Belonging Beyond Borders

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: inclusive leadership, societal transformation, workplace inclusion, overcoming imposter syndrome, Belonging Beyond Borders, Immigrant Experiences, Expat Challenges, Language Diversity, Cultural Adaptation, Refugee Stories

Shattering Stereotypes Immigrant Experiences

Solveiga Jaskunas explores the nuanced journey of migration, confronting stereotypes, imposter syndrome, and the meaning of belonging, while revealing how hope, vulnerability, and bicultural perspectives ignite compassionate inclusion across borders.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood welcomes Solveiga Jaskunas for an in-depth exploration of belonging beyond borders. The conversation unpacks what it means to create inclusive cultures, particularly for immigrants and expats navigating new environments and societal expectations. Joanne and Solveiga delve into the nuances of transition, the challenge of language barriers, and the impact of external and internal stereotypes. They discuss how the experience of belonging evolves, reflecting on shifting societal attitudes towards immigrants and the importance of providing practical support through recruiting, mentoring, and visibility. This episode confronts the reality of imposter syndrome for those living and working across cultures, offering strategies to foster comfort and growth by stepping out of safe spaces and seeking genuine connection.

Solveiga is an international keynote presenter and HR consultant noted for turning lived immigrant experience into practical, human-centred inclusion. Originally from Lithuania, she relocated to the US over twenty years ago, drawing on her journey of adapting to unfamiliar cultures and languages. Solveiga leads with hope, compassion, and vulnerability, mentoring others through the complexities of workplace integration and societal acceptance. Her approach inspires immigrants and expats to embrace their unique perspectives and overcome imposter syndrome. She frequently addresses global audiences and has developed an active presence online, serving as a voice for those navigating the intersection of cultural identity and professional ambition.

The conversation challenges assumptions surrounding immigrant identity and belonging, probing the dichotomy of “good” versus “bad” immigrants and highlighting the power of diverse perspectives to expand organisational culture. Joanne and Solveiga examine how internal and external barriers influence confidence, progress, and visibility—whether through employment interviews, public speaking, or leadership roles. They also address the current climate of political polarisation and rising nationalism, emphasising the need for courage and resilience to foster positive change even amidst societal tension.

The episode concludes with a call to amplify lived experience and the value of immigrant voices within HR and beyond. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own definitions of belonging and take action to nurture inclusive spaces. A key takeaway is the transformative impact of stepping beyond comfort zones, embracing diverse identities, and cultivating empathy and openness—both as individuals and within organisations. This episode is a powerful resource for anyone seeking guidance, understanding, and inspiration to drive inclusion across borders.

Published: 03.04.2026

Recorded: 15.12.2025 Episode Length

Duration: 0:56:35

Shownotes:

AI Extracts and Interpretations
app.castmagic.io The Inclusion Bites Podcast #203: Belonging Beyond Borders
Other Links
seechangehappen.co.uk SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Clips and Timestamps

Viral Topic: The Struggles of Finding Friends and Work in a New Country: “And then you come to the place where you suddenly you don’t have friends. You don’t know how long it will take you to find friends. Initially, when he had a degree in industrial psychology, I was not getting a single phone call.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:04:12 → 00:04:28]

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: “And I realised how much I still had that imposter syndrome about myself that I didn’t even realise.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:15:21 → 00:15:30]

Viral Topic: The Power of Discomfort
“I’ve learned how was useful for me to go to the rooms where the less comfortable I was, the more value I got it.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:15:52 → 00:16:01]

Viral Topic – Identity and Immigration: “So some people say, you live here for so many years, why do you still call yourself an immigrant? Or like, why do you call yourself an immigrant when you are like, you know, having your own consultancy? And I say, well, when I was making $7 per hour, then I was an immigrant and now like, I’m not anymore.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:20:06 → 00:20:23]

Viral Topic: The Power of Immigrant Voices in HR
Quote: “Because I wanted to show that being immigrant does not diminish your, your value actually it expands your world, it expands your perspective.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:21:44 → 00:21:55]

Viral Topic: Diversity in Recruitment
Quote: “It’s very painful to have all the rejections, but when you, when you feel that, you know, you’re suddenly treated differently, it’s even harder.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:31:56 → 00:32:04]

Overcoming Self-Doubt in the Public Eye: “Now I see that the people who not hired me, they would not hire me anyway. And the people who actually other people opposite opportunities came because I start putting videos and starting getting invited to the conferences and events because.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:35:42 → 00:36:03]

Viral Topic: Inspiring Global Curiosity in the Classroom: “you open the wall for those kids, the window to the world.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:39:07 → 00:39:11]

Viral Topic: Sharing a Picture of Joe Biden Online
“it’s not that, you know, he’s, you know, maybe the most likeable. I don’t know, like, it’s not like that. I, I like everything about him, but it’s still like, you know, it’s a picture of a famous person.”
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:44:11 → 00:44:22]

