E52: Matt Adolphe knows why you are struggling at your Canadian workplace

Hello, I'd really like to grow this email list. If you enjoy this newsletter, it would mean the world to Jola and I if you encouraged one friend/fellow immigrant/colleague to subscribe…Very likely, the the only thing you will get in return is warm fuzzy feelings, and if I can attribute it to you, I’d personally send you a thank you email.

Join us as we explore the bitter-sweet world of the immigrant.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Matt Adolphe, author of the seminal book on the Canadian workplace culture, Mastering the Unspoken Rules.

What is the Canadian workplace culture? How do we immigrants adjust to the unspoken expectations of our colleagues and bosses in an indirect culture?

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Thankfully, they haven’t been so costly yet. I hope. So, this conversation with Matt was God-sent.

Born in Calgary, Canada, Matt moved to Asia after university and lived there for years. After moving back to Canada with his family, he found it hard to re-integrate into the Canadian workplace. In his words, "It wasn't an easy transition."

This experience, plus listening to the stories of immigrants and others who were struggling to understand the Canadian workplace culture inspired him to write THE BOOK on mastering the unspoken rules of the Canadian workplace.

I think his book is a seminal piece of work. A must-read for anyone who’s looking to work in Canada. Immigrant or not.

In this conversation, we chat about his book and its impact. We also chatted about:

* Why the Canadian work culture won’t change dramatically despite immigration

* The differences between the Canadian and American workplace culture

* Steps to take to help you adjust to your Canadian workplace

* How to have hard conversations in Canada

* Why being culturally adaptable is a superpower

* And the concept of bringing our whole self to work.

This was such a good good episode. Jeez.

I’ll leave you with this: You don’t lose your sense of identity when you adopt a new culture. You become a much better and rounded individual.

Official Links

👋🏽 Follow Matt on LinkedIn

📚 Get a copy of THE BOOK: Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules

📚 Explore his second book: Would You Hire You?

Did you read it?

Two months ago, Nelly Kawira shared a hilarious thread on Twitter about all she’s learned and achieved since moving to London two years ago.

Well, she’s published an updated version on The Newcomers, with some great images to boot.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thenewcomerspod.com