Do Not Try to Fit In!
Jasbina Ahluwalia asks Apoorva Gandhi, VP, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott International: I really appreciate you sharing your insights with us. I’m wondering if you have any last thoughts or a take-home message that you’d like to share with our listeners before we jump into Q&A.
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Apoorva Gandhi
We are proud sponsors and members of NetIP. We look forward to continuing that.
We’re also proud members of a group called the Asia Society. As you might see from their name, they look to build bridges between the United States and many countries in Asia. India is one of them. We participate in their Diversity Leadership forum.
I just tweeted out something that just came across the wires. They interviewed myself and a woman, who is a senior officer at JP Morgan. Linked to it are some videos with three tips for Asian Americans.
I want to share one of those tips with you. I’m sure that many of you are accomplished in your careers.
Do Not Try to Fit In: Don’t Worry
Maybe you already know some of this. I wish someone had told me when I was much younger, “Don’t worry so much about fitting in.”
It’s always better to be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of someone else.
Do Not Try to Fit In: Waste of Time
At times, we spend so much time worrying about what people are going to think. We worry about fitting in.
Many times, it’s better not to fit in and to just do your thing. That’s what sets you apart. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion.
Do Not Try to Fit In: Value Your Opinion
We all know the great Mahatma Gandhi. One of his most famous quotes is, “Even if you’re a minority of one, the truth is still the truth.” With every successive generation in the United States, people get more and more comfortable being who they are. Don’t worry about fitting in.
Do Not Try to Fit In: Everything Will Be Fine
Just do your thing. Everything will be just fine. That’s my piece of advice for everyone.
That’s very inspiring. From what I do, authentic is appealing. The quirks are sometimes what makes things really interesting. Everyone, now is your change to ask Apoorva any questions that you may have. We have our first question. Caller, welcome.
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Tell Us:
Do not try to fit in, is this advice you live by? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments section below.
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The above is an excerpt from Jasbina’s interview with Apoorva Gandhi
The entire interview transcript is at: Apoorva Gandhi NetIP (Network of Indian Professionals) Interview – The Intersection of Indian Culture and Hospitality Industry
Listen to the entire interview on: Intersections Match Talk Radio – Jasbina’s Lifestyle Show
Listen to the entire interview on Blog Talk Radio: NetIP Listen to the entire interview on iTunes _____
