Julie Sweet’s Post

At Accenture, we strongly believe in #diversity as a driver of #innovation. Together with Refugee Talent Hub, we are supporting refugees in re-building their careers, while also creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. But don't just take our word for it, hear it directly from some of the graduates of our joint program "Empowering Refugees: From Talent Track to Career Track" as they share their stories. This initiative provides training and support for refugees as they integrate into the workforce in the Netherlands. We are honored to be a part of their journey and committed to making a positive impact in their lives! #InclusionMatters [Video description: intro with a blurry city scene and a text that says "As of 2022, there are 218 457 refugees who have found a home in the Netherlands. Despite years of work experience, many of them are challenged with finding meaningful work in their industry." Some five male and female Accenture new joiners share their story as refugees looking for a job. Another blurry screen that reads "Finding work is difficult for refugees, as they frequently confront deep-seated biases and cultural barriers that hinder their recognition as valuable contributors." The stories continue. "Out of the 19 650 refugees who received a permit in 2014, 45% have a permanent job today. Accenture is committed to changing this. What will you do?". Outro with a blank, white screen with an Accenture logo at the center.]

“Migration is a fact of life and a force for good. It promotes the exchange of knowledge and ideas and contributes to economic growth.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres Yesterday was #InternationalMigrantsDay and nowhere is the truth of that statement more obvious than at Accenture The Dock. Everyday I have the privilege of working alongside an incredibly diverse set of the best and brightest and nicest people you’re ever likely to meet. To mark the occasion, the cross-cultural networks hosted a really enlightening session led by psychotherapist Gertrude Foloshade Rufai – “Navigating Times of Tension”. The experience for migrants and all people of colour in Ireland can be challenging at the best of times. Two weeks ago Dublin witnessed not just a horrific attack on our society’s most vulnerable – young children leaving their school – but a horrific attack on the very fabric of our society. An attack by those who saw that terrible event as their opportunity to tear apart communities. To create fear. In the context of these events, Gertrude's insights took on an even greater significance. Understanding the emotional reactions of others and ourselves not only helps us navigate challenges but also contributes to fostering empathy and unity in diverse communities. Key to the discussion was understanding the "Window of Tolerance", that state where we are mentally regulated and capable of fully accessing both reason and emotion. When we experience traumatic events – from riots on the streets to micro-aggressions – our fear response can narrow that window of tolerance and push us into a dysregulated state that makes coping that much harder. Understanding our emotional responses and that negative feedback loop is an incredibly empowering gift. Thank you to the cross cultural networks Roberto Sy, Ezequiel M. Vacirca, Alexandra W., Kamala Sadanand, Toya Redican, Bhupen Sahu, MBA, Bremeline Muthurajah, Mary Somers and everyone that made it happen, the Accenture leadership Michelle D. Cullen, Enda King, Jess Majekodunmi, Hilary O'Meara, Aisling Campbell for their support, and to all of those who came along to learn and support each other. Let's continue to engage in meaningful conversations that promote understanding and mind each other. #internationalmigrantsday #unityindiversity #antiracism #mentalhealthawareness

My thoughts about self-regulating techniques as such is that they can be very useful in a moment of crisis, but I'm a bit critical of adopting them in everyday life. I suppose we need to be a little bit careful of practices that place the responsibility of self-regulation solely on the people who are responding to trauma - because that could be an everyday experience (= a constant). Another question that came to my mind was: why should we be able to cope? Isn't it demanding to cope daily with violence a violent mechanism towards oneself? Because we are forcing ourselves to calm down from external (potentially violent) stimuli that never stops. So I guess my point is: for the techniques below to work peacefully, the whole environment needs to be working on itself not to further perpetuate violences. It is impossible for a single person to long-term self-regulate and heal if they constantly suffer from the same type of violences, and that goes from prejudice against minorities to being inaccessible to disabilities.

The world is changing rapidly and to succeed you have to adapt and take on challenging opportunities in new geographies, organizations and roles. But do you fear that feeling of being different, or do you embrace it and use it to your advantage? ‘Migrant Magic' shows you how migrants have throughout history used their unique experiences to unleash a differentiation superpower to drive them to succeed beyond their own perceived abilities, resources and dreams. Discover 7 simple steps to unleash your own Migrant Magic: your unique authentic abilities, traits and personal purpose to give you drive and sustainable competitive advantage with integrity. Elham Fardad's career spans 25 years in senior leadership roles in blue-chip multinationals including GE, News Corp and EY. She is the Founder and CEO of the charity Migrant Leaders, inspiring and developing young migrants to succeed beyond their aspirations in partnership with leading corporates. The charity was the winner of the Social Mobility Award 2023 at the prestigious Inclusive Awards and Elham had the honour of being selected as a Coronation Champion in 2023. Her new book ‘Migrant Magic: Transform your difference into your superpower for career success' is out 21 May. Get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/d-eM9zBe #MigrantMagic #AdaptAndSucceed #EmbraceChange #MigrantSuccess #ChallengeYourself #DifferentIsPower #UnleashYourPower #DriveToSucceed #AuthenticAdvantage #MigrantLeadership #SuperpowerOfDifferentiation #BeyondPerceivedAbilities #DiscoverYourMagic #PurposeDrivenSuccess #MigrantSuccess #SocialMobility #booksmeanbusiness

