Decoding DEI - From a nomadic childhood perspective

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My childhood was characterized by constant movement, relocating every two to three years from the age of eight to sixteen. Each move presented the challenge of integrating into new social circles, where language barriers often compounded the difficulty. It took some time to gain entry, be heard , be understood and perhaps be liked and just as I began to find my place, it was time to move again.

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My journey taught me that DEI extends beyond the confines of corporate world—it is a mindset that can be cultivated from a young age. And when embraced fully, DEI transcends the notion of being a mere effort or checkbox; it evolves into a natural part of one's existence.

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5 key lessons I learnt from my nomadic childhood, that I believe can nurture a DEI-focused mindset from an early age:

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1)?Welcoming Gesture: It's not about grand gestures; sometimes, all it takes to make someone feel included is a simple extension of kindness and openness. Example , to extend a helping hand to a "new kid" on the block can be a good start

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2)?Encouraging Voices: Actively creating opportunities for others to express themselves is crucial. It can start with something as simple as asking for an opinion or encouraging someone to share his/her thoughts who hasn’t had an opportunity to be heard

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3)?Valuing Diverse Perspectives: Encountering unfamiliar viewpoints, especially those stemming from diverse backgrounds, should be an opportunity for growth, not a reason for dismissal. Keeping an open mind and practicing active listening can unveil invaluable insights.For instance: someone else joins from a different region/industry and his/her approach to a problem is alien to you or to your group, may be you want to sleep over it and not shoot it down.

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4)?Leading by Example: Demonstrating inclusivity can inspire others to explore beyond their comfort zones. Taking the initial step towards understanding and integration can dismantle barriers and foster a more inclusive environment.

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5)?Fostering Unity Through Collective Goals: Engaging in collective activities, such as competitions or community events, can be a powerful tool in easing tensions and building a sense of team cohesion. Shared goals have a unique way of bringing people together. Remeber the time you went for an inter school competition and how it was your team versus their team :)

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My experiences have instilled in me the belief that DEI is not just a professional imperative but a fundamental aspect of human interaction and growth. Did you also have similar encounters while growing up?

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