Ravi

39 | Married| Global DEI Leader, Decathlon

To others, I have had a dream run. For me, it has been a journey of self-doubt, continuous comparisons, and difficulty to explain as I felt the constant need to project an image. I am here to learn and grow while sharing the importance of self-worth and self-confidence. I am driven by the purpose of being useful and believe in nurturing conversations. I am based in Madrid.

Coming abroad was a thrilling experience. My wife and kids had never been to Spain. We are anxious about everything yet looking forward to it as we are moving to one of the most beautiful countries.

I have to admit, I had a blindspot and made a lot of assumptions about work. I was moving to a new culture where work is treated differently. The first six months were quite a challenge- also because I was moving from a country role to a global role and that transition was not so easy. I was losing confidence, wanted to "fit in", do the right things and be appreciated. And all this had a huge impact on my emotions. There was a lot of self judgement and that's when I learnt I am undergoing Impostor Syndrome. 

By accepting, acknowledging and understanding that transitions are complex and we are pushed to the edge, we learn to be more patient with ourselves. This process took me almost six months and a lot of support - specially my wife and a coach. In hindsight, I think I could have asked for clear intercultural training to understand the living and working culture, structured and formalised onboarding process, invested more time in meeting all stakeholders etc. Working abroad is very rewarding -  roles, international exposure, salaries and benefits, societal respect etc. however it also is very demanding- being away from family, cultural adaptation, language challenges etc. I think that respecting both sides of polarity and being mindful is so important and such transitions. And of course, always leaning on to the support system - could be a partner, parents, siblings, life coach etc !