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#285 Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

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Manage episode 498934349 series 2552237
Content provided by Leyla Okhai. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Leyla Okhai or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Welcome to the 285th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with this year's theme "Roots to Routes," I explore why we need to stop asking people "where they're really from" and how we can create more inclusive ways to understand someone's heritage and journey.

This episode explores the distinction between othering questions and genuine relationship-building, providing practical alternatives for cultivating authentic connections in the workplace.

Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

.stk-d6d5d95 {height:30px !important;}

In today’s show on Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

  • Exploring the meaning of roots (ancestry, heritage, belonging) and routes (life's journey, adaptability, growth) [00:59]
  • Why "where are you really from?" is problematic and creates "othering" in the workplace [02:46]
  • The difference between power imbalances and genuine cultural connection between peers [03:43]
  • How this question undermines identity, reinforces stereotypes, and creates feelings of not belonging [05:20]
  • Some practical alternatives for building genuine relationships before exploring heritage [08:06]

.stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}

Quotes on Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

  • It is like pressing on a bruise because it's subtly undermining a person's identity and reinforcing stereotypes.
  • Each of us carries a unique story shaped by our roots and the routes travelled to get to where we are.
  • This makes individuals feel like they don't belong, that they're outsiders, particularly in a workplace environment.
  • You don't have the right to know, because this makes individuals feel like they don't belong.
  • "Creating an environment where people can share their stories is not only beneficial for individual employees, but also boosts morale, engagement and retention across an organisation.".

.stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}

Resources for Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

.stk-0a30c05 {height:30px !important;}

Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

  continue reading

288 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 498934349 series 2552237
Content provided by Leyla Okhai. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Leyla Okhai or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Welcome to the 285th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with this year's theme "Roots to Routes," I explore why we need to stop asking people "where they're really from" and how we can create more inclusive ways to understand someone's heritage and journey.

This episode explores the distinction between othering questions and genuine relationship-building, providing practical alternatives for cultivating authentic connections in the workplace.

Listen to the episode

If you enjoyed this episode, then consider subscribing on Apple podcast, Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts from.

.stk-d6d5d95 {height:30px !important;}

In today’s show on Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

  • Exploring the meaning of roots (ancestry, heritage, belonging) and routes (life's journey, adaptability, growth) [00:59]
  • Why "where are you really from?" is problematic and creates "othering" in the workplace [02:46]
  • The difference between power imbalances and genuine cultural connection between peers [03:43]
  • How this question undermines identity, reinforces stereotypes, and creates feelings of not belonging [05:20]
  • Some practical alternatives for building genuine relationships before exploring heritage [08:06]

.stk-91ebae5 {height:30px !important;}

Quotes on Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

  • It is like pressing on a bruise because it's subtly undermining a person's identity and reinforcing stereotypes.
  • Each of us carries a unique story shaped by our roots and the routes travelled to get to where we are.
  • This makes individuals feel like they don't belong, that they're outsiders, particularly in a workplace environment.
  • You don't have the right to know, because this makes individuals feel like they don't belong.
  • "Creating an environment where people can share their stories is not only beneficial for individual employees, but also boosts morale, engagement and retention across an organisation.".

.stk-ba39a0c {height:30px !important;}

Resources for Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

.stk-0a30c05 {height:30px !important;}

Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC

  continue reading

288 episodes

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