Pride in Identity: I feel more like an immigrantrant and I, I’m not ashamed. I’m proud of that experience and I want for other people to see that. Yes, be proud, not to be ashamed.
— Solveiga Jaskunas [00:53:56 → 00:54:07]

Definition of Terms Used

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Definition: Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” despite evidence of their competence.
Relevance: Throughout the episode, imposter syndrome is highlighted as a common experience among immigrants and expats who may feel outside their comfort zone in new cultural or professional environments, impacting their confidence and sense of belonging.
Examples: An immigrant HR professional feeling unqualified to speak at conferences despite years of experience; a non-native English speaker reluctant to be visible online due to fear of criticism.
Related Terms: Self-doubt, Confidence, Psychological Safety, Inclusion, Minority Stress
Common Misconceptions: Many believe imposter syndrome only affects those early in their careers or those lacking skills, when in fact, it can impact highly capable and experienced professionals, especially in marginalised or minority groups.

What is Accent Discrimination?

Definition: Accent discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on the way they speak, particularly due to a foreign or non-standard accent, which may affect their access to opportunities, credibility, or acceptance in a community.
Relevance: The episode explores how foreign accents can lead to exclusion and undermine one’s confidence, with job interviews and professional environments often favouring native or dominant accents.
Examples: Job candidates being dismissed after one question because of their accent; interviewers telling someone, “I can’t understand you,” leading to fewer opportunities.
Related Terms: Linguistic Profiling, Xenophobia, Language Bias, Cultural Integration Common Misconceptions: Some assume accent indicates lack of intelligence or capability, rather than simply reflecting a different linguistic background.

What is Expatriate vs Immigrant Identity?

Definition: The distinction between “expatriate” and “immigrant” relates to the perception and self-identification of individuals living outside their country of birth, with “expat” often implying voluntary, privileged migration and “immigrant” suggesting enforced, economical, or less-privileged relocation.
Relevance: The episode discusses how these labels affect perception, privilege, and sense of belonging, with some preferring “expat” to avoid stigma, and others embracing “immigrant” to honour their journey and experiences.
Examples: An American in Europe referring to themselves as an expat, whereas a Lithuanian in the US is more likely to be called or call themselves an immigrant, even with similar experiences.
Related Terms: Migrant, Foreigner, Third Culture Kid, Diaspora Common Misconceptions: There is a misconception that expats are always professionals or privileged and immigrants are always less skilled or desperate, whereas both can be highly skilled and face similar challenges adapting abroad.

What is Societal Belonging?

Definition: Societal belonging refers to the subjective experience of fitting in, being accepted, and feeling at home in a community or country, regardless of one’s origins or cultural background.
Relevance: The quest for belonging beyond borders is central to the episode, with personal narratives illustrating how individuals may feel at home in multiple places, or struggle with feeling ‘between worlds’ and never fully rooted.
Examples: Feeling Lithuanian in the US but being called “American” when returning to Lithuania; embracing both cultures without feeling fully settled in either.
Related Terms: Integration, Inclusion, Cultural Identity, Home Common Misconceptions: Belonging is often seen as a binary state (one either belongs or does not), while in reality, many live with multiple, layered identities and senses of home.

What is Minority Voice in Human Resources (HR)?

Definition: Minority voice in HR refers to the representation and active participation of individuals from minority backgrounds—such as immigrants, linguistic minorities, and visible foreigners—within the HR profession and discourse.
Relevance: The episode identifies the rarity of having HR speakers or consultants with strong accents or immigrant backgrounds, and the resultant lack of shared narratives and visible role models for minoritised employees.
Examples: Conferences where all speakers are native-born or accent-free; the lack of immigrant perspectives in HR discussions about inclusion and belonging.
Related Terms: Diversity in Leadership, Inclusive Representation, Employee Resource Groups, Marginalised Communities Common Misconceptions: There is a belief that inclusion work is only about race or gender, overlooking the importance of linguistic and immigrant representation in spaces like HR.

FAQ: Core Terminology from “Belonging Beyond Borders”

What is Imposter Syndrome? – The persistent self-doubt concerning one’s abilities, especially prevalent among those working abroad or in a secondary language.
What is Accent Discrimination? – Unfair treatment at work or socially due to a non-native accent, which can hinder professional progression and confidence.
What is Expatriate vs Immigrant Identity? – The personal and societal distinction between “expat” (often seen as privileged) and “immigrant” (sometimes seen as less so), and why these words matter for belonging and acceptance.
What is Societal Belonging? – The feeling of being valued and “at home” in a community, which can be challenged by migration and cultural transition.
What is Minority Voice in HR? – Ensuring HR roles and events include people who are visibly or audibly from minority or immigrant backgrounds, giving space to their lived realities in professional settings.