Ep 4 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Yourself At Work?

Season 1, Episode 4: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Yourself at Work? (with Priya Bates)Episode Description:How much of yourself do you really bring to work—and how much do you feel you have to leave behind to fit in?In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee welcome special guest Priya Bates, award-winning internal communications strategist, co-founder of A Leader Like Me, and author of Building a Culture of Inclusivity. Together, they unpack the emotional, cultural, and organizational barriers that make authenticity feel risky—and why belonging is the true foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They explore:What it actually means to “belong” at workWhy so many professionals feel pressure to conform to dominant cultures (white, male, heteronormative)The difference between “culture fit” and “culture add” in hiring and leadershipHow microaggressions and assumptions—like “Where are you really from?”—erode trustThe evolution of DEI since the murder of George Floyd, and how to move beyond performative inclusionStrategies to move from fear and discomfort to courageous conversationsHow leaders can foster safe, diverse environments by embracing their own growth and bias awarenessWith real stories, practical takeaways, and unfiltered honesty, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what inclusion feels like—not just what it looks like on a spreadsheet.Timestamps:00:00 – Why we’re nervous to talk about DEI—and why we must05:00 – Priya Bates joins: redefining inclusion and belonging10:00 – Belonging as a personal and cultural journey15:00 – Identity, immigration, and “Where are you really from?”20:00 – Why “being yourself” at work still feels risky25:00 – From culture fit to culture add: evolving hiring mindsets30:00 – Microaggressions, code-switching, and corporate expectations35:00 – Representation, internal communications, and the value of difference40:00 – DEI as business advantage, not checkbox45:00 – Unlearning bias and embracing discomfort50:00 – Modern leadership: from alpha types to empathetic innovators55:00 – Building inclusive teams with intention01:00:00 – Tools, resources, and reflections for change Books & Resources:Building a Culture of Inclusivity by Priya Bates & Advita PatelA Leader Like Me – Global DEI community by Priya & AdvitaHarvard’s Implicit Association Test (IAT) Mic-Drop Moments:“Belonging means you can show up with all of who you are—and be valued for it.”“Diversity without inclusion is decoration. Inclusion without belonging is just obligation.”“The goal isn’t to erase differences. It’s to appreciate them.” Connect with Us:Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication Special Thanks:We’re deeply grateful to Priya Bates for joining this conversation and sharing her leadership, vulnerability, and vision for a more inclusive world of work. Thanks to the entire Local Wisdom and SBX Productions teams for helping us make space for the conversations that matter most. Let’s Talk About Belonging:Do you feel like you can be yourself at work? What’s helped—or hurt—that feeling? Share your reflections with us on LinkedIn, TikTok, or at whydoesitfeelsowrong.com. Let’s keep making workplaces feel more human, one honest conversation at a time. Connect with UsPinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn  | Local WisdomChris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher CommunicationBree Bartos – LinkedIn | Local WisdomSpecial thanks to digital communication agency Local Wisdom (www.localwisdom.com) for really believing in our mission and making this podcast possible. If this episode made you think differently, laugh, or even yell out loud, we want to hear about it! Connect with us on LinkedIn, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share – maybe with your work bestie… or even your boss if you're feeling bold. We also bring these important conversations to conferences and private workshops, creating space for real, meaningful change. Take the first step at www.whydoesitfeelsowrong.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.