At Hugendubel in Frankfurt, I discovered my own book in inspiring company: right in front of it lays Karin Lausch’s “Feel Safe. Be Brave.” The title intrigued me, so I took it with me.
Her book shows impressively how psychological safety becomes the launchpad for courageous behaviour. In teams, in leadership, and within ourselves. I was particularly drawn to pages 34 to 37, where Lausch describes the principles Taylor Swift lives by to create a community in which people feel safe, understood, and held.
Taylor Swift shows herself as she is. She stands for something. She takes risks. She puts people at the centre and shares her imperfections, as Lausch writes. That is precisely why Swift is part of my Business Ethics course at Albstadt‑Sigmaringen University. In our module on “Diversity & Inclusion,” we analyse one of her songs, a clear message against the double standards women face compared to men. A true ode to equality.
I’ve witnessed the enthusiasm around Taylor Swift in Sydney and Singapore, where I happened to be near her concerts — though not yet in the audience. Impressive. Perhaps it’s time to change that and add “The Man” to my playlist.
And this brings me back to my own book. “Prepare for Landing” shows that psychological safety is the prerequisite for people in intercultural contexts to find the courage to open up, address misunderstandings, and build genuine collaboration. Leadership becomes effective only when it creates spaces where diversity is not just visible but lived without fear.
“The human being is at the centre. The experience as human. That’s how it works,” as I write right at the beginning on page 7. In the end, it’s clear to me: psychological safety is the quiet force that allows diversity to shine and makes leadership truly human.
And now I am interested: Where have you experienced that diversity only becomes powerful when people feel safe?
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I’m Bernd Scharbert, and I support leaders in bringing intercultural principles into everyday practice. It’s about seeing cultural differences not as obstacles but as strengths and creating real connection in globally composed teams.
You’re welcome to explore my book: “Prepare for Landing: Leitlinien für interkulturelle Führung.” Available in Germany wherever books are sold.
