If your startup feels stuck, chaotic, or like it's silently crumbling from within, the solution might not be another strategy session—it might be psychological safety.
In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I’m joined by Cynthia de Jager, expert in psychological safety and intercultural collaboration, to unpack the invisible forces quietly shaping (or breaking) your team’s culture, productivity, and resilience.
Cynthia shares powerful stories and actionable insights from her work with global teams, startups, and even elite sports teams on how psychological safety isn’t about being overly nice or blindly positive—it’s about creating an environment where your team can genuinely speak up, fail openly, and thrive under pressure.
🚨 What we dive into in this episode:
Why "culture fit" is often code for conformity—and how to fix it
The #1 leadership skill most founders overlook (hint: it’s about admitting what you don’t know)
Real-world examples of intercultural missteps that cost trust—and how to avoid them
Why oversharing or undersharing in tough times damages team trust
The subtle art of giving and receiving feedback across different cultures
How Cynthia transformed team culture at a professional sports club (and why their performance soared as a result)
💡 Key Quotes from Cynthia:
"Psychological safety isn’t about niceness; it’s permission to be candid when it matters most."
"Your people know something’s off before your metrics do—listen before it’s too late."
"The strongest leaders admit they don’t have all the answers."
📝 Your Homework: Grab a "talking stick"—when you hold it, speak freely. When you're done, the other person must first summarize your points before responding. It’ll revolutionize your team's communication.
If your startup is hitting a wall, if founder fatigue is real, or if your growth feels more draining than exciting—this episode offers the practical, human-centered shifts you need to break through the plateau.
🎧 Listen now and learn how psychological safety could be your secret growth hack.
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Where to Find Cynthia:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-de-jager-08683110/
Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/