Life Lessons Learned: A Relative Time Measurement . . . Miami Time
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
I got a relationship out of the deal. I got connected to one of the most wonderful, beautiful, talented, bright people I've ever met in my entire life.
Miami time is set up so that everything is delayed by at least 30 minutes, possibly an hour or more.
We showed up to many parties where we were the first guests because we, you know, we were told, "Hey, be here by 6." And the party didn't actually start until seven.
If I arrived when a meeting or an appointment was supposed to start I was late.
Creator's Tips & Advice
Questions This Creator Answers
YouTube Video Description↓
Working for Carnival Cruise Line didn’t just give me a career step—it introduced me to my wife, Snjezana, and dropped me into a multicultural life that included more than a decade in Miami. In this Life Lessons Learned episode, I share: How navigating Croatian culture, U.S. culture, and Miami’s Latin culture reshaped simple assumptions—starting with what it means to be “on time.” What “Miami time” looks like in practice: parties that start 30–60 minutes (or more) after the stated time, and the frustration that creates when you were trained that 15–30 minutes early is merely on time. The leadership takeaway: time is relative in many cultures, not absolute, and if you want things to start “on time,” you must account for cultural norms instead of assuming everyone shares your clock. If you work with global, diverse, or distributed teams, this story is a reminder to lead with cultural curiosity—especially around expectations that feel as basic as schedules and calendars.