Communicate with clarity and confidence across cultures, roles, and teams.
Improve your business communications by learning how to navigate cultural differences, improve collaboration, and foster inclusive communication in today’s diverse, multidisciplinary workplaces.
Take this course for free. You may qualify for a grant the covers the full cost. Instructions can be found on Simon Fraser University's page.
What You'll Learn
- Build confidence communicating across roles, disciplines, and identities
- Apply intercultural communication tools in your real work environment
- Recognize and respond to miscommunication in multicultural teams
- Understand how personal values and cultural frameworks impact communication
- Discuss and resolve team dynamics across difference with empathy
Get Your Free Mindfulness at Work Mini Guide
Download your free guide, which features multiple tools and strategies you can apply right away to reduce miscommunication and strengthen collaboration at work.
Course Details
Date: January 26 - March 9, 2026
This course will have synchronous group video sessions on Fridays from 12pm – 1pm.
4 to 5 hours a week
This is a 30-hour long course and will run for 6 weeks. The course will be entirely asynchronous with moderated online discussions and 2 collaborative assignments. It is expected that students will spend around 4-5 hours per week on self-directed learning. Students are expected to complete course requirements on their own, but the instructor is available to address questions, monitor progress and provide formative and/or summative feedback.
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for:
- Professionals who want to strengthen their business communication skills in diverse or multicultural workplaces
- Manager, project managers, designers, developers, and content creators navigating cross-functional or cross-cultural collaboration
- Client-facing professionals in agencies, startups, or global teams
- Anyone wanting to build confidence and expand their communication toolkit
What You’ll Walk Away With
- Greater confidence navigating cultural, professional, and social differences
- Practical frameworks and tools to resolve or prevent miscommunication—and improve collaboration in diverse teams
- Develop a mindful approach to cultural differences and communicate with clarity and empathy across contexts
- An industry-recognized certificate of completion from Centre for Digital Media, in partnership with DigiBC and Simon Fraser University
Industry Recognized Certificate
You will receive a Certificate of Completion from Centre for Digital Media, Simon Fraser University, and DigiBC upon completion of this course, which is recognized by DigiBC association members and industry.
Instructor
Tina Merry, Startup CEO, Games Industry Veteran, CQ Certified Facilitator
Tina Merry is a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) facilitator and industry leader with decades of experience managing global teams in the technology sector and more than 20 years in the games industry. She has directed international production environments across Europe, North America, and Asia, led large cross-cultural teams, and contributed to the delivery of more than two dozen game titles across platforms.
As CEO and co-founder of Simply Sweet Games, Tina brings firsthand experience in studio leadership, startup growth, and the communication challenges that arise in fast-moving, multidisciplinary environments. Her teaching emphasizes practical, immediately applicable tools that help professionals collaborate effectively, navigate cultural differences, and make clear, informed communication decisions in real workplace settings.
FAQ
Do I need previous DEI or intercultural training to take this course?
No. This course is beginner-friendly and designed for working professionals in creative and technical environments.
Is this course online?
Yes — it's fully online. You'll attend one live Zoom session per week and complete self-directed activities between classes.
What’s the weekly time commitment?
Expect to spend 3–4 hours per week total — including the 1-hour live session and asynchronous assignments.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes — upon completion of the course, you'll receive an industry-recognized certificate from Centre for Digital Media, in partnership with DigiBC and Simon Fraser University
Is this relevant if I work in Canada but my team is international?
Yes — the course focuses on intercultural communication in a Canadian context but the frameworks and strategies apply globally.
Take the Next Step
Communication is the foundation of leadership and teamwork. Invest in your growth with Minding the Gaps: Communicating Across Differences — a communication skills development course designed to help you thrive in diverse workplaces.