About JAM CQ

JAM CQ started as a conversation between two friends who saw the same challenges unfold in international spaces and thought some more cultural intelligence could really change the world.

Alice Shin and I (Jenny Abamu) met at Columbia University about ten years ago but it wasn’t until recently that we found ourselves swapping stories about dominating in worlds that weren’t built with us in mind.

As a Korean-American and Nigerian-American duo, our lives had been shaped by learning to move between cultures—adapting, co-switching, and decoding the unspoken rules of every space we entered.

It wasn’t just survival—it became our strength. Through our conversation we realized that understanding cultural nuances wasn’t just personally enriching; it was a game-changer in our careers. From boardrooms in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to bustling trade shows in Beijing, China, our shared ability to embrace cultural intelligence had opened doors, turned skeptics into allies, and helped us thrive in environments many found daunting.

But we also noticed a gap: while large corporations could afford to invest in cultural intelligence, smaller businesses, women, and minority entrepreneurs were often left behind. They had the ambition and ideas, but lacked the tools and insights to safely make the leap into unknown cultural territories and seize global opportunities. That’s where we come in.

Enter JAM CQ

JAM CQ is your guide to succeeding in a globalized business world through the power of cultural intelligence.

Our platform combines engaging storytelling, actionable insights, and practical tools to help you navigate new markets, build meaningful connections, and unlock international opportunities.

We believe that cultural intelligence is a competitive edge—one that should be accessible, relatable, and tailored for professionals and businesses at every stage of their global journey.

Why Subscribe?

By subscribing to JAM CQ, you’ll gain:

Exclusive Insights: Access stories and strategies that uncover untapped opportunities in high-growth markets like Saudi Arabia, Japan, and beyond.

Cultural Intelligence Tools: Learn the norms, practices, and unspoken rules of global markets to set yourself apart.

Community Connection: Join a network of globally minded professionals passionate about breaking barriers and creating change.

Whether you’re a small business owner looking to expand internationally, a corporate leader navigating global trends, or simply someone curious about the world, JAM CQ is your guide.

About Our Verticals

From policy to case studies to lifestyle, we bring you the most interesting stories from around the world. This is how Cultural Intelligence shapes industries and impacts the way we work and live.

CQ in Technology:

Unlock the Billion-Dollar AI Boom

Discover how innovation hubs like Dubai and Riyadh are shaping the future of artificial intelligence with unprecedented investments. Stay ahead of the curve by learning what these advancements mean for your business, from cutting-edge technologies to transformative market opportunities.

CQ in Education & Workforce Development:

The Global Race for Talent Starts Here

Universities are scouting new markets, and countries are vying for the brightest minds. Learn where the next wave of global talent is emerging and how you can tap into these dynamic shifts to fuel your business or organization’s growth.

CQ in Wellness and Lifestyle:

Live Well, Think Globally

From international food movements to globally inspired health trends, this vertical explores how wellness and lifestyle intersect with cultural intelligence. Discover the habits, cuisines, and trends redefining what it means to live a cosmopolitan life.

Subscriber Levels and What You Get

1. Free Subscriber

For those curious to get a feel of JAM CQ’s global insights.

This includes:

  • Limited Access: Preview select articles across verticals, like AI in the Gulf and Global Women Disruptors.

  • Invites to Free Virtual Events: Receive invitations to select events and discussions hosted by JAM CQ.

  • Access to Public Comments: Participate in open discussions on JAM CQ’s articles with other readers.

2. Premium Subscriber – $10/month

Unlock full access to JAM CQ’s deep dives into global markets and cultural strategies.

This includes:

  • Full Newsletter: Access to all articles, including AI in the Gulf, New Markets are BRAT, My Cosmopolitan Life, and more.

  • Discounted Event Access: Enjoy member prices for in-person and virtual events.

  • Early Event Invites: Be the first to know about upcoming events and networking opportunities.

  • JAM CQ Quarterly Magazine: Dive into JAM CQ’s entire archive of past articles and premium content in a clean magazine format.

  • Access to Public Comments: Participate in open discussions on JAM CQ’s articles with other readers.

3. Founding Member – $360/year

Be part of the core community that makes Jam CQ thrive and enjoy exclusive perks.

This includes everything in Premium Tier, plus:

  • Free VIP Event Access: Automatically receive invites and attend JAM CQ exclusive networking events for free.

  • Founding Member Recognition: Your name listed as a Founding Member on the website and in the newsletter.

  • Free Swag: Receive a JAM CQ tote bag or other swag as a token of appreciation and support.

  • Exclusive Member Discussions: Participate in private Q&A sessions and community-building discussions with Jam CQ leadership.

3. Direct-to-Inbox Convenience

We know you’re busy, which is why we make it easy for you to never miss an update. Every article, report, and analysis is sent directly to your inbox—no spam. Just quality content tailored for professionals like you.

4. Be Part of a Global Community

JAM CQ isn’t just a newsletter—it’s a community of curious, forward-thinking individuals from around the world. As a subscriber, you’ll get the chance to:

• Join our community discussions in the comments section

• Participate in exclusive events, virtual happy hours, guest talks, and live discussions with industry leaders.

5. Our Editorial Policy

All editorial content is produced independently. Sponsored content and advertisements will be clearly labeled as such. While our writing informs our business and software products and vice versa, we maintain strict standards of fact-checking, relying on first-person accounts and trusted sources for information. We also use trained AI tools alongside human expertise to ensure accuracy and quality in our content.

Meet the Team

At JAM CQ, we bring together a diverse team with expertise in international business, diplomacy, and media. Here are some of the people behind the insights you receive every week:

Jenny Abamu: Editor-in-Chief. Former U.S. diplomat and international journalist with a passion for global market entry and cultural intelligence.

Alice Shin: Chief Executive Officer. Professional leadership coach and product developer with years of international business experience. Y Combinator survivor.

Muhammad Dabbour: Research and Media Analyst & Trainer. Muhammad supports our Middle East coverage, providing expert analysis on business, technology, and policy developments across the Gulf and broader Middle East region. Lover of literature and expert on working with Americans in international settings.

Together, our team brings a unique mix of global expertise and passion for storytelling, making JAM CQ your go-to source for navigating international business and culture.

Subscribe Today and Unlock Global Insights

Join us today to get direct access to the information that matters most for your professional and personal growth.

Consultancy Services

JAM CQ is a product of JAM Global Strategies, a business specializing in global market entry and cultural intelligence.

While JAM CQ maintains full editorial independence in the publication. Our content is never influenced or tainted by the business services we provide. We are committed to delivering unbiased, fact-based information to our readers, ensuring transparency in how we gather and present our insights.

Subscribe to JAM CQ

A weekly publication covering cultural intelligence + industry. If you love the headlines, subscribe! Become part of our crew and read about CQ in technology, CQ in education and workforce, and CQ in wellness and lifestyle.

People

A publication for the cultured + tech-savvy, entrepreneurs, creatives, and global leaders.