In today's rapidly evolving professional landscape, it's paramount that we recognize the diverse talents that individuals from all walks of life bring to our teams. Among them, refugees stand out with unique experiences that foster adaptability, resilience, and a global perspective. These qualities not only enrich our work environment but also revolutionize roles, fostering innovation and diverse problem-solving. By embracing the strengths of refugees, we are not only supporting humanitarian causes but also ensuring a brighter, more diverse future for our industries. it's essential to move past any preconceived notions and understand the depth of knowledge and expertise many refugees bring. Their journeys, often filled with challenges, have sharpened their skills, honed their determination, and instilled a unique worldview. By integrating these skilled professionals into our workspaces, we aren't just filling positions – we're reshaping industries, stimulating creativity, and adding value that stems from lived experiences. It's more than just an employment opportunity; it's a transformative experience for organizations ready to embrace change. #RevolutionizingRoles #RefugeeTalent #DiversityInWorkforce #InnovationThroughDiversity #GlobalPerspective #EmpowerAndElevate

In a world where borders define nations, I believe in erasing boundaries in the realm of opportunity. Refugees, often marginalized and overlooked, come with a tapestry of skills, resilience, and untapped potentials. By employing them in global roles, we not only offer them a lifeline but infuse our teams with diverse perspectives that drive innovation. Every individual, irrespective of their origins, has the right to pursue their dreams, contribute to society, and find their place in the global narrative. By integrating refugees into our workforce, we are building bridges, fostering inclusivity, and turning challenges into shared successes. Their stories of perseverance inspire us daily, reminding us of the power of hope and human spirit. Let's reimagine the future of work – where every talent, from every corner of the earth, is recognized, celebrated, and utilized. Together, we can drive change, one job at a time. #EmpowerRefugees #GlobalWorkforce

Welcoming refugees to the workforce is not a charity. It's strategic. Workplaces gain diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences, fueling innovation and market growth. As per the Harvard Business Review, diversity is key to unlocking innovation and propelling market expansion. Numerous studies affirm that companies fostering diverse and inclusive cultures hold a competitive edge and generally outperform their peers financially. Companies like IKEA, Marriott International, and SAP are leading examples, creatively offering job opportunities to refugees, challenging the common exclusion in many countries' labor markets. #SkillsFirst #DisplacedTalentPool

Exciting News from EYouth! 🌟 #NewProgramLaunch #EYouthIraq #WFPInnovationAccelerator We are thrilled to announce that EYouth is expanding its horizons! In partnership with the WFP Innovation Accelerator, we are launching a groundbreaking new program in Iraq. This initiative is designed to empower and support the youth of Iraq, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully enter and thrive in the labor market. Understanding the Challenge: Iraq's youth face unique challenges in accessing quality education and employment opportunities. Our goal is to bridge this gap by providing innovative and practical learning solutions. Our Partnership: The collaboration with the WFP Innovation Accelerator is a significant step forward. Their expertise in fostering innovative solutions in challenging environments aligns perfectly with our mission to make education accessible and impactful. What to Expect: Our program focuses on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and practical workforce training - all tailored to meet the specific needs of the Iraqi labor market. We're committed to creating a platform where Iraqi youth can not only learn but also innovate and create opportunities for themselves and their communities. Our Vision: We envision a future where every young person in Iraq has the tools, confidence, and opportunities to shape their own career paths. Together with the WFP Innovation Accelerator, we're not just teaching skills; we're igniting potential and transforming futures. 📢 Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out this exciting new chapter in Iraq. Join us in making a difference! #Empowerment #YouthDevelopment #Iraq #InnovationInEducation #EYouthEmpowers 🌟💼📚

Happy Independence Day Sri Lanka, In a country as culturally rich as ours, each state, each community, and each individual brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table. It is this rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that defines us as a nation - ONE NATION, united in diversity. Today, as we come together to celebrate the spirit of freedom, let's reflect on the strength that lies in our unity and diversity. At Career141, we've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible power that comes from assembling a team that represents the myriad of cultures and backgrounds that make up our great nation. Our experience in executive search has taught us that embracing diversity isn't just about ticking boxes – it's about recognizing the immense value that individuals from different walks of life bring to the workplace. As we celebrate Independence Day, let's not only cherish our hard-fought freedom but also appreciate the wealth of talent that makes us a truly exceptional nation. ONE NATION, where every voice, every perspective, and every talent contributes to the collective success of our society. May this Independence Day serve as a reminder that our unity lies in our diversity. Happy Independence Day!  #OneNation #UnityInDiversity #IndependenceDay2024 #DiverseTalent #ExecutiveSearch #NationBuilding

As more women integrate into the workforce, it's important to support their reintegration after career breaks. Our PwC Middle East report titled "Navigating the Path Back: Women Returners in KSA" sheds light on the challenges faced by women when returning to work after a career break in Saudi Arabia. The report finds that 55% of Women in Saudi Arabia are more likely to take career breaks compared to 44% of their peers in the MENA region. To access additional statistics and insights, you can find the full report here: https://pwc.to/3VTALTH #womeninwork #returnship