Holger: Yes, I live in Watertown, South Dakota, where the America’s headquarters is located and I am lucky to be part of a fantastic department, with people from different cultures such as Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, and the USA. 

Holger: Our department has a large variety of ages. The youngest team members are recent college graduates, and on the other side we have some team members in their fifties. The majority of the team are women, including the manager. Sexual orientation or gender identity is not a topic in our daily work. However, living in a small town in South Dakota, there are conversations about church affiliation and religion.

Holger: Since my customers were all over Canada and the USA, I continuously had to adjust to their local culture, e.g. customers in New York get down to business right away without the fluff, while customers in Texas like to have small talk and to get to know you before doing business. 

Holger: Even with an open feedback culture, certain topics are off-limits within my department and with customers, which would be acceptable in Germany and vice versa. But working with colleagues from several different countries, we all have to understand how to work together, communicate without stepping on toes or unintentionally insulting anyone, and discussing topics that are acceptable for everyone.

Holger: In my team, cultural differences contribute to several discussions because of different perspectives, but lead to a better mutual understanding and higher empathy with each other. This also leads to increased problem solving skills and team performance.

Holger: That's Sometimes I am reviewing a situation or problem with a coworker specially because this person has a different cultural background or age or gender to get a different perspective. 
Additionally, it is great to learn about different cultures, their history and traditions, and specially sweets and snacks everyone brings when we meet for conferences.