Pitija Sothilingam’s Post

Reflecting on my own journey as a newcomer to Canada ( as I apply for my citizenship:), I understand firsthand the challenges of starting afresh in a new workplace. Feeling welcomed and supported can make all the difference. I'm deeply passionate about this because your workplace essentially becomes a second home, where you invest a significant amount of your time and energy 😊 That's why I love working at Hazelview Properties that supports creating safe spaces where newcomers can feel a sense of belonging from day one. When embarking on your professional journey in a new country, it's crucial to assess the culture, leadership, and overall work environment to ensure it aligns with your ability to thrive. The importance of feeling welcomed and supported cannot be overstated. Let's prioritize empathy, understanding, and proactive measures to ensure everyone feels valued and empowered at work. #WelcomingWorkplaces

Farana H. 🙏. I think the #team was equally #amazing, and yes, I truly believe that #workplace is nothing less than second home. #Camaraderie, #understanding, #cooperation, #collaboration, #teamspirit, #bonding will come automatically, if the #intent top down and bottom up is clear and aligned to form an #ecosystem, where #people work together with no #fear, #uncertainty and full #faith, #trust in each other including the #leaders. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More #servantleadership is the way forward in my opinion, where everyone grows together. Last but not the least, High Commission of Canada in India | Haut-commissariat du Canada en Inde, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada and Government of Canada is and will always feel like second home. A great place to work indeed! #gratitude #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #thankyou #peoplematter #teambuiding #highperformanceteams #teamspirit #leadershipmatters #honoured #bekind #kindness #workenvironment #excellence #peoplemakethedifference #respectforall #valuesandethics #integrity #india #canada #greatplacetowork #leader #greatplacestowork #leadership #teamworkdreamwork #highperformance #workculture #teambuilding #teambonding #gratitudeattitude #management #operations #operationalexcellence #profitability #intentmatters #corporate #csuite #executive #humanresources #hr #teamworkdreamwork #hrexcellence

For the past 17 years, I've had the privilege of being an expat, exploring diverse cultures, and gaining invaluable experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. 🌍 👍 Pros: 1. **Cultural Immersion**: Living as an expat has enriched my understanding of global perspectives and broadened my cultural awareness. 2. **Personal Growth**: Adapting to new environments continuously has honed my resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills. 3. **Professional Development**: Exposure to diverse work environments has enhanced my adaptability, creativity, and ability to collaborate across borders. 👎 Cons: 1. **Challenges of Integration**: Language barriers and cultural differences can pose initial obstacles to settling in a new country. 2. **Family Separation**: Being away from loved ones can be emotionally challenging, especially during significant life events. 3. **Legal Complexities**: Navigating visa regulations and legal requirements in foreign countries can be time-consuming and stressful. I'm excited to share my journey and insights as an expat. Let's connect and exchange experiences! #ExpatLife #GlobalCitizen 🌍🌟

Having traveled more than 100 days across the USA in the last 12 months, I've gained invaluable insights that have reshaped my perspective. 🚗✈️ Here are 3 lessons that stood out to me: Empathy: When you immerse yourself in different cultures and interact with people from diverse backgrounds, you begin to understand and appreciate their perspectives and struggles. This empathy not only enhances your interpersonal skills but also fosters a deeper connection. 🤝 Embracing New Culture: Each destination offers a unique cultural experience, from the food and language to customs and traditions. Whether it's learning to navigate through bustling markets or participating in traditional ceremonies, every cultural encounter leaves a lasting impression. Self-reliance: Traveling, especially solo, forces you to be independent and resourceful. You learn to navigate unfamiliar places, communicate with people who don't speak your language, and take care of yourself. What surprised YOU most about your travels? Share your stories in the comments! #USA #travel #understandingculture #solotravelling #culture #empathy #travelstories.

To all my fellow Caribbean Professionals: I see all that work you’re doing. You are not alone. When I first stepped out on my own after leaving a toxic work environment I really had no idea what to do next. But I knew that I had one thing that was the biggest asset to my livelihood: My experience and expertise. Truth be told I doubted myself. Even though deep down inside I knew that if I ok could be instrumental in building the visibility and success of major entities such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, Digicel, and Burger King, no doubt I can take that framework and apply it to my brand and achieve the same international recognition. And, that's EXACTLY what I did. Using the R.E.A.L Framework, I quickly grew my visibility, curated my brand's reputation, and increased my business revenue.......and I'd love to do the same for you. Are you ready to live the life you imagined? One where you can: 🤩Have your client find you quickly so you can make money more easily; 🤩Not always feel fed up or frustrated but more in control; 🤩Leave a legacy and have your children be proud of what you accomplished; 🤩Have the time to actually enjoy the fruits of your labor; And most importantly, not feel like you're sacrificing everything for nothing ❤️ Listen, I get it, and I want to help. As a Caribbean professional myself, I understand all too well the drama, hurdles, and barriers we face every single day when trying to 'make it big'.........but believe me when I say it's possible. I know because I've done it and I've done it for countless Caribbean CEOs who are signing major book deals, gracing international stages, and gaining worldwide exposure that ensures that clients see them, hear them, and pay them. If this resonates with you, DM me and reach out. I'd love to support your business journey. 💖

