Immy reflects on the importance of inclusion and its power to build stronger, more connected teams.
For me, inclusion means everyone is truly joined together, no matter who they are. People often think it’s just about diversity, but that’s only one part of the picture. Real inclusion goes deeper. It’s about respecting gender, religion, culture, personality, etc. and ultimately recognising that what matters most is who we are on the inside.
When building a team, inclusion is about understanding people, appreciating their differences, and seeing them as unique without making them feel different. Each of us brings our own personality, strengths and weaknesses, and inclusion helps us unite those differences into something stronger. By respecting one another, we not only create a more welcoming space but also gain new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the people around us.
What I love most about inclusive teams is