Virtual collaboration is becoming more common, with teams spanning nations and time zones to achieve goals. Diverse teams, whether national or culturally dispersed, have shown high creativity and innovation when they choose to share knowledge and collaborate. Leaders must develop new skills and strategies to effectively manage such teams, promoting awareness of diversity and inclusive leadership. 

Purpose –

The purpose of this paper is to explore leadership practice in global organizations with diverse and culturally dispersed teams. 

Design/methodology/approach –

The study used an explorative qualitative methodology, collection of data was made in a case study, using non-participant field observations from 12 days of leadership training programs with 77 leaders in a global organization. Data was categorized using thematic analysis. 

Findings –

The findings underscore the importance of promoting diversity awareness and effective communication for collaboration. Operations strategically leverage diversity, providing structural guidance for inclusive leadership to foster innovation and collaboration.

Practical implications –

This study offers practical findings of the complexity of global management and diversity, this study offers empirical findings supporting the need of cultural intelligence, offering theoretical frameworks and practical leadership tools to consider.

Originality/value –

This paper contributes to the contemporary understanding of leadership practices, particularly in the realm of diversity management in global organizations. Future researchers are encouraged to explore collaboration and trust, connected to “Multiple belongings” and “Multiple goals” to further refine practical leadership approaches in complex global projects.