Have you worked in both Europe and North America? 🌍 If yes, let's connect and share experiences: 1. What cultural differences did you find between both regions? 2. What are the pros and cons of working in each? 3. How rewarding is the work environment overall? 4. What value do you receive in return for taxes paid? 5. How is the working environment with your bosses? 6. How was your experience with your co-workers? I would love to hear about your personal experiences! 💫

-- BELONGING -- Do you struggle with belonging as an expat and have you ever said any of the following during your time abroad? “I have never felt like I belong, I don’t know what that means” “I crave connection and community, but I don’t know how to get that” “I feel crippling loneliness, like I don’t fit in anywhere” I hear variations of these raw and personal admissions quite frequently. On the one hand, moving to a new country creates a perfect breeding ground for feeling lost, lonely and adrift. Mainly because it takes a long time to find “your people”, with whom you can feel comfortable and at ease. The difficulty lies in the fact that finding your people is a numbers game and requires opportunities to meet with the right people frequently, on a regular basis to form a genuine, fulfilling bond. So if you’re not meeting enough people and not meeting the right ones frequently enough, the more finding your people becomes a draining chore on your to-do list rather than something that naturally leads to fulfilling relationships. For me, true belonging is not a destination, it’s a process, a journey of peeling back the layers to my true self (although we are all works in progress at the same time). True belonging starts with getting to know every nook and cranny of what you’ve been through, what you need, what you truly desire, independent of society’s or even your friends’ and family’s expectations. True belonging also means getting to know your shadow side, acknowledging your weaknesses, accepting the things you don’t like about yourself, the things you’re still working on in yourself, the things that get you into trouble. True belonging starts with healing those parts of you that you have suppressed as a result of difficult life experiences or overwhelming external pressure. I’m not saying you need to be healed so that you can be worthy of belonging with others. Not at all. What I’m saying is that when you continue to learn, heal and reveal more of your true self *to yourself* as a first step, you naturally begin to attract the people who you will find easy to belong with as well. #expatchallenge #expatonthemove #expatroots #expatlife #Expatsupport⠀#teamwork #Globallymobile #Expatexplore #thrivingabroad #belonging ⠀#Globalcitizen #citizenoftheworld #globalmobility #expatlifestyle #womensupportingwomen #expats #expatliving #expatsinthenetherlands #expatsinamsterdam #makingmemories #newchapter #discovering #expatonthemove #dutchlife #dutchlifestyle #expatlife #utrechtexpats #utrechthotspot #livingabroad

-- BELONGING -- Do you struggle with belonging as an expat and have you ever said any of the following during your time abroad? “I have never felt like I belong, I don’t know what that means” “I crave connection and community, but I don’t know how to get that” “I feel crippling loneliness, like I don’t fit in anywhere” I hear variations of these raw and personal admissions quite frequently. On the one hand, moving to a new country creates a perfect breeding ground for feeling lost, lonely and adrift. Mainly because it takes a long time to find “your people”, with whom you can feel comfortable and at ease. The difficulty lies in the fact that finding your people is a numbers game and requires opportunities to meet with the right people frequently, on a regular basis to form a genuine, fulfilling bond. So if you’re not meeting enough people and not meeting the right ones frequently enough, the more finding your people becomes a draining chore on your to-do list rather than something that naturally leads to fulfilling relationships. For me, true belonging is not a destination, it’s a process, a journey of peeling back the layers to my true self (although we are all works in progress at the same time). True belonging starts with getting to know every nook and cranny of what you’ve been through, what you need, what you truly desire, independent of society’s or even your friends’ and family’s expectations. True belonging also means getting to know your shadow side, acknowledging your weaknesses, accepting the things you don’t like about yourself, the things you’re still working on in yourself, the things that get you into trouble. True belonging starts with healing those parts of you that you have suppressed as a result of difficult life experiences or overwhelming external pressure. I’m not saying you need to be healed so that you can be worthy of belonging with others. Not at all. What I’m saying is that when you continue to learn, heal and reveal more of your true self *to yourself* as a first step, you naturally begin to attract the people who you will find easy to belong with as well. #expatchallenge #expatonthemove #expatroots #expatlife #Expatsupport⠀#teamwork #Globallymobile #Expatexplore #thrivingabroad #belonging ⠀#Globalcitizen #citizenoftheworld #globalmobility #expatlifestyle #womensupportingwomen #expats #expatliving #expatsinthenetherlands #expatsinamsterdam #makingmemories #newchapter #discovering #expatonthemove #dutchlife #dutchlifestyle #expatlife #utrechtexpats #utrechthotspot #livingabroad

