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In this episode, I'm speaking with Shriya Ghate, who moved from India to the UK, back to India, and finally to Canada.
Shriya and I explore a theme that's often ignored; the starting line is different for immigrants. And for immigrant women, it's often miles behind everyone else.
She talks about being seated at a networking event for women, and as she listens to the challenges faced by women who grew up in Canada, she realizes that before she can even think about networking or getting better at small talk, she has to first figure out the basics:
* Where to buy food
* How to pay for the bus
* How to feel safe in a new place
But it's not all gloomy. Shriya believes starting over is also a chance to build a new life with some intention. An opportunity to decide who you want to be as a professional and as a person, away from the cultural expectations of your home country.
Shriya and I explore the lessons she’s gathered from immigrating twice. We also chat about:
* The difference between moving as a student vs. a permanent resident.
* The psychological burden of the immigrant job search.
* Why Canada felt more like home than the UK.
* How to find your place in the world after leaving home
* Why small talk can be a hurdle for many immigrants
Dozie’s Notes
A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week’s conversation:
* Progress compounds but it comes from showing up, fully prepared or not. The feeling of not being ready, of not knowing what to say, or do, or wear can be paralyzing. But they say courage is action in the face of fear. And it’s one thing you have to embody as an immigrant. Show up and learn by doing.
* Cultural norms around social interactions are real. So give yourself some grace. Is small talk hard? That’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about it. But keep an open mind to learning the new social norms or create ways to navigate them.
Official Links
✅ Connect with Shriya Ghate on LinkedIn
One Ask
If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.
Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.