A Cultural Anthropologist’s Take On Intersectionality, Embracing Change, and Venturing Beyond the Norm

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Cultural Diversity: Embracing cultural diversity within teams is not just about recognizing differences but actively integrating this awareness into team dynamics and business practices. This approach can have profound implications for innovation and increase problem solving capabilities.
2. Be Aware of Cultural Norms: Clearly understanding cultural norms and expressing personal preferences can enhance team collaboration. For instance, explaining how different cultures perceive time management or deadlines can prevent potential conflicts and ensure that all team members are on the same page.
3. Just Pick Something: The best way to move forward is to just pick something and start. This approach emphasizes action over prolonged deliberation, which can lead to paralysis by analysis. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to change your mind later as you gather more information and experiences.
4. Adopt Career Fluidity: It’s beneficial to remain open to changing career paths as personal and professional needs evolve. This flexibility can significantly enhance your career satisfaction and success in a rapidly changing job market. As you explore different roles and industries, you acquire new skills and experiences that enhance your versatility and employability. This growth can lead to more fulfilling work and a more dynamic career trajectory.
5. Assess What Success Looks Like for You: Reflect on what truly constitutes success for you can lead to more fulfilling life choices. Success is often equated to having lots of money, owning real estate, and other tangible resources. However, a more holistic approach includes intangible aspects such as health, relationships, experiences, knowledge, and emotional well-being.

Show Notes:

[00:01:02] Samantha discusses her work as a cultural anthropologist and her mission. 

[00:02:30] Exploring cultural identities and their impact on organizational efficiency and collaboration. 

[00:03:00] The common misconceptions in cultural training and aha moments in cultural understanding. 

[00:05:18] The unexpected reception of Samantha’s cultural insights from neurodiverse communities on social media.

[00:06:25] Samantha highlights the importance of recognizing and defining cultural norms explicitly. 

[00:10:06] Practical advice for managers to facilitate understanding and avoid assumptions in diverse teams. 

[00:15:35] Samantha shares her personal journey through various career phases and her approach to embracing change. 

[00:18:04] Discussing the benefits of stepping back from social media to gain clarity during transitions. 

[00:20:02] Samantha’s adventure into becoming a flight attendant and how it aligns with her need to explore and pay her bills. 

[00:27:54] Exploring what wealth means and the richness of a life well-lived beyond material accumulation.