Description

In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Kamil Hejmanowski, a world champion kickboxer, karate sensei, and now life coach supporting migrants who experience shame in the UK.

Kamil generously shares his journey from growing up in Poland to navigating teenage years as a new migrant in theUK, grappling with a sense of not belonging, shame, and the search for self-worth.

Throughout our conversation, Kamil shares how his earliest experiences shaped his understanding of self, community, and cultural differences. We discuss the complex realities of migration. How they reverberate through identity, family dynamics, and working life.

Kamil provides invaluable insight into the hidden challenges many migrants face, including cultural expectations, emotional barriers, and the sometimesinvisible burden of having to prove oneself.

Key takeaways from this episode:

1. Migration is a deeply personal experience, shaped by culture, upbringing, and often invisible emotional struggles such as shame and a need to prove one's worth.
2. Our personal histories influence the way we work, relate to others, and respond to challenges, highlighting the need for greater empathy and understanding in our workplaces and communities.
3. Real change, whether in individuals or institutions, requires us to look beneath the surface and address the root causes of behaviour, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question:
How might you better recognise and support those whose life stories and cultural backgrounds differ from your own?

Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes:

• Link to Kamil’s website - www.kamilhejmanowski.com,where you will also find his TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook accounts (both Polish and English language)
• A reminder that Kamil’s website is available in both Polish and English, with a button to swap languages

If you found value in today's conversation and want to help keep the podcast going, you can buy me a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion – every cuppa helps to fund the show.

Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.
www.KatieAllenConsulting.com

Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder