Gita Yitta Of DenScore On Why Cultural Sensitivity Matters in Business

An Interview With Vanessa Ogle

Not all of us have similar experiences. We each bring a unique perspective and that should be shared. For example, some of us may have lived in a different country or are fluent in a second language.

In today’s globalized world, understanding and respecting cultural differences is not just a moral imperative, it’s a business necessity. Cultural sensitivity in business goes beyond mere awareness; it’s about actively adapting and responding to the diverse cultural landscapes in which businesses operate. This is crucial for building successful, respectful, and inclusive working environments and for creating products and services that resonate with a diverse customer base. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Gita Yitta.

Gita has ten years of public health experience serving Medicaid members, veterans, and tribal communities. She holds multiple dental directorships to help improve healthcare outcomes using cost-effective, evidence-based care coordination. Her focus has been on understanding the impacts of dental policy on oral health equity. She received her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about cultural sensitivity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

My neighbor was a Dentist. I admired her career and thought it would be a stable profession.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

I was determined to start a career in dental administration. I wanted to use my dental degree in a different way, not just clinically. My career evolved in a way I never thought possible. I networked constantly. I did not anticipate I would hold multiple directorships. There is a sense of relief that my years of hard work were worth the effort.

You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Persistence. I never give up when it comes to finding opportunities for myself or others. I make introductions often and try to help as many colleagues as I can.

Motivation. I have an intense work ethic when it comes to project management. I can manage many things at once.

The power to say no. This might be a polarizing one, but I do set work boundaries for myself.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. How do you define cultural sensitivity in the context of your business, and why is it important for your company’s success?

My focus is dental public health. Cultural sensitivity is at the core of providing care to underserved communities. I started a Dental Study Club that offers cultural competency training because it is becoming an essential course in my profession. When treating patients, it is important to understand social determinants of health and barriers to care to best help people who may need more assistance when they come for dental services.

Can you share an experience where cultural sensitivity significantly impacted a business decision or client relationship?

I recently attended a course and was surprised by some of the questions asked related to cultural differences. I thought to myself this is exactly why we need more education in this area.

What strategies do you employ to foster a culturally sensitive environment within your team or organization?

I think good communication about intent is critical. What I think is obvious might not be to someone else.

How do you handle situations where cultural misunderstandings or conflicts arise in the workplace?

Honest communication is the key to resolving issues and moving on from conflict. Oftentimes, things are left unsaid, and it creates more resentment and misunderstanding.

Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Reasons Why Cultural Sensitivity is So Important in Business?”

1 . Not all of us have similar experiences. We each bring a unique perspective and that should be shared. For example, some of us may have lived in a different country or are fluent in a second language.

2 . Not everyone finds the same joke funny.

3 . It promotes a safe workplace. Setting a positive tone at a company is necessary to prevent negative conflict.

4 . It can help with networking. Having similar goals related to cultural sensitivity can initiate interesting conversation.

5 . It is the right thing to do. For so long, a lot of insensitivity was tolerated and even promoted. Now, more people are finding their voice and standing up to negativity.

In what ways has focusing on cultural sensitivity given your business a competitive edge or opened up new markets?

I feel my interest in public health has made me more marketable for a variety of positions. A big part of public health are the topics of cultural competency and health equity, areas which I feel very comfortable discussing.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I would do a big event for group engagement. Post-pandemic morale has been at an all-time low. I would like to see more people come out and participate.

How can our readers further follow you online?

Please visit navigation.denscore.com.

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.

Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.