I have an accent when I speak.
This very accent of mine, is one of my biggest sources of courage & growth.
How ? Let me explain.
Speaking with an accent does not mean I communicate badly. In fact this means I communicate better, in multiple languages. In theory, this should empower me.
Except.
Imagine major stage fright every time you are about to say a single word in English. Imagine stage fright when you are about to say your own name ! Yup. Saying my name, ‘Tony’ is something my brain still flags.
When I first arrived in the U.S. I looked up accent reduction/ modification programs. I remember those programs cost ~$60/Hr. With a daily meal budget of $3 at the time, those programs were way beyond my reach.
So I decided to step out of my comfort zone, get a retail job where I’d have no choice but talk to people. You know, I thought it was not a terrible idea to get paid while I got my accent neutralized.
I was very fortunate. The amazing humans - recruiters & hiring team - gave my skills a chance and I landed in a retail job I so thoroughly loved. Apple Retail benefitted from my unique audio background, and I thought my accent was getting better (Ha! I wish).
Few years later I interviewed here at Avid for my current role. Knowing the role is customer facing, I brought up the topic with my then Manager Greg "Stryke" Chin, in an email titled ‘The Elephant in the room’. I wrote how I was willing to work on my accent.
He did not respond to the email. Instead he called me immediately. He patiently explained how he’d be disappointed if I did anything of the sort. During the next few minutes he helped me get out of the self imposed shame I had placed on myself, regarding my accent. That day he got promoted - from my manager, to my mentor.
I am still aware of my accent when I speak. At times, acutely so.
Difference is, all that stage fright now shapes my courage. I find it natural to step out of my comfort zone - without a second thought. I now dare to take more calculated risks. Risks that have helped me grow so much more than I had ever imagined.
I remain grateful for the opportunities, for all the DEI efforts in place at my former employer Apple & my current employer Avid.
I write this as a gesture of gratitude to each of you who champion DEI efforts in a professional setting. Your work matters a lot. Thank you !
This is also a reminder to myself, and to those of you with an accent. Having an accent is in fact an empowering opportunity. A opportunity not everyone has access to. Use it to your advantage.
I for one, certainly will.
P.S. Based on the TED talk I have linked here, bilingualism comes with other benefits too !
#DEI #teamavid #accent #bilingual #workplaceculture #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #growthmindset #opportunity #grateful
https://www.ted.com/talks/mia_nacamulli_the_benefits_of_a_bilingual_brain?language=en