empanda’s Post

Last year, we conducted an internal study to explore how our global staff composition influences our identity as an international Global South organization and shapes the research we do. The results of this study led us to do some reflecting on how we practice diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Busara. In this Groundwork, Stanley Ngugi and Mareike Schomerus write about our approach to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Busara. They outline our philosophy that highlighting differences first makes the conversation less open and as such, rather than thinking of apples and oranges, we should see it as comparing oranges to oranges. What does this mean? And how do we apply this to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all our stakeholders? Read the Groundwork to find out: https://lnkd.in/gcYGiuXR 

🌏Celebrating 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 in BAT 𝐀𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐀 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡! 🎊    To celebrate Cultural Diversity Day in APMEA North, our offices in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong united in a vibrant celebration.   We highlighted the day with an enriching fireside chat session where our new values champion, Martin Grover, who led the conversation, creating a space where every voice was heard. Emma Dean and YongShin Kim, our esteemed speakers, illuminated the session with their insightful answers during a fiery Q&A. Their perspectives not only inspired but also ignited meaningful dialogue on how we can foster a more #TrulyInclusive work environment together.   Across our end market offices, a vibrant tapestry of cultures illuminated our recent events, celebrating the diversity within APMEA North. The events were filled with engaging game booths, employees proudly wore their national costumes to honour our cultural identities, a delightful variety of cultural cuisines, and fun quizzes centered around cultural topics that added to the excitement.   At BAT, we believe that #TrulyInclusive is not just one of our values but a way of life. These events are not merely celebrations but opportunities to weave the fabric of inclusion tighter within our organization. By embracing and celebrating our differences, we pave the way for a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Here's to a future where diversity isn't just celebrated on special occasions but ingrained in our everyday interactions, driving innovation, understanding, and harmony.     #CulturalDiversityDay #TrulyInclusive #BAT #APMEANorth #Culture

🌟 Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month 🌟 As May unfolds, it brings with it a profound opportunity for us to come together in celebration of the vibrant tapestry of cultures that enrich our society. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is not just a commemoration; it's a testament to the invaluable contributions and resilience of these communities. Like so many of us, I am steadfast in my commitment to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our differences. As an ally, I am deeply inspired by the stories, traditions, and achievements of our colleagues of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage. Their voices, experiences, and perspectives are integral to our shared success and growth. Whether a part of the AANHPI community or an ally, it's incumbent upon us to actively listen, learn, and amplify the voices of those whose experiences differ from our own. Let's seize this moment to deepen our understanding, strengthen our bonds, and stand in solidarity with our colleagues and friends. 🌺 How do you plan to support and honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? Your partnership matters—share your thoughts and join the conversation! 🌺 #aanhpiheritagemonth #diversityandinclusion #celebratingculture

𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 In Ryde, a community that embraces over 110 nationalities, diversity truly blossoms. This is the place I call home - a place where I became an Australian citizen, surrounded by friends from every continent, united in being part of this country. Here, our gatherings are rich with the spirit of inclusion, a tapestry of cultures, stories, and connections. Ryde’s multiculturalism serves as a beautiful reminder of the potential for inclusivity in all communities. While not every place shares this level of diversity, the values of understanding and belonging transcend boundaries, bringing us closer together no matter where we are. Sometimes, the barriers we build between us are invisible - shaped by unconscious biases we don’t even realise we carry. Tools like the Harvard Implicit Association Test, endorsed by Diversity Council Australia Ltd, help us uncover these biases and open our hearts to the people around us. It’s through this awareness that we unlock true empathy, allowing us to see each other not as strangers, but as human beings worthy of respect and care. When leaders - at all levels - recognise their biases, they can: • 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆, building deeper, more meaningful relationships. • 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 in recruitment, leadership, and everyday interactions. • 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 in a way that creates lasting success for everyone. With greater awareness comes compassion, shaping decisions that create environments where everyone—whether at work, in healthcare, or education—feels like they belong. But it starts with each of us. What small step will you take today to ensure that everyone in your world feels valued and celebrated? 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲. #Inclusion #Action #SmallSteps

Embracing the Colors of Corporate Life: Inspiring Lessons from Holi's Legends 🌈 As we celebrate the joyous festival of Holi, let's infuse our corporate journey with positivity and inspiration drawn from the tales of Holika, Prahlad, and Hiranyakashyap. Hiranyakashyap, driven by ambition and power, reminds us of the potential for leadership to uplift and empower. While his methods may have been flawed, his determination and vision can inspire us to strive for excellence in our professional endeavors. Let's harness his ambition positively, aiming not just for personal success but for the greater good of our teams and organizations. Prahlad's unwavering integrity and resilience serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to ethical leadership and enduring success. In the face of adversity, let's emulate his courage and commitment to truth, knowing that integrity is the foundation upon which sustainable growth and prosperity are built. Holika, though manipulated by Hiranyakashyap, teaches us the power of redemption and transformation. Just as she ultimately renounced her malicious intentions, we too can learn from our mistakes, embrace change, and strive to create positive impact in our workplaces and beyond. As we come together to celebrate Holi, let's weave the vibrant hues of these legends into the fabric of our corporate culture. Let's cultivate a spirit of ambition tempered with empathy, integrity, and resilience. Let's empower each other to rise above challenges, foster collaboration, and create workplaces where every individual can thrive and flourish. Here's to a colorful and fulfilling journey ahead! #HappyHoli #PositiveCorporateCulture #Inspiration #leadership #buranamano #Holihai #legends 🎉🎨

