Summary
Of South Africa’s total population, 92% are people of color. In Design however, it’s less than 9%. As a Cape Colored Designer, this made having an identity that my fellow designers could relate to extremely difficult as I am neither Black nor White. In order to navigate a post-apartheid country, I had to realize that belonging nowhere could mean that I, in fact, could belong everywhere. This talk is about the “Cultural Edge Effect” of my heritage and how that has helped me build Enterprise Design teams and attract and build the diverse design skills of South Africa’s future.
Key Insights
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Resilience can be cultivated through personal stories and experiences.
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Exclusion can lead to a broader perspective and greater inclusivity in design.
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Cultural diversity can enhance creativity and problem-solving within teams.
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Identities are often assigned, leading to struggles with belonging.
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The Ed effect signifies that merging different environments can create stronger communities.
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Individuals grow through discomfort and challenge, not just support.
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Being a 'pot plant' limits growth; one should aim to be like a 'crab' ready to shed their shell.
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Mentorship and collaboration are essential for nurturing new talent and ideas.
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Young professionals need to see representation in their fields to envision career paths.
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Acting on long-term goals, even if results are not immediate, is vital for meaningful change.
Notable Quotes
"I learned very quickly that nobody knew where to put me, and they were the ones who didn't like that."
"Being outside of those circles meant that I could look at the outside in."
"If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, you go together."
"I saw being excluded as a superpower in being able to think inclusively."
"You're trying to pick fruit from a tree that you are yet to plant."
"Don’t be a pot plant, be a crab."
"When crabs shed their shell, they become vulnerable but stronger after."
"The end of history illusion makes us think we’re done growing when we’re not."
"The design industry is moving in a direction of maturity and inclusivity."
"The cultural edge effect breeds resilience and diversity which is crucial for design teams."
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