YSPN Pulse - October Edition

I’m friends with a very humble and young couple who moved from Punjab to Brisbane last year for study and this week their world fell apart.

I could tell something was wrong because they took a lot longer to respond to my calls and texts, however, I managed to meet up and find out what was happening.

Unfortunately, they had spent the majority of their savings on a new visa, which had been rejected. I think you can probably sympathise that seeing a notification pop up on your phone which starts with ‘VISA REFUSION NOTIFICATION’ and receiving no call or support from the agent who led you to believe you’ll be ‘guaranteed’ a visa could be incredibly distressing.

They were already living hand to mouth resulting in sleepless nights worrying where the next paycheck was coming from, but the stress was being compounded as the husband was struggling with finding a new job with his limited qualifications and English fluency.

While there are so many issues I could go into around indirect discrimination, unethical business owners (many sadly within our community), and challenges with navigating the system as a migrant, two realisations struck me….

They were: privilege and responsibility.

1. I’ve taken the privilege of growing up as an Australian Citizen, being fluent in English, going through the tertiary education system, understanding the cultural/work practices, and having ‘local’ experience, for granted.
2. I’ve also realised the weight of the responsibility to help those in need especially if we have the capacity and ability to.

I know everyone might have a different view on helping those in need (whether they’re migrants, other professionals, friends, or family) and I’ve been reflecting on what’s the point in me having built all of these skills, networks, and capabilities to contribute to causes outside of work?

The personal commitment I vowed to strengthen after this incident with my friends was that: if I’m in a position of privilege, it’s my responsibility to act and assist where I can.

It can be as small as:

• Leveraging trusted connections to provide assistance
• Improving their confidence by correcting their grammar via text or call
• Sharing tips on business/cultural practices

The end of the year is upon us and we’ve got several great events lined up in November that will help to build your wellness/resilience capabilities as well as network with your fellow peers and the broader community (there might be opportunities to even give back and help others??). Check them out below.

As always, reach out if you have any questions or ever want to just get in touch [email protected]. I read and respond to every message.

To your success, Amardeep Singh Gill

P.S. - There are a still number of volunteer roles we’re looking for within YSPN which you can find here. Specifically, we are looking for a Brisbane and Sydney Events Lead, those with web design/technology experience, and those who are interested in Project Management.

P.P.S. - YSPN also is gearing up to co-deliver the 2024 Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence, so if you’re keen on volunteering for that initiative to increase the visibility and perceptions of Sikhs in Australia, please apply here.

News & Events

You didn't think we'd end 2023 softly did you? Our national events calendar is jam-packed with 4 events ready and waiting for you to register. Click on the links below and register ???

Join us for an exhilarating evening of connection and knowledge at the November Speed Networking and Trivia Night Event! RSVP here.

Join us for a dynamic event where we'll delve into personal growth, leadership insights, and inspiring stories with our three special guests. Don't miss this exhilarating experience! RSVP here.

Dive into a night of savory connections at Gateway to India with YSPN Brisbane. Engage, network, and flourish among young Sikh professionals. RSVP here.

Coming Soon...

Movers & Shakers

Welcome onboard! Ishaan Singh, with his experience in the corporate sector, joins the YSPN digital events team to grow our online events calendar.

Our Marketing Team is Growing! Welcome onboard Gagandeep Kour who has joined the YSPN marketing team to share her wealth of knowledge to extend the reach of YSPN across the globe!

Have you been promoted recently? Or looking to fill a position? To be featured,?drop us an email.

Book Club???

• With two months left of '23, many of us YSPNers are looking ahead to?'24 and adding?The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey?to our reading list for November. Referred to as one of the best?books to help you work, communicate, and manage better.?This?classic read presents a principle-centered approach to solving both personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and practical anecdotes, Stephen R. Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity—principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates. Sounds familiar to our ethos behind ethical leadership at YSPN, right? DM us and let us know what you think! ?
• Make sure you've subscribed to our?Eventbrite page?it's where you'll get?news of our latest events. And,?If you haven't already, stay up to date with us on?Instagram,?LinkedIn?and?Facebook.

Let's get Social

A huge thank you to Raman Singh for sharing practical tips on how you can create stronger first impressions to enhance your networking and visibility.

Some takeaways from the event were:

• You need to get good at making and keeping connections with people you can learn from. LinkedIn can help keep up with people's journeys.
• How you treat other people and your energy in the workplace helps with networking.
• Embracing your ‘difference’ is the most significant opportunity for you to stand out. Learn to handle rejection about your differences and deeply reflect on whether they had to do with your identity or your performance - isn't always one or the other.
• Connect in a way that evokes emotional reaction/connection so they remember you.
• Be open about your challenges to build character and relationships with other people - people will see you as a human being.
• Networking fails when it's robotic and impersonal - be vulnerable and have a purpose and people will help you find a solution. Here are the glimpses of our latest event.

As we journey towards a more just and compassionate world, remember, it's not just news; it's the heartbeat of change. Stay inspired, stay connected, and stay tuned for the next edition of YSPN Pulse!