E96: Dots Oyebolu thinks the usual immigrant success narratives can be a trap

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 Dots Oyebolu, a paid media professional who moved from Nigeria to Canada and insists immigrants need to think differently about success.

The immigrant journey often comes with unsaid rules about what success looks like. Pursue certain kinds of jobs. Buy a house as soon as possible. Get a good car. You know, just fit in.

Well, not for Dots. For him, following the ascribed survival routes end up limiting what's possible for immigrants. And while it's hard to break free of the herd mentality and the cultural pressures, “we live somebody else's life,” he says.

Now, I think I agree to some extent. However, I also acknowledge that the psychological toll of trying to integrate into a new country makes this doubly hard for an immigrant. It's much simpler to just go with the crowd and reduce the stress of settling in as much as you can.

But there's also value in being finding our own path, being open-minded, and being willing to look foolish.

In this conversation, Dotun and I chat about his view of identity especially from the lenses of an immigrant. We also explore:

* The limitations of cultural obedience

* The need to play the long-term game

* Why we need to move beyond our obsession with real estate

* The balance between adapting vs. changing

Official Links

✅ Connect with Dots Oyebolu on LinkedIn

✅ Check out Dots podcast on marketing

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please forward or share it to one immigrant out there.

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