May 21 - Day of Cultural Diversity for Peace and Development - reminds us that learning from diverse cultures both enriches us and strengthens bonds of mutual understanding and respect. By promoting cultural diversity, we pave the way for inclusive growth, harmonious coexistence, and a more peaceful, prosperous society for everyone. https://lnkd.in/dvBpGNas

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time for us to recognize and honor the contributions of the AAPI community across the globe. Our LinkedIn Asian Alliance (LIAA) ERG is embracing the theme of “Empowering Asian Voices,” to uplift and make connections that create value for us all. The theme makes me reflect on the critical role of allies in helping to empower and creating belonging experiences for those around us, including our AAPI colleagues. The power of Belonging is about making people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they truly are. At LinkedIn, we intentionally focus on belonging and embed it in the fabric of how we do our work. We drive the importance of allyship by creating a culture that’s grounded in daily, meaningful interactions and requires an effort from every person. This work begins by understanding what belonging means to our peers, our teams, and communities we may not be a part of.     I encourage each of you to engage in learning to better understand what it means to actively create a culture of allyship for AAPI professionals. With increased knowledge, it gives us the tools to empower Asian voices in a manner that effectively supports the career advancement of AAPI professionals and celebrating the diversity of our colleagues. As we increase belonging experiences for our colleagues, we can create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive. #AHM

🌟 Happy Holi! 🌈 As we celebrate this vibrant festival, let's not forget the invaluable lessons it offers beyond the realms of tradition. Holi is a reminder to embrace diversity, build relationships, encourage innovation, and pursue growth—values that are just as important in the corporate world. 🎨 Diversity is the key to success, just like the myriad colors that come together to create a beautiful canvas. Holi reminds us to celebrate our differences and harness the unique strengths that each individual brings to the table. 🤝 Nurturing professional relationships is paramount for success in the business world. Let's take inspiration from Holi to bridge gaps, foster trust, and cultivate strong networks within our professional spheres. 💡 The playful spirit of Holi encourages innovation and creativity. As professionals, let's embrace this spirit to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and drive positive change within our organizations. 🌱 Just as Holi marks the arrival of spring and new beginnings, let's use this time to reflect on our goals, shed old habits, and embrace opportunities for growth and development in our careers. Let's make every day a celebration of diversity, relationships, innovation, and growth—taking inspiration from the beautiful tradition of Holi. Wishing everyone a colorful and prosperous journey ahead! #HappyHoli #Diversity #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth

🌟 Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May 2024 🌏 🌟 This May, DEIPeople.com honor the rich history, vibrant cultures, and invaluable contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in our communities and workplaces. At DEIPeople.com, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. 🔹 **Embrace Cultural Competence**: Engage with resources and training opportunities to understand and appreciate the complexities of AAPI experiences and histories. Let’s move beyond acknowledgment into action by integrating this knowledge into our daily practices and decision-making. 🌏 **Support AAPI Businesses**: Commit to supporting AAPI-owned businesses. It’s not just about economic growth; it’s about recognizing and valuing the impact of AAPI entrepreneurs within our communities. Explore partnerships that amplify their work and contribute to their sustainability. 💕 **Promote AAPI Representation**: Advocate for equitable representation in all levels of your organization. From leadership roles to project teams, ensure that AAPI voices are heard and their perspectives are considered, reflecting the true diversity of our society. 🔹 **Foster Safe Workspaces**: Implement and enforce policies that protect against discrimination and xenophobia. Create spaces where AAPI employees feel safe, respected, and valued. ☀ **Celebrate AAPI Stories**: Highlight the stories of AAPI leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes within your organization and community. Share these narratives through your networks to educate, inspire, and cultivate a deeper connection among your teams. As we celebrate this month, let’s commit to these actions not just in May but throughout the year. Together, we can build a more inclusive world that recognizes and honors the diverse tapestries of all cultures. #AAPIHeritageMonth #DiversityandInclusion #CulturalCompetence #SupportAAPI #DEIPeople #DEIPeople.com

Bubble tea, a Taiwanese classic that has become a global favourite, is at the center of a cultural debate. While non-Taiwanese brands from South Korea to Starbucks have introduced their versions of boba without backlash, the recent pitch by Bobba has sparked discussions about cultural appropriation. Why did this brand’s approach hit a nerve? If you are interested in exploring this vital conversation and learning how to navigate cultural intersections thoughtfully, I encourage you to take a read! #CulturalAppropriation #BubbleTea #culture #CulturalFusion #RespectfulInnovation #BridgingCultures