“Make it work” is how the guest of Pick Yourself Up, Mashaal Ahmed describes herself or more specifically “make it work for yourself.” Host, Dr. Assegid Habtewold invited the past president of the Metro DC chapter of the Association of Talent Development to tell about her diverse experience of growing up in various countries and how these cultures shaped her and helped create an understanding of the profound impact diversity has on everything from yourself, to your community, and to your world. There are studies that show how beneficial diversity in the workplace can be and this is why. People like Mashaal, who have been exposed to an array of cultures, develop empathy. Not just different cultures in the world, but also in society and workplace culture.
Mashaal and famly living in the United Arib Emirates
Mashaal is a Talent Development Professional, Drummer, and Immigrant. Talent development traditionally refers to the organizational HR processes designed to attract, develop, motivate, and retain productive, engaged employees. Her life has lead her to experience people throughout the world and she believes they are the same everywhere. You experience the same prejudices, like how people are surprised English is her first language, or physical affection she displayed towards friends in different countries vary, or how you are expected to assimilate when growing up. This has created a Third Culture, a child who grows up in a culture different from the one in which his or her parents grew up. Also, she says that being on the receiving end of prejudice helps you understand it. You develop a resilience and go the extra mile. Mashaal tells us that the immigrant experience can be lonely, even if you have your family. Everyone is experiencing their own lives, but having a support system wherever you can is a necessity.
She is definitely for diversifying the Workplace for many reasons. Most of all because it is amazing what a diverse group of professional and creative people can accomplish. Also, a diverse team is more creative and out earns by a third. Understanding others is key to being able to work with others and to manage such a group of people. Mashaal says businesses and organizations are dependent on their employees to collaborate, create, and deliver. How to do that successfully is to look at them as people and what it takes to be on top of their game in the workplace. When they are on top of their game they see gaps you may miss. Creativity is extremely important, so make sure you are inclusive with in your businesses and organization.
For any questions or comments you have for Mashaal visit her at LinkedIn.com/in/MashaalAhmed.
Visit RosieCimaAndWhatSheDreamed.com to the single “Stuck” which is out on all music streaming platforms. Read about it in American Songwriter Review.
Their upcoming first album “Realm of the Warring Gods” is available for pre-order on Bandcamp and will be released in March on all music streaming platforms.
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