In this engaging conversation, Rana Hussain, founder of Good Human and board member of Reconciliation Australia, shares her insights on the essential human need for belonging. She discusses the importance of curiosity and listening in fostering genuine connections. Rana reflects on her experiences as a Muslim Indian migrant, navigating the complexities of identity and cultural expectations. With a heartfelt love story and her belief in positive connections, she highlights how small interactions can transform relationships and promote inclusivity in all spheres of life.
The podcast highlights that belonging is a fundamental human need, emphasizing the importance of community support during vulnerable moments.
Rana Hussain shares her personal experiences as a child of Indian migrants, illustrating the complexities of cultural identity and code-switching.
The conversation underscores the role of sports as a powerful tool for connection, bridging cultural divides and fostering meaningful relationships.
Deep dives
Acknowledgment of Traditional Land
The importance of recognizing the traditional custodians of the land is emphasized, specifically acknowledging the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. The speaker highlights the historical context of colonization and its impact on Indigenous peoples, noting that their land has been affected for nearly 250 years. By paying homage to the rich storytelling traditions of the world's oldest living culture, the aim is to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the traditional cultures that exist on that land. This recognition is framed as a crucial part of the broader conversation on inclusion and belonging.
Belonging and Inclusion in Communities
The concept of belonging is explored as a fundamental aspect of human experience, where feeling accepted and included shapes individual identities. The discussion highlights that true belonging involves trusting that one's community or 'tribe' will support and protect them during vulnerable moments. During this segment, the conversation delves into how creating inclusive environments can significantly enhance individuals' sense of belonging. It also stresses the importance of inclusive leadership and team culture as crucial elements for achieving excellence in various domains.
Navigating Cultural Identities
Rana Husayn shares her experiences as a child of Indian migrants, focusing on the complexities of her identity as a Muslim living in Australia. She faced challenges of feeling like an outsider, particularly during moments in her youth when she was made to feel different from her peers. The discussion addresses how cultural background influences personal identity and belonging, acknowledging the struggle of balancing different cultural expectations. Code-switching emerges as a key theme, illustrating how individuals often adapt their behavior and expressions depending on their audience or environment.
The Role of Sport in Fostering Connection
Sport is presented as a powerful medium for building connections and bridging cultural divides, serving as a metaphorical 'passport' for individuals like Rana. She recounts how her passion for sports enabled her to engage with others and form relationships despite her feelings of exclusion. Specific anecdotes highlight how her love for AFL created meaningful interactions and friendships, allowing her to integrate into Australian culture. The narrative illustrates a broader theme that engaging with shared interests can foster understanding and belonging among diverse groups.
Addressing Privilege and Creating Belonging
The episode touches on the importance of recognizing privilege and holds a conversation about the challenges people face in navigating their identities in a diverse society. A significant point made is that many individuals may be unaware of the extent of their privilege, which often affects their ability to empathize with marginalized experiences. The speakers advocate for an intentional and curious approach to understanding one's environment and the interactions within it. Emphasizing that creating spaces for others to feel welcome is essential, they advocate for leaders to recognize this reality to foster inclusive workplaces and communities.
Have you ever felt excluded? Or like you don't belong? It turns out that belonging is a fundamental human need. To thrive, we need to feel safe, we need to feel welcome, but very importantly, we need to know the tribe has our back.
In this Academy of Imperfection, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to founder of Good Human, Rana Hussain. Rana is a host of The Outer Sanctum podcast, a board member of Reconciliation Australia and consultant to a plethora of elite sporting clubs on bettering their diversity and inclusion strategies.
In this episode, she shares how to get curious in a respectful way, why listening is everything and how to live a life true to your identity. Ohh and there's a pretty incredible love story in the ep as well!
Rana, it was an absolute joy, and you definitely left us better than you found us.
To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -
The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.