Many leaders overlook this competitive edge: the ability to proudly own the richness of their heritage. Zoe Saldana’s well-deserved Oscar win for her role in Emilia Perez, a French musical crime film, showcases the significance that embracing your ethnic identity at work can hold in your career. Saldana also highlighted this in her acceptance speech by sharing how being in a Spanish-speaking role would have made her grandmother proud. However, embracing your cultural heritage isn’t limited to actors in Hollywood. Your ethnic background is also an asset you can use in the workplace.
For example, research from the Pew Research Center found that 75% of Americans consider it essential for companies and organizations to promote racial and ethnic diversity in their workplaces. This data supports the notion that bringing your whole identity into your career is valuable and enriches the work environment.
Ethnic diversity also drives financial success in the workplace. A 2023 McKinsey & Company study supports this, finding that companies in the top quartile for ethnic representation are 39% more likely to outperform those in the bottom quartile. This research underscores the critical role of diversity at the top.
Despite research showcasing the benefits of diversity, many leaders are hesitant to bring their heritage into the workplace. Whether it’s because of their horrific experiences with racism, microaggressions, and bias- professionals may feel the urge to hide their cultural identity at work. Zoe Saldana’s moving Oscar speech reminds us that embracing your roots is the unique asset that leads to your success. Your heritage is the key to opening doors to accomplishments you could have never dreamed of.
Based on these findings, professionals must be equipped with three strategies that enable them to bring their cultural identity into the workplace and experience career fulfillment. The approaches are grounded in emotional intelligence skills, confidence-building techniques, and leadership resilience.
1. Be The Representation You Once Needed
Your cultural background can become the fuel that not only skyrockets you to new heights in your career but also inspires others to achieve their ambitions. For example, have you ever discovered that someone from your neighborhood or city was a well-known name? There’s often an accompanying feeling of awe and inspiration for what they’ve accomplished despite them coming from a similar environment as you. This reaction demonstrates the power of becoming the representation that others need to feel like their dreams are possible.
Zoe Saldana’s acceptance speech illustrates the importance of becoming the representation you once needed. In her speech, she acknowledged being the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award. By recognizing the cultural significance of the award, she inspires others to see their heritage as a strength and not a liability.
2. Embrace Multicultural Fluency as a Strength
The ability to move fluidly between cultures is a skill, regardless of how difficult it can sometimes be. Being fluent in more than one language adds to this complexity. It often causes leaders to feel the need to conform to the dominant culture instead of honoring their entire identity.
Zoe Saldana exemplifies what it means to own your heritage, as she spoke fluent Spanish in the film Emilia Perez. Multicultural professionals who speak languages other than the dominant one can also leverage this skill to their advantage and seek career opportunities that align with their goals.
3. Your Heritage Sets You Apart
Your heritage is a competitive advantage. Your ethnic background has equipped you with insights and values that make you stand out. Leveraging your unique background to pursue your desired opportunities is not exploitative; it’s authentic. One of the most genuine steps you can take in your career is to own your heritage proudly. Doing this adds to your professional credibility and resume.
Zoe Saldana’s decision to accept her role in the movie Emilia Perez, for example, is a masterclass in what it looks like to lean into who you are and the success that can come from it.
The next time you feel overlooked and unappreciated in your industry, take a step back and reflect on the lessons we’ve examined here. These strategies can act as a roadmap for embracing your ethnic identity at work—turning what makes you different into what makes you successful, just like Zoe Saldana did.