Inclusion Room N. #1 : The Journey Begins: Exploring Inclusion Through Stories and Insights

With an Explorer's Eye

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Estimated reading time 5 min

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As far as my memory reaches back, two passions have always guided my path: a curiosity for what is different from me and and the pleasure of telling those stories. Driven by this curiosity, many years ago, I left my home in the deep south of Italy and began to explore the world. I’ve lived in various European countries, learned different languages, encountered diverse cultures, and realized that the way we interact depends on the context we're in and the background of each individual.

This explorer’s perspective has profoundly shaped my professional journey as well. I often ventured beyond my comfort zone, discovering that cultural differences are not just about origins but encompass the implicit and explicit codes that shape how organizations operate and thrive.

I’ve seen how diversity, when well-managed, can be a source of innovation, but also how a lack of inclusion can lead to tensions and misunderstandings. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that empathy and the ability to actively listen are essential to building inclusive environments.

This rich journey, along with my insatiable curiosity for others, has taught me that inclusion is the fuel that allows individuals to glow and organizations to bloom, enabling transformation and growth.

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My Perspective on Inclusion

A few years ago, when I returned to France — where I had spent my first years as an expat and with which I have deep emotional ties—I faced an unexpected challenge in reintegrating.

The clash with reality was tough, leaving me disoriented for a while, unable to understand what had gone wrong.

I knew the country well, I was practically bilingual, and I thought I understood the professional context. I had spent almost half of my life abroad, so I was used to navigating differences.

So where was the problem?

To find out, I sought training, gathered insights, analysis, and experiences from others.

I came to the conclusion that both I and my entourage had fallen into the trap of ethnocentrism: on one hand, I had underestimated the differences. On the other, my environment oscillated between recognizing some aspects of diversity — often tending to minimize them — and, in some cases, evaluating those same differences negatively.

On my part, I had shown a fair share of naivety. I hadn’t realized that, upon returning, I would have to deal with a series of new parameters. Beyond the basic cultural difference, my personal evolution shaped by lived experiences, the professional codes I had acquired, and the discrepancy with those I would find. There were many aspect I should have identified and understood more carefully.

From my professional and personal entourage, this should not be interpreted as ill intentions, but rather a lack of awareness about the concept of 'culture' in its many aspects.

Do you recognize yourself in a similar story?

There is a good news here: these dynamics are very common, and it is possible to understand how they are triggered and how to mitigate them.

Recognizing your own uniqueness is just the first step; identifying the diversity in others, accepting it, and shedding light on situations that threaten inclusion requires a trained eye and an extra effort.

My intention with this newsletter is to share what I’ve learned, to help you overcome these challenges individually and collectively, and to turn diversity into a strength.

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The Power of Storytelling

In this journey, storytelling becomes essential for understanding the mosaic we belong. Often, it is a story that transforms our ideas, inviting us to share them with others and pushing us to take action.

According to a study by KPMG,67%¹ of CEOs ignored insights from data analysis in favor of trusting their feeling, because the information failed to reinforce existing intuition or experience. Storytelling goes above and beyond purely sharing the facts. A story creates a stronger emotional link to the data and elevates an analysis to the point at which it's more capable of influencing decision-making.

Every book I read (over 50 a year), every theatre play I see (more than 40 a year), and every podcast  I listen, fuels my desire to better understand the complexities of our society. These tools allow me to return these reflections to my readers in practical and meaningful ways.

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What You’ll Find in The Inclusion Room

Starting today, I will share reflections on how to navigate the challenges of diversity and inclusion, offering real-life stories, practical tools to value differences, and insights from my readings and research. Together, we’ll create a virtual library on diversity and inclusion—a space where everyone can find the right tools to express their uniqueness and contribute to a more collaborative work environment.

Join the Conversation

Would you like to share your story, tell how your uniqueness has helped you overcome a challenge, or discuss the difficulties you’ve encountered? Or maybe you’re a manager looking for strategies to include all the talents in your team and unlock their full potential?

The Inclusion Room is the right place to share these experiences. Write to me, and together we’ll give voice to your story. What’s the most surprising experience you’ve had with diversity? Tell me, and let’s discover together how to turn it into an opportunity for growth.

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If you think these reflections might be useful to someone you know, feel free to share this post.

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Thanks for reading The Inclusion Room, subscribe to receive new post.I hope you enjoyed our time together, and I look forward to seeing you in the next post!

1. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2020/10/13/three-reasons-storytelling-is-critical-to-success-in-data-and-analytics/