-- BELONGING -- Do you struggle with belonging as an expat and have you ever said any of the following during your time abroad? “I have never felt like I belong, I don’t know what that means” “I crave connection and community, but I don’t know how to get that” “I feel crippling loneliness, like I don’t fit in anywhere” I hear variations of these raw and personal admissions quite frequently. On the one hand, moving to a new country creates a perfect breeding ground for feeling lost, lonely and adrift. Mainly because it takes a long time to find “your people”, with whom you can feel comfortable and at ease. The difficulty lies in the fact that finding your people is a numbers game and requires opportunities to meet with the right people frequently, on a regular basis to form a genuine, fulfilling bond. So if you’re not meeting enough people and not meeting the right ones frequently enough, the more finding your people becomes a draining chore on your to-do list rather than something that naturally leads to fulfilling relationships. For me, true belonging is not a destination, it’s a process, a journey of peeling back the layers to my true self (although we are all works in progress at the same time). True belonging starts with getting to know every nook and cranny of what you’ve been through, what you need, what you truly desire, independent of society’s or even your friends’ and family’s expectations. True belonging also means getting to know your shadow side, acknowledging your weaknesses, accepting the things you don’t like about yourself, the things you’re still working on in yourself, the things that get you into trouble. True belonging starts with healing those parts of you that you have suppressed as a result of difficult life experiences or overwhelming external pressure. I’m not saying you need to be healed so that you can be worthy of belonging with others. Not at all. What I’m saying is that when you continue to learn, heal and reveal more of your true self *to yourself* as a first step, you naturally begin to attract the people who you will find easy to belong with as well. #expatchallenge #expatonthemove #expatroots #expatlife #Expatsupport⠀#teamwork #Globallymobile #Expatexplore #thrivingabroad #belonging ⠀#Globalcitizen #citizenoftheworld #globalmobility #expatlifestyle #womensupportingwomen #expats #expatliving #expatsinthenetherlands #expatsinamsterdam #makingmemories #newchapter #discovering #expatonthemove #dutchlife #dutchlifestyle #expatlife #utrechtexpats #utrechthotspot #livingabroad

-- BELONGING -- Do you struggle with belonging as an expat and have you ever said any of the following during your time abroad? “I have never felt like I belong, I don’t know what that means” “I crave connection and community, but I don’t know how to get that” “I feel crippling loneliness, like I don’t fit in anywhere” I hear variations of these raw and personal admissions quite frequently. On the one hand, moving to a new country creates a perfect breeding ground for feeling lost, lonely and adrift. Mainly because it takes a long time to find “your people”, with whom you can feel comfortable and at ease. The difficulty lies in the fact that finding your people is a numbers game and requires opportunities to meet with the right people frequently, on a regular basis to form a genuine, fulfilling bond. So if you’re not meeting enough people and not meeting the right ones frequently enough, the more finding your people becomes a draining chore on your to-do list rather than something that naturally leads to fulfilling relationships. For me, true belonging is not a destination, it’s a process, a journey of peeling back the layers to my true self (although we are all works in progress at the same time). True belonging starts with getting to know every nook and cranny of what you’ve been through, what you need, what you truly desire, independent of society’s or even your friends’ and family’s expectations. True belonging also means getting to know your shadow side, acknowledging your weaknesses, accepting the things you don’t like about yourself, the things you’re still working on in yourself, the things that get you into trouble. True belonging starts with healing those parts of you that you have suppressed as a result of difficult life experiences or overwhelming external pressure. I’m not saying you need to be healed so that you can be worthy of belonging with others. Not at all. What I’m saying is that when you continue to learn, heal and reveal more of your true self *to yourself* as a first step, you naturally begin to attract the people who you will find easy to belong with as well. #expatchallenge #expatonthemove #expatroots #expatlife #Expatsupport⠀#teamwork #Globallymobile #Expatexplore #thrivingabroad #belonging ⠀#Globalcitizen #citizenoftheworld #globalmobility #expatlifestyle #womensupportingwomen #expats #expatliving #expatsinthenetherlands #expatsinamsterdam #makingmemories #newchapter #discovering #expatonthemove #dutchlife #dutchlifestyle #expatlife #utrechtexpats #utrechthotspot #livingabroad