Rewriting the Code
Workplace subculture has long been ingrained with a ‘code’ of normality.
This code consists of unwritten rules and beliefs that establish a rhetoric of how, or how not to behave to fit in. Written to serve certain majority or powerful groups, this code therefore rests on an assumed homogeneity that does not exist.
Some therefore find themselves situated farther from the code, needing to change parts of themselves to greater degrees than others to assimilate. Here they face a double bind; sacrifice authenticity or diverge from the code. And where non-conformity and embracing authenticity carries social and reputational risk, the decision is complex.
This series of personal journey articles showcases stories of our wonderful Baringa employees. They share their experience of the ‘code’ at Baringa, throughout their career, and as individuals.
Through these personal narratives, the series aims to unravel Baringa's code, exploring its impact on our people and seeking opportunities for its redefinition.
Our objective is to instigate social and organisational change within Baringa and beyond, fostering an environment where our people feel liberated to bring their genuine and best selves to work.
We trust that these stories will provide insights, wisdom, and empathy. They are intended to demonstrate that authenticity is an act of courage, beauty, and, fundamentally, a necessity in the workplace.
Be a codebreaker
Naeem Randeree, Government expert, shares his experience of two vastly different cultures, how they helped him adapt to different situations, how that was useful in his career and his hopes for the future of diversity, equality and inclusion at Baringa.
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Humanity, above all…
Shaheen Syed used to feel apprehensive of speaking up about the importance of her daily prayers. But during her time at Baringa she’s slowly overcome these fears and now understands the impact on her wellbeing of working for a company that recognises the requirements of her faith. Co-leading the Muslim Network has helped, as Shaheen, an expert in Baringa’s Digital and Technology Practice, talks about in this article.
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Creating flex to cross cultural divides
Throughout a long career in consulting, Martyn Smith knows he’s made mistakes along the way when it comes to bridging cross-cultural gaps. After much trial and error, Martyn talks about how taking the time to understand and enhance local values can create powerfully synergistic connections across our global Baringa family.
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No longer hiding my background
Amy Salmon, expert in Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences, describes her emotional realisation that she was hiding her working-class roots and how Baringa’s new social mobility network is helping her on her journey to becoming more vocal about her background.
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My journey from fitting in to standing out…
Roxanne D’Souza, a Partner at Baringa talks about her journey from fitting in to standing out, why her diversity is her superpower, and how much she still has to learn about other people’s differences.
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Boundaries to protect myself and the way I work
Joel Loong, expert in Energy and Resources in Singapore discusses neurodiversity at work and championing your personal ways of working for success.
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The right cheerleaders at the right levels
Jasmin Jenkinson, expert in Energy and Resources, talks on disclosing sexuality at work and how Baringa has grown and how it can continue to champion authenticity.
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Aspiring to be me, not one of many
Tyrone Salami explores the challenges of assimilating in the workplace as a Black male, highlighting the gap between authenticity and conformity.
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Chris Nott on social mobility: hiring people, not profiles
Chris Nott, Partner in Financial Services in Australia, discusses the importance of hiring a person, not a social background and how Baringa has evolved over 15 years.
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Anneka Sheikh: faith, gender, and ethnicity
Anneka Sheikh, Senior Vetting and Screening Advisor, discusses being of faith, female and an ethnic minority, and the experiences she's faced in her career and at Baringa.
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Danny Lin: a unique voice in Leadership
Danny Lin, Partner in Supply Chain and Procurement US, shares his experience hailing from an ethnic minority, and being an introvert in an extroverted culture.
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Amber Madden-Nadeau: unmasking autistic authenticity
Amber Madden-Nadeau, expert in Energy and Resources, shares her story navigating neurodiversity in the workplace.
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Baringa: a space to bring my whole self to work
Catherine LeBoeuf, Energy and Resources expert, shares her journey and how Baringa has helped her navigate the paradox between authenticity and the ‘corporate world code'.
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Curating who I wasn’t to fit in
Anya Davis, Partner and sponsor of DEI at Baringa, shares her journey navigating workplace gender biases, and discusses how having a daughter impacted this.
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