shaped by our family and our friends. It's in these environments where we're often taught a set of principles that's meant to guide us on how to behave and engage. But what if these principles are now causing us to feel stuck, like we're living in a confusing world where cultures clash? Chances are it's because we are viewing the world through our Quiet Culture lens, while the workplace is rewarding those who exhibit Loud Culture traits. In part 1, we explore what these cultural differences are, the Quiet Culture bias, and how we can reframe this friction so we can navigate the working world with greater ease.

CHAPTER 1

FRICTION AT WORK

Stuck between two cultures

One of the earliest memories I have of growing up is being sprawled on the carpet with the ten o'clock evening news playing in the background. My brother is next to me, and my parents are sitting on the couch behind us attentively watching the news. For years, this nightly ritual was somewhat of a family tradition as we all ended the day watching television together.

"Jessica, when you grow up one day, you should talk on the news just like them," my mom said, pointing to the reporters on TV one night.

"But why?" I responded.

"So I can see where you are and make sure you are safe every day," my mom replied with a half smile.

To a six-year-old, this seemingly innocent, lighthearted comment didn't mean much at the time, but fifteen years later, I found myself exactly where my mom had hoped: in TV news. In the years leading up to graduation, like many young college students, I was beginning to think about the question What do you want to do for your career? For students around the world, this loaded question induces sleepless nights of stress and anxiety. But for me, the moment I started exploring the possibility of journalism being a career, I was convinced it was the right path for me. Everything about it—learning about different industries, being at the heart of the action, and telling stories in hopes of making the world a better place—pulled me in like nothing else could. So, that spark of an idea my mom planted in me that fateful night had now grown into a roaring fire. This career felt like destiny.