Embracing Your Intersections: Advice from Global HR Leader Gianna Driver
In this episode, podcast host Lola Adeyemo interviews Gianna Driver, a recognized Filipina-American Global HR leader, to explore Gianna's journey and the valuable lessons she has to share with aspiring professionals. The discussion covers a range of topics, including:
- Gianna's organic path into HR and discovery of her passion for people-focused roles
- Understanding the nuances of intersectional identity and how it evolves over time
- The importance of vulnerability and creating inclusive spaces to embrace one's full self
- Advice for early-to-mid career professionals on overcoming fears, building community, and cultivating self-awareness
- Perspectives on embracing the future of work through continuous learning and a positive mindset
Embracing Your Intersections: Advice from Global HR Leader Gianna Driver
As the corporate environment continues to evolve, the need for diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership come to the forefront. For this episode of Immigrants in Corporate podcast, our host Lola Adeyemo speaks with Gianna Driver, a recognized Global HR industry speaker and leader, who has carved out an impressive career path that exemplifies the power of embracing one's unique identity and experiences. We dive into Gianna's journey, exploring the intersections that define her and the invaluable lessons she has to share with aspiring professionals.
Finding Your Path in HR
Gianna's career journey is a testament to embracing your unique identity and allowing opportunities to find you. As she explains to podcast host, Lola, she didn't set out to work in HR, but her natural inclination towards people-focused roles led her there organically.
Starting in corporate insurance, Gianna discovered her passion for the various facets of human resources from hiring and onboarding to performance management and learning and development as she naturally gravitated towards these people-focused roles while working at a small startup.
What's remarkable about Gianna's story is how she didn't let preconceived notions about HR hold her back. Instead, she leaned into her strengths and interests, allowing her career to unfold in a way that aligned with her values and skills. This adaptability and openness to new possibilities is a lesson for any early-to-mid career professional navigating their path.
Navigating Intersectionality
When discussing the concept of intersectionality with Lola, Gianna demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how our multiple identities shape our experiences. As a Filipina-American woman from a lower socioeconomic background, Gianna recognizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing the various facets that make up her identity, including being a mother. She notes how these intersections can evolve over time, and how it's crucial to remain open-minded and reflective about the ways in which our identities inform our perspectives and experiences.
Gianna's willingness to share her own journey with intersectionality is a powerful example of the value in being vulnerable and transparent. By highlighting the complexities of her identity, she not only helps others see themselves reflected in her story but also demonstrates the importance of creating spaces where people can fully embrace all aspects of who they are, even if certain identities may not be immediately at the forefront
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Drawing on her own experiences, Gianna offers invaluable advice for early-to-mid career professionals, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of failure, reminding us that the fear of failure often stifles more dreams than failure itself. Gianna encourages taking calculated risks and leaps of faith, as the journey itself is filled with valuable learning opportunities, regardless of the outcome.
Gianna also underscores the significance of building a supportive community and actively seeking out mentors and allies. She acknowledges that navigating predominantly white, male-dominated spaces can be challenging, but stresses the importance of finding safe havens where one can be their authentic self and be seen and accepted in their fullness, including their imperfections.
Embracing the Future of Work
As Gianna looks towards the future of the workplace, she emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and intentionality. She encourages professionals to take the time to reflect on their strengths, passions, and natural inclinations, and then proactively seek out opportunities that align with these qualities, while also remaining open-minded and adaptable. By embracing our intersections, cultivating self-awareness, and building supportive communities, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and fulfilling career journey.
We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Rate and review the episode on your favorite podcast platform or connect on Linkedin.
Connect with Gianna Driver: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-driver-6183391/
Connect with Lola Adeyemo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaaadeyemopm/
Apply to be on the Thriving in Intersectionality podcast: shorturl.at/dnyEO
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