#017 : Cultural Authenticity. The importance of support networks, creating safe spaces and the need for companies to be brave to take a first step forward
This week I share a fascinating conversation I had with Tara Safaie right at the end of 2022. Tara is a director, managing the portfolio for IDEOs Health group. She works closely with clients who aim to use design to change their organisation in human centred ways. Tara is also a first generation Iranian-American who speaks openly about the impact the situation in Iran is having on her and how she authentically shows up.
What you’ll hear about:
The overlapping venn diagram between the person in and out of work
Balancing the impact of the news coming out of Iran as a first generation Iranian american with work life
Recognising at times in life you need your close friends and family around to allow you to really show up authentically
Creating community to have a safe spaces/forums to share/process information
Be kind to yourself & don’t be afraid to sit with your fear
The importance of building deeper connections to engage with people than high level click-bait on social media
The importance of company culture in allowing you to show up authentically
The shift in how companies are thinking about how they can support people showing up as their whole selves to work
The deliberate rise to centre stage of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace
Don’t worry about getting everything perfect. Just get started.
We need to recognise that change is hard and as much as we may want to change we’re fighting against a number of forces
The power of human centred design
The need for companies to rethink and design their office spaces post pandemic. Implementing ideas like critical mass day
Consideration into the impact of incentives
Weekly Challenge : Find a hidden incentive
Power of Music : Welcome to the Jungle - Guns and Roses
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