Wilbur Sargunaraj is a musician, speaker, and Cultural Intelligence Facilitator. His years of cross-cultural experience, combined with his genuine love for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, have given him a unique voice in the field of CQ.
Wilbur Sargunaraj is a musician, speaker, and Cultural Intelligence Facilitator. His years of cross-cultural experience, combined with his genuine love for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, have given him a unique voice in the field of CQ.
Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is one of the research-based forms of intelligences like IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Intelligence). CQ is your ability to function and relate effectively with people from different cultures and is a capability that anyone can develop.
Cultural intelligence helps us to move beyond tolerance and towards each other. It encourages us to break away from the “US vs. THEM” mindset that often divides societies. It enables us to stop being scared of differences, as we become more open-minded and interested in learning from new encounters. Culturally intelligent people successfully interact across cultural divides and bring unity as they recognize the value of each person and enter into meaningful relationships.
Wilbur Sargunaraj continues to redefine the musical landscape with his innovative fusion of cross-cultural sounds.
Blending diverse musical influences with a deep understanding of global cultures, his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. His latest collaboration with the Ngati Awa Tribe in Aotearoa, New Zealand led to the creation of the single “Whanaungatanga”.
Wilbur is currently touring the CQ Concert which is an immersive audio-visual experience, taking people on a musical journey around the world.
"Wilbur Sargunaraj has constructed an awesome blend of styles - all of it mixed with an electronic edge that accentuates his catchy melodies and burning grooves! A crafty songwriter, he is one of those composers and entertainers who's riding the wave of the future."
Complete discography on Spotify and Apple Music. Increase your cultural intelligence with the CQ Chats Podcast Show.
“Whanaungatanga” is a Māori principle meaning ‘connections’ or ‘kinship’ and is all about developing meaningful relationships and taking care of each other.
This song is a collaboration between the Ngati Awa Kapa Haka dancers in Aotearoa under the guidance of Dr. Pouroto Ngaropo from the Iramoko Marae and features some of New Zealand’s prominent musicians such as Horomona Horo, Turanga Morgan Edmonds, Amba Holly and Allana Goldsmith.
Working with the Arasan NZ Trust, Wilbur launched the song in Auckland, Aotearoa at the 2024 BNZ Festival in October. You can listen to him talk to CBC Radio about this special cross cultural collaboration
"With all the issues that we face throughout the world and at home here in Aotearoa, this song is timely and its spirit and main themes and expressions point to the importance of unity, kindness, respect, acknowledging one another in terms of who we are,and finding a pathway of unity with Aroha (love) as the key foundation."
Embark on a transformative journey to develop your Cultural Intelligence and build meaningful relationships with people from different cultures.
In Exploring Cultural Intelligence, Wilbur uses insightful and humorous stories from his travels to explore cultural values, cultural clusters, and the subtleties of unconscious bias.
This book is an invitation to confront our fears, move beyond tolerance, and embrace learning from others as we foster genuine connections across cultural divides.
"Many try to write about culture in a way that is both fun and practical, but few succeed as Wilbur has in this book!"
Exploring CQ (cultural intelligence) is a photo exhibition by cultural intelligence facilitator Wilbur Sargunaraj. The exhibit is a virtual journey which introduces people to the cultural intelligence framework with the goal of inspiring them to build bridges across cultural differences.
It is based on his book Exploring CQ: Building Relationships Using Cultural Intelligence, and the work of the GLOBE leadership study. Exploring CQ is a pioneering work which features Wilbur’s photographs from his global travels while he worked with various communities and organizations.
The relationships and friendships that were formed by these cross-cultural interactions are the inspiration behind the photo exhibit. The exhibition is available in gallery size and pop-up banner format.
“After bringing the Exploring CQ exhibition to our community, I was left with a feeling of hope. Apart from the stunning photographs this exhibition will give you simple and practical steps to begin the journey of increasing your cultural intelligence. If our youngest generation has guidance from the beginning on how to be culturally respectful and build good relationships, what a wonderful world this will be! I hope you get a chance to take in the Exploring CQ exhibition!”
Wilbur has pioneered the multi-faceted Exploring CQ Cultural Intelligence Festival, a series of interactive and ground-breaking CQ concert events, keynotes, exhibitions and workshops for all ages.
The goal of this festival is to help individuals and organizations navigate today’s multicultural complexities by sharing valuable knowledge and cultural intelligence training in an engaging way using music, workshops, and other media that that encourage active participation, challenge perspectives, and promote meaningful cultural exchange.
The festival can be tailored to span a single day or extend over several days, based on specific preferences.
“Wilbur invites us to travel with him into a world in which we celebrate difference and embrace the learning brought to us by newfound friends. Wilbur's curiosity offers us access to parts of ourselves that only come to life when we are encountering the other. He offers people questions that bring out the values of humility, vulnerability, acceptance, generosity, service, and simplicity--the values that make us our best human selves.”
Interactive sessions that help you build cultural awareness, improve communication, and navigate diverse environments. These workshops also provide a safe space to discuss stereotypes and unconscious bias, fostering open dialogue and personal growth.
Enjoy a live performance by Wilbur showcasing music as a universal language that promotes cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.
A fun and informal gathering where people share dishes from their cultures, fostering connection, conversation, and mutual understanding through food.
Learn the basics of cricket and explore its cultural significance in this hands-on workshop, offering a unique way to connect with diverse global traditions.
Wilbur is a dynamic and engaging keynote speaker, renowned for sharing compelling stories that captivate audiences. With a unique ability to connect on a personal level, he brings a blend of humor, insight, and thought-provoking perspectives to every presentation. His approach not only inspires but also challenges listeners to rethink their assumptions and embrace new ways of thinking, fostering growth and transformation.
Having delivered keynotes at a broad spectrum of educational institutions, from elementary schools to universities, as well as at corporate and organizational training events, Wilbur is passionate about empowering individuals to live more culturally intelligent lives.
He encourages learners to make a lasting, positive impact both locally and globally, fostering deeper connections and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Wilbur is a fantastic storyteller and consultant. His keynote about Cultural Intelligence and social media was greatly appreciated at our Airbus communications conference. He not only increased our understanding of Cultural Intelligence but he made us dance!
An interactive presentation tailored to young learners, focused on building empathy, understanding with an introduction to CQ.
A relatable keynote for teens, addressing topics like cultural awareness, inclusion, and self-worth.
Professional keynotes, offering valuable insights on enhancing cultural intelligence, complemented by engaging stories that illustrate real-world applications and deepen understanding.
If you’ve ever watched a Wilbur video or met him in person, you’re probably familiar with his signature Lungi Pants! Crafted from soft, high-quality cotton from Tamil Nadu, these ultra-comfortable, fair trade pants are the perfect way to step out in simple superstar style!
Whether it’s a concert, private event, exhibition or CQ festival, booking Wilbur guarantees a memorable experience that will keep your guests talking long after the event! Contact us today for availability, pricing and details!
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