We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Mobley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
When it came to naming our brand, WorldBridge Protocol, I was inspired by a profound yet simple realization: in a world where everyone seems to aspire to be the buildings, someone needs to be the bridge – that gets you to the buildings.
In an era of unparalleled globalization, effective communication stands as the bedrock of mutual respect and thriving relationships, whether in the public sphere or private circles. I recognized that countless meetings, negotiations, and humanitarian endeavors have faltered not due to the merit of their content, but rather as a result of a deficit in comprehending diverse cultural norms.
That’s where WorldBridge Protocol comes in. We see ourselves as the vital link, the bridge that connects people, cultures, and ideas. Our mission is to facilitate understanding, foster respect, and bridge the gaps that exist in cross-cultural communication. By building these bridges, we pave the way for meaningful connections, successful collaborations, and a more harmonious global community.
So, while naming our brand was indeed a challenge, it ultimately led us to a name that perfectly encapsulates our vision and purpose: WorldBridge Protocol. We believe that by serving as the bridge, we can help bridge the divides that too often separate us and build a world where diversity is celebrated, understanding is cherished, and communication knows no boundaries.
Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Nicole Mobley, the founder of WorldBridge Protocol and the creator of the The Wellthy League @wellthyleague, an alliance for women. My journey into this industry was far from linear; it was a culmination of diverse experiences fueled by a deep-rooted passion for cultural understanding.
From a young age, I felt a profound connection to cultures, a feeling of being deeply at home with them rather than merely fascinated. This connection was evident in my diverse circle of friends during elementary school—a beautiful mosaic that included a Muslim girl from Iran, girls from Japan, Lebanon, and Mexico, a white American Mormon girl, and myself, a black American Christian girl. Together, we celebrated our differences, shared our experiences, cultures, and even lunches. This early exposure ignited my passion for fostering understanding and bridging divides across cultural boundaries.
In high school, I channeled this passion into action by co-founding and serving as the President of our multicultural club—a transformative experience that reinforced my belief in the power of cultural exchange and dialogue.
My thirst for cultural exploration only grew stronger during my university years. I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Spain, immersing myself in the hospitable nature of Spanish culture. Later, my pursuit of higher education led me on a truly global academic journey—from studying in Beijing, China, to the Netherlands, the headquarters for The Hague, to London, and Vienna, hubs for international diplomacy, and Geneva, one of the headquarters for the United Nations and the International Red Cross Red Crescent, where I earned my Global MA in International Relations.
These experiences shaped my perspective and deepened my understanding of the complexities of global affairs, diplomacy, and cultural dynamics, unknowingly laying the foundation for the creation of WorldBridge Protocol.
My journey into this field was a culmination of diverse experiences and a deep-rooted passion for cultural understanding. After navigating client relations in the financial sector and consulting as a private cultural and language coach for clients preparing for global careers, I observed a recurring theme: a lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity in international interactions. This realization led me to found WorldBridge Protocol.
At WorldBridge Protocol, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our 3-in-1 offering includes Customized Travel Briefs, Cultural Competency Training, and Debrief Facilitation.
Our Customized Travel Briefs provide intentional travel preparedness, offering bespoke presentations tailored to the specific destination and purpose of the trip. Meanwhile, our Cultural Competency Training unpacks the concept of culture, enhancing communication and cooperation among individuals, businesses, and governments. Finally, our Debrief Facilitation sessions enable organizations to reflect on their experiences, identify areas for improvement, and formulate actionable strategies for the future.
In addition, we offer Influencer Etiquette – Passport Privilege, a specialized training program designed to equip influencers, solo travelers, and families with the cultural intelligence needed to navigate diverse global environments respectfully and sensitively.
What sets us apart is our commitment to democratizing cultural training. While such training was traditionally reserved for government workers, we believe that in today’s globalized world, everyone should have access to cultural competency resources. Our aim is to ensure that individuals can travel confidently, respecting the cultures they encounter and avoiding potential pitfalls.
Our work has never been more relevant, especially considering the challenges brought about by the global pandemic. In times of crisis, cultural awareness and preparedness are more crucial than ever. By providing comprehensive briefings and training, we empower individuals to navigate unfamiliar territories with confidence and respect, ensuring enjoyable and safe global experiences for all.
At WorldBridge Protocol, we do the thinking, planning, and briefing, so our clients can focus on enjoying their global and cultural experiences while respecting the people on the other side.
I am deeply proud to be part of an industry that connects me to the world, offering an environment where I can share my gifts and passions while continuously learning and gaining insights about people and the diverse cultures they represent. This sector feels like home to me.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Wow, that’s a loaded question, and to be honest, there have been many lessons I’ve had to unlearn along the way. But one of the most recent ones that comes to mind is particularly significant. The idea that I had to have everything in place, all of the I’s dotted and T’s crossed, before realizing my vision used to leave me feeling paralyzed. Coupled with the mentality that I had to do it all on my own, it was a lesson I had to unlearn – quickly!
Worldbridge Protocol is still in a somewhat incubative stage, but I’m learning that you grow as you go. Moving forward into your vision is so much better than trying to perfect the vision and then present it to the world. Change is happening rapidly, and we must cultivate a flexible model of building as entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of my first job out of college, working for a publishing company. The owner was a true steam engine, old school in his methods, but he knew how to get the job done. I often felt like working for him was like throwing out the tracks while the train was in motion! Opportunities are here, and we have to get on board even if things aren’t perfect. I’m learning to build in the midst of imperfection and ask for help along the way.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I’m a lover of knowledge and I’m a sponge. I have been able to glean and apply ideas and principles to my business through many sources. To me, everything is a learning opportunity.
One such source is Will Guidara’s book, “Unreasonable Hospitality.” As a restaurateur based in New York City, Guidara’s insights into leadership, teamwork, and hospitality have been invaluable to me, particularly in the early stages of laying the foundation for my business. His wisdom, such as “hire the person, not the resume,” resonates deeply with my aim to assembling a team focused on serving our clients and fostering a supportive environment.
Guidara’s emphasis on creating memorable experiences has become a guiding principle for WorldBridge Protocol, even as we navigate the early stages of development. While we may be just starting out, I’m committed to instilling a culture of exceptional service and creating environments where both our clients and team members feel valued and supported.
In addition to Guidara’s book, I’ve also found inspiration in the story and entrepreneurial spirit of Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts. Her journey has served as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, determination, and innovation in overcoming challenges and achieving success. And her success goes beyond one sector and shows the power of reinvention. By drawing insights from both Guidara and Johnson, I’m continually shaping and refining my approach to building WorldBridge Protocol.
In essence, hospitality, like culture, permeates every aspect of our business. It’s a fundamental element that shapes the experiences we create and the relationships we foster. By embracing these principles and learning from diverse sources, I’m confident that WorldBridge Protocol will continue to evolve and thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: worldbridgeprotocol.com
- Instagram: @worldbridgeprotocol & @wellthyleague
- Other: worldbridgeprotocol@gmail.com thewellthyleague@gmail.com