Watching foreign films, TV shows, and reading books from other cultures is a way to train, expand and broaden our cultural intelligence. Some years ago, I found myself reflecting on the transformative power of foreign narratives. Having spent much of my life traveling, living, and studying in diverse countries, I’ve always been drawn to the rich tapestry of human culture. My career, particularly my work with immigrants, refugees, and expats, has deepened this connection.

At its best, communication is not efficiency. It is empathy, creativity, and culture in motion. Culture is a powerful lens through which we view the world. It shapes our language, values, traditions, even how we communicate and understand other people. It’s not just about the food we eat or the festivals we celebrate; it’s the stories we tell, the symbols we recognize, and the ways we express ourselves. But here’s the kicker: most people underestimate how much culture affects

When I speak about culture, I refer to this collective experience that defines, influences, and enriches us all. We are not isolated beings.

The film Julie & Julia, directed by Nora Ephron, is more than a culinary tale. It is a wonderful portrait of creative courage, cultural discovery, and the quiet evolution of inner leadership. It reminds us that creativity isn’t only about what we make, but who we become in the process of making it. Across two timelines, we encounter the real stories of Julie Powell and Julia Child, two women who, in different cultures and eras, found their way to authenticity through curiosit

We’ve been taught to think of culture as something externa; a set of shared behaviors, beliefs, or traditions that belong to a particular group. But culture is so much more than that. It’s not just something we observe or participate in; it’s something we carry deep within us. Culture is the living narrative of human existence itself, and this is what I refer to every time I use this term. Think of all the lives that have come before us. Every generation leaves its mark.

Stories are the threads that weave the fabric of our identities. They shape our understanding of the world, our place within it, and ...

Life is a journey filled with countless experiences, both joyful and challenging. When we engage deeply with these experiences, embracing them with an open heart and mind, our creativity is not only nurtured but also emancipated. This authentic connection to life allows us to discover our true voices, transforming our existence into a unique adventure far removed from societal norms and expectations. In this blog post, I will explore this fascinating interplay between creativ

Creativity transcends surface-level understanding and invites us to dive into a deep, personal exploration of who we are, how we relate...

Remedios Varo was a Catalonian-born surrealist painter who found refuge, and creative liberation, in Mexico after fleeing Europe during WWII. Varo was a visionary artist with a background in science, mysticism, alchemy, and metaphysics, and she created otherworldly paintings that feel like dream maps. Varo wasn’t just painting from imagination: she was painting from a mythic state of consciousness. She lived in tune with the muse.

Gertrude Bell’s story goes far beyond exploration. Discover the real diplomat, visionary, and cultural bridge-builder who shaped the modern Middle East. Learn how her creative intelligence and cross-cultural empathy offer timeless lessons for today. Written by artist and storyteller Louise Sommer. Explore creativity, history, and cultural myths at louisesommer.co. #GertrudeBell #CreativeIntelligence

Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764) stands as one of the most overlooked women in French history. Despite her significant influence, she is often remembered only as 'a mistress.' Madame de Pompadour, born Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, rose to power during the reign of King Louis XV. Far from being just a royal consort, she effectively served as the unofficial Prime Minister and unofficial Minister of Foreign Affairs of France. Her political acumen and strategic brilliance were indis

In a world where stories shape our understanding of history, few figures deserve a second look more than Gertrude Bell. Adventurer, political adviser, diplomat, archaeologist, poet, and one of the most influential women in the British Empire. Gertrude Bell carved her influencial place in a male-dominated world through brilliance, resilience, and cultural mastery. And yet, when Hollywood finally brought her story to the screen in the 2015 film Queen of the Desert, it missed th