Is THIS the Secret to Building a Truly Inclusive Team?
Hint. It starts with YOU. Learn how to foster a sense of belonging in any environment.
Courage to
Share Your Story: She bravely shares her personal experiences as an expat woman in tech, navigating cultural differences and advocating for inclusion. She inspires others to embrace their own narratives and connect through shared vulnerability.
Challenge the Status Quo: As a woman in a male-dominated field, and as a multicultural professional with international experience; striving to shed light on the challenges and opportunities of multiculturalism. Emanuela embodies courage by challenging norms and advocating for diversity and inclusion. She encourages readers to question their own biases and actively promote a more equitable world.
Build Community: Emanuela takes the risk of opening up online to foster a community of like-minded individuals. She demonstrates the courage to connect with others, share struggles, and collectively inspire change.
Meet
: The Inclusion Room
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background
I am Italian, in my forties, and I have spent half of my life living abroad. As a woman in tech—a field traditionally dominated by men—and a long-term expat who has continuously adapted to new environments, I bring firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities that come with diversity and inclusion.
Additionally, as a former manager, I firmly believe that inclusion is a key ingredient for building high-performing, cohesive, and healthy teams.
I consider myself an explorer, driven by curiosity and a love for learning beyond the boundaries of my profession. A dedicated bookworm, I am passionate about theater and actively participate as an amateur actress in a local troupe. In addition to theater, yoga and writing play a vital role in my life, helping me maintain balance and fueling my creativity.
Q: Beyond the act of hitting "publish," what's the most courageous thing you've done as a writer on Substack?
Sharing my personal stories and the lessons I’ve learned has been the most courageous act as a writer on Substack. I’ve written about my experiences as a foreigner: the doubts, the cultural encounters, and the clashes with host countries.
When I click on publish, that feels like exposing my vulnerabilities to the world.
Q: Many people dream of writing but fear judgment or failure. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to share their voice on Substack?
Writing has been a profoundly cathartic process for me. Opening up in such an honest way has been both intimidating and empowering, as it allows me to connect with others on a deeply human and authentic level. Inclusion is a topic that holds immense personal significance for me, and finding a platform where I can raise awareness about it feels like finally discovering my true voice. To those hesitant to share their own stories: pick up the pen (or your keyboard). You might not only find your voice but also become part of a larger, harmonious choir.
Q: In your opinion, what's the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with your work?
In my opinion, the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with my work is to take what they've read and apply it in their everyday lives. It's about actively questioning their own biases, embracing inclusivity, and sharing the message with others. By doing so, they can help create a ripple effect, raising awareness and inspiring change in the world around them. That’s the real power of engagement: turning insight into action.
Q: Vulnerability is often a key component of courage. How do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining healthy boundaries as a writer in such a public space?
I am still working on finding that perfect balance, and every time I click "publish," my first question is: Am I sharing too much? It's an ongoing process of self-reflection. I want to ensure that what I share adds value to the conversation and connects with my readers in a meaningful way, while still protecting my personal space. It’s a delicate dance between vulnerability and self-care.
Q: Courage often involves taking risks. What's the biggest risk you've taken in sharing your writing or building your Substack community?
The biggest risk I’ve taken in sharing my writing and building my Substack community was opening up about the challenges I faced when I returned to France in my very first post. I wasn’t sure if I was expressing clearly the cultural misunderstandings I encountered and the lessons I learned from those experiences. It felt vulnerable to share such personal reflections, especially when I wasn’t certain how they would be received. But I felt that in order to truly connect with others, I had to be honest about my struggles and the growth that came from them, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.
The post is this one:
Q: If you could go back and tell your pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, what would it be?
If I could go back and tell my pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, it would be: I’m proud of you. You showed up, shared what matters to you, and engaged with people who share your values. This is one of the great things about our virtual and globalized world: you can connect with others who face the same challenges, no matter where they are. And that, in itself, is powerful. Through this journey, you’ll find strength in shared experiences and build a community that inspires and supports each other.
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Love all of this and thank you for sharing! I love reading more about you and really appreciate all you share.
Thank you so much, Magdalena, for shining a light on my journey and my work. The depth of your questions truly brings to the forefront what matters most. It was a very enriching experience, one I sincerely recommend to others.