There’s an previous adage in regards to the US and UK being two international locations divided by a typical language, a neat reference to the tradition conflict between these nations, regardless of their many similarities.
And I’m well-versed within the variations. As a British technologist newly resident in New York, I’ve been observing this transatlantic schism within the tech sector – and have come to understand that understanding and embracing the cultural dynamics of every market is crucial: tech experience alone isn’t sufficient.
Latest political shifts have solely added to the complexity. President Donald Trump’s imposition of a ten% tariff on UK exports highlights how enterprise interactions between our international locations can typically be as a lot about competitors as cooperation.
Whereas it’s potential Brits is perhaps falling a bit out of affection with the USA, I consider there’s a lot to find out about tech success from the important thing cultural distinctions between the UK and the US, whether or not you intend to work Stateside or not.
Conceitedness versus self-confidence, understatement that dangers underselling your self, the stifling of innovation by worry of failure: the variations are wealthy in classes that may pave the best way to success.
Listed here are 5 enterprise insights into the UK/US tech hole from my UK tech perspective.
1. Problem your assumptions about who’s who in tech
Within the UK, tech folks have a form of radar enabling them to rapidly determine different techies: we regularly share a language and tone that marks us out. In my expertise, this isn’t the case within the US, the place tech specialists don’t match a sure mould. If I needed to guess why, I’d say it’s as a result of there’s a a lot nearer connection between tech and entrepreneurship within the US. That entrepreneurial spirit is mirrored within the knowledge: GoDaddy’s newest Enterprise Ahead research discovered that 72% of American entrepreneurs are optimistic about their enterprise prospects, in comparison with simply 55% of UK entrepreneurs—and 60% of US microbusiness homeowners trust of their economic system versus solely 42% within the UK.
This optimism speaks to a broader mindset—one the place techies within the US have usually spent as a lot time honing their entrepreneurial instincts as their technical abilities, supported by a broader tradition of risk-taking and experimentation. The sensible takeaway? Don’t make lazy assumptions about colleagues’ talent units. Sticking to a inflexible concept of what somebody in any trade seems to be and acts like is finally self-defeating.
2. Dare to dream – and to fail
Wish to fly to Mars? Invent a brand new foreign money? Go for it! The UK tech neighborhood tends to be extremely sceptical about supposedly game-changing tech. From ChatGPT to cryptocurrency, I’ve observed the prevailing method within the UK is to interrupt the proposition down into its element elements to show why it could possibly’t work. The US, in the meantime, is rather more snug backing moonshots. Whereas these might not all the time come off, a extra constructive mindset results in a better openness round innovation – and a real perception that failure isn’t just OK, however an important step on the street to success.
There’s a sketch by Brit comic Al Murray, during which he talks in regards to the ‘American Dream’ and says “we don’t have desires in Britain as a result of we’re awake.” Humorous, sure, however typically being too hooked up to scepticism hinders progress. A current GEM survey discovered that 57% of UK adults who had already recognized good enterprise alternatives stated worry of failure stopped them from appearing on it. The American willingness to dream the not possible is what may give an organization the aggressive edge.
3. Have fun ambition – yours and others’
Modesty could also be a advantage within the UK, however it could possibly stifle progress. Within the US, success is one thing to applaud, not downplay – and that mindset fuels innovation. A 2024 Randstad survey of 27,000 staff worldwide discovered the UK to be nice at hiding ambition, with solely 28% feeling they might be open with their employer about wanting profession development, versus a worldwide common of 46%. The issue with the UK’s mindset is that it could possibly instil a worry of failure; individuals don’t goal excessive in case they’re met with a refrain of ‘I informed you so’. Within the US, you may be formidable with out worry of mockery. That affection for the entrepreneurial intuition and for ambition pays dividends when it comes to tech innovation and management.
4. Say what you imply – and imply what you say
The UK has a posh hierarchy of socio-cultural motifs that may entrench mental and industrial silos, which aren’t conducive to collaboration and information-sharing. This concept is neatly articulated by creator Erin Meyer who talks in regards to the distinction between “excessive context” and “low context” cultures. Meyer’s level is that in high-context cultures just like the UK, communication is refined, nuanced and layered. Messages are sometimes implied however not plainly acknowledged, making it arduous to understand true that means in case you don’t have the within monitor. Against this Meyer identifies the US as having a low context tradition with a bent in direction of easy and direct communication. This US choice for readability and openness makes collaboration simpler and extra environment friendly. The American Dream is perhaps an imperfect ideally suited, however the cultural boundaries to success are undoubtedly decrease.
5. Communicate up – hierarchies are flatter than they appear
Each stateside and within the UK your boss is your boss and naturally it’s worthwhile to be delicate to that: US corporations don’t have any downside firing underperformers or time-wasters. However on the similar time, US tech tradition values initiative and concepts from all ranges. If in case you have that ‘Eureka second’, don’t be afraid to convey it to the eye of the corporate’s management. That is very true within the tech sector, the place so many corporations have a start-up mentality. Casual interactions that may assist enhance an organization’s efficiency are usually welcomed. What’s extra, American bosses actually respect individuals who converse up – you gained’t get any recognition for staying small and in your lane.
The UK and US might share code, however not tradition—and that’s a much bigger deal than we admit.
From the US’s can-do mindset and luxury with danger, to a extra open method to ambition and entrepreneurship, there’s quite a bit we will borrow to spice up our personal affect. For UK technologists, it’s not about ditching who we’re—it’s about staying curious, adapting, and studying to play throughout each fields.
Zoe Cunningham is an award-winning expertise skilled and presently a Director of Softwire Know-how, voted the #1 Greatest Place to Work within the UK in 2024. She gained Enterprise Chief of the 12 months on the UK Girls in IT Awards 2019 and has been chosen by the BBC because the Brightest Lady in Britain. Zoe has printed three books, together with “Galvanising the Geeks” the tech leaders’ handbook for uplifting technical groups. Zoe additionally works as an actor and she or he just lately performed the lead position in Marianna Dean’s debut sci-fi thriller Breaking Infinity (obtainable to stream on-line now).
