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RecTalk Live from IHR Live Lounge in London, Featuring Cordelia Osewa-Ediae

28 minWatch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

About this episode

Nitin Sharma sits down with Cordelia Osewa-Ediae, a diversity, equity and inclusion advocate, live from the IHR Live Lounge in London. Cordelia shares her personal journey from Nigeria to the UK, exploring how moving countries shaped her understanding of belonging, community and inclusion. They discuss cultural differences between collectivist and individualist societies, the role of empathy and listening in driving genuine inclusion, and how personal experiences reshape bias.

The conversation examines critical narratives around immigration and identity, emphasising how leaders must think carefully about language that divides. Cordelia reflects on finding her "why" in championing DEI and the importance of quiet, sustained progress over performative gestures. Her story underscores that real inclusion starts with human connection and that leadership requires openness to continuous learning and unlearning.

Key takeaways

  • Cultural differences between collectivist and individualist societies shape how people experience belonging and community.
  • Genuine inclusion is driven by empathy, curiosity and listening rather than corporate buzzwords or performative actions.
  • Leaders must examine the language and narratives they use around immigration and identity to avoid reinforcing division.
  • Personal experiences and moments of allyship can fundamentally reshape individual biases and worldviews.
  • Meaningful progress in DEI happens through sustained "quiet doing" rather than social media visibility.

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