illuminance Solutions had a lively week, welcoming a group of students from Murdoch University to our office for an insightful session on the significance of workplace diversity. I shared my advise on navigating life as international students and succeeding in a foreign country.
The atmosphere was relaxed, with snacks and drinks creating a casual environment for open conversation. The students were particularly inspired by seeing how diverse our team is, representing various parts of the world. This gave them a boost of confidence, showing that they, too, can carve out a place for themselves here in Australia.
Instead of delivering a speech or one way-way communication, I decided to open the platform for a discussion. I encouraged all students to ask questions and interact freely. All students were keen to grab copies of my book Terminal 4: An Entrepreneur’s Journey From Bicycle to Business Class, which traces my journey as a migrant from India to a social impact entrepreneur. In order to nudge even shy students to interact and ask questions, I joked that those who don’t ask questions would not get a copy of my book.
The students brought forward a range of fascinating questions, from navigating their identity in a foreign land to building meaningful connections. One particularly thought-provoking question centered around fostering a positive work environment. In response, I said: “As a leader, I don’t create the environment. My job is to ensure there are no barriers.”
I explained to them that workplace culture is something that organically evolves within teams, shaped by their own dynamics and interactions. Leaders, I emphasized, should only step in when conflicts arise, allowing the team to naturally build a positive and collaborative atmosphere. My insight seemed to have resonated deeply with the students, highlighting the importance of trust and autonomy in team culture.
At illuminance Solutions, we are driven by a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning—qualities that are crucial in the fast-paced world of ICT. We value diversity and inclusion, viewing international students as valuable talent, not as a source of cheap labor. We have hosted international students in the past and actively welcome those who aspire to make a meaningful impact through technology.
I also shared my personal journey as a former international student, emphasizing the importance of resilience, having a clear goal, and working relentlessly to achieve it. At the end of the session, each student received a copy of my book, which dives deeper into my story.
It was an enriching evening full of meaningful exchanges and practical insights, leaving the students motivated to pursue their own dreams.
