Introduction:
In our latest podcast episode of “From a Woman to a Leader,” Navdip Kaur Kalsi shares her profound journey from India to Australia, revealing crucial insights on adapting to new cultures and overcoming workplace challenges.
This blog post distills the key lessons and strategies discussed during the episode.
Embracing Cultural Differences:
Navdip’s transition from India to Australia was marked by a series of cultural shocks and learning curves. She explains how understanding and embracing these differences was crucial to her professional success and personal fulfillment. Navdip encourages listeners to approach cultural differences with curiosity rather than judgment, a strategy that not only helped her adapt but also to thrive in a new country.
The Power of Curiosity:
Curiosity is more than just a trait—it’s a tool. Navdip credits her curious nature for her smooth transition into the Australian tech scene. By asking questions and being genuinely interested in learning about new work practices and lifestyle norms, she was able to gain respect and carve out a significant place for herself in a competitive industry.
Confronting Discrimination with Resilience:
Navdip candidly shares experiences where she faced discrimination in the workplace. Rather than letting these challenges deter her, she used them as opportunities to grow stronger and advocate for change. She discusses how resilience, paired with a proactive approach to addressing discrimination, can lead to better working environments and personal growth.
Work-Life Balance in Different Cultures:
One of the striking aspects of Navdip’s story is her adaptation to the Australian emphasis on work-life balance. This shift from the fast-paced, all-hours work culture of India to a more balanced approach in Australia highlights the importance of maintaining personal well-being alongside professional commitments.
Tips for Women in Tech:
Navdip offers valuable advice to women in tech, emphasizing the importance of owning one’s career path and the need to be assertive in multicultural settings. She stresses the value of self-advocacy and the need for women to believe in their capabilities and to assert their worth in the workplace.
Conclusion:
Navdip Kaur Kalsi’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing diversity and turning challenges into stepping stones. Her story not only inspires but also provides practical strategies that anyone looking to navigate cultural differences and advocate for empowerment in their professional lives can apply.
Listen to the full episode here to gain more insights from Navdip Kaur Kalsi on navigating the tech world as a woman and a cultural outsider.
About Navdip
Navdip Kaur Kalsi is a highly experienced technology and people leader with nearly 20 years of experience in software configuration, development, and management. She has extensive expertise in leading digital transformation initiatives, implementing DevOps practices, and driving impactful organizational change at an enterprise level.
Navdip currently serves as the Regional Director of Customer Success Architecture for APAC at GitHub, leading high-performing teams that enable customers with cutting-edge DevOps and DevSecOps solutions. She previously held leadership roles at Microsoft, ME Bank, and other top companies.
Navdip is passionate about sharing her knowledge and frequently speaks at events and panel discussions. Her areas of expertise include agile engineering, lean product development, design thinking, and strategic innovation frameworks.
Connect with Navdip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navdipkkalsi/
