This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Dr. Karen Smits talks about why culture should be put high on the agenda in the workplace. She gives examples of issues faced in mergers between large companies and in the Panama Canal expansion which show how cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings.

Dr. Karen Smits is an international expert in Organizational Anthropology. Her dissertation “Cross Culture Work: Practices of Collaboration in the Panama Canal Expansion Program” receives much attention in the project management world, and beyond. This study shows the people-side of project management and reveals how project participants deal with the cultural complexity in their everyday work life. While writing the book, Karen presented at numerous, international (academic) conferences, published articles and worked as a consultant on various projects in the Netherlands, Panama and Colombia. In 2013, she received the prestigious “Highly Commended Paper Award” from the Emerald Literati Network. Currently, Karen is active as a Business Culture Consultant in the Latin America region, supporting companies and employees in developing cross-cultural collaboration, organizational change and growth initiatives. She facilitates workshops on culture and collaboration in the workplace and is often invited to speak about her research outcome.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)