Let’s Talk Culture at Work! 
Working across cultures can be inspiring—and sometimes challenging. Join us for an enlightening and interactive event on Navigating Cultural Differences at Work to learn practical tips, share experiences, and build stronger connections.
Have you ever wondered why a simple conversation with a colleague can sometimes feel like you’re speaking two different languages, even when you’re using the same words? Or why projects stall, not because of technical issues, but because of misunderstandings in how people communicate, make decisions, or resolve conflict? That’s where Cultural Intelligence (CQ) comes in - the ability to understand and navigate cultural differences.
In this workshop, we’ll talk about what CQ really means, why it matters, and how it shows up in everyday situations. Together, we’ll spot the differences between us and think through strategies for handling them. You’ll see how small cultural gaps can lead to hidden cost in the form of ‘cost of conflict’ and how building CQ can turn those challenges into opportunities for stronger collaboration and greater inclusion. For professionals in the investment sector, where trust, long-term partnerships, and cross-border collaboration are essential, successfully navigating cultural differences lays the foundation for stronger decision making, resilient relationships and improved ability to capture opportunities. By the end, you’ll not only understand what CQ is, but also why it’s essential for anyone who wants to work effectively, lead inclusively, and thrive in today’s global—and increasingly interconnected—environment.
This event is a collaboration between Morningstar Women’s Initiative (WIN) and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of CFA Society Netherlands, together with our esteemed speaker Alicia Utami.
About the speaker: Alicia Utami is a Board Member of the Diversity Network ABN Amro and is an intercultural strategist with over a decade of experience working in international environments and projects across 40+ countries. She offers deep insight into how cultural differences influence collaboration, leadership, and organizational transformation. Specializing in Cultural Intelligence (CQ), Alicia helps leaders navigate across cultures with confidence and supports organizations in bridging perspectives, fostering equity, and thriving amid complexity. To Alicia, contrast isn’t a barrier—it’s the beginning of breakthrough thinking.
Program:
16:45 - 17:00 - walk-in
17:00 - 17:10 - welcoming by Morningstar and CFA Society Netherlands
17:10 - 18:10 - workshop by Alicia Utami
18:10 -18:20 - Q&A
18:20 -19:45 - network drinks
Date: Thursday, October 30th 2025
Time: 17:00
Location: Haaksbergweg 58, 1101 BP Amsterdam, De Oliphant/The Elephant Tower, 9th Floor, Morningstar Office | Kitchen Area
As we live in an increasingly globalised world and work in a multicultural environment, all of us will surely come across cultural challenges from time to time. Let’s make our workplace even more inclusive and collaborative. We hope to see you there!