Welcome to the 285th episode of the award-winning Diverse Minds podcast! As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with this year's theme "Roots to Routes," I explore why we need to stop asking people "where they're really from" and how we can create more inclusive ways to understand someone's heritage and journey.

This episode explores the distinction between othering questions and genuine relationship-building, providing practical alternatives for cultivating authentic connections in the workplace.

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In today’s show on Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

• Exploring the meaning of roots (ancestry, heritage, belonging) and routes (life's journey, adaptability, growth) [00:59]
• Why "where are you really from?" is problematic and creates "othering" in the workplace [02:46]
• The difference between power imbalances and genuine cultural connection between peers [03:43]
• How this question undermines identity, reinforces stereotypes, and creates feelings of not belonging [05:20]
• Some practical alternatives for building genuine relationships before exploring heritage [08:06]

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Quotes on Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

• It is like pressing on a bruise because it's subtly undermining a person's identity and reinforcing stereotypes.
• Each of us carries a unique story shaped by our roots and the routes travelled to get to where we are.
• This makes individuals feel like they don't belong, that they're outsiders, particularly in a workplace environment.
• You don't have the right to know, because this makes individuals feel like they don't belong.
• "Creating an environment where people can share their stories is not only beneficial for individual employees, but also boosts morale, engagement and retention across an organisation.".

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Resources for Stop Asking Where Are You Really from

• Listen to episode 252 – That’s Not My Name!
• Check out episode 37 – Why bother with Inclusive Language?
• Download the free 200-episode guide with clickable links HERE.
• Join my Mailing List and receive a white paper on mental health and inclusion here
• Check out my TEDx talk: The Connection between Culture, Race and Mental Health
• Leave me a message on my SpeakPipe

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Work with me

Have a look at my online work-life balance course on Thinkific. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/DMMHPONC