Ashley: IT Program Manager Leading with German
Professionals across industries and skill levels are sharing the value of language learning
Meet Ashley—a Program/Project Manager in the Software industry living and working abroad in Germany.
Working for a global corporation, my skills enable me to drive alignment at scale and ensure that complex, cross-functional initiatives progress smoothly across multiple teams, regions and stakeholders.
Languages: English, German
Grew Up in: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
University: Sociology, German & Criminal Justice majors at Nebraska Wesleyan University
How have your language and cultural skills supported and/or enhanced your professional opportunities?
My language and intercultural skills have been instrumental in strengthening my position in the business world. Working for a global corporation, my skills enable me to drive alignment at scale and ensure that complex, cross-functional initiatives progress smoothly across multiple teams, regions and stakeholders.
Leading initiatives that span different countries means navigating varying communication styles, expectations around timelines, stakeholder engagement norms, and approaches to escalation. The ability to use both English and German position me as a trusted facilitator between these global teams—translating not just language, but intent and context.
As a result, I’ve been able to enhance multi-regional collaboration, unify strategic priorities across functions, and ensure that program outcomes meet both local needs and global business goals. Not to mention I have also become a fierce negotiator across languages whenever the need arises!
What advice would you share with current language learners or those considering studying a language?
My advice to anyone learning a language is to focus on consistency, curiosity, and patience! Language learning isn’t about instant perfection; it’s about steady progress. Rome was not built in a day! Even a few minutes a day can build strong habits and confidence. I also encourage making the process personal and enjoyable. Engage with content you love—whether that’s podcasts, music, films, or conversations with native speakers. When learning feels relevant and fun, motivation naturally grows.
The very first step in my journey came during my high school role playing of ordering in a restaurant and calling out the objects that I picked up from the table to my classmates in German. Now I will never pick up a fork again without thinking of the journey I took to get there!
It’s often said that English is the language of global business, and because of that, language skills aren’t necessary to succeed. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
While I agree that English may be the common working language in many international organizations, relying on it alone overlooks the value that multilingual and culturally aware professionals bring to global teams.
If you want to get ahead in the business world, having language skills is THE way to do so. Global employers love to see this, as it signals to them that you are able to navigate many worlds and meet people halfway (in their native language). You become an instant asset for them, as you are seen as someone who can create deeper trust, smoother communication, and stronger collaboration. They know that there is no better way to build trusting relationships than doing so in the local native language.
Do you have an interesting, moving, or humorous anecdote featuring your language or cultural skills to share?
My first doctor’s visit in Germany I wanted to let the doctor know that I had an awful cold with a stuffy nose. While trying to figure out my translation, I ended up totally messing it up and I told her in German that I was constipated. Come to find out, in German there is only a small difference in how you formulate that sentence.
As she wrote me the prescription for a laxative, I looked at her dazed and confused. To this day, I will never forget the translation!
Mistakes will happen and you will be embarrassed, but rest assured that no one ever conquered a language without stubbing their toe somewhere along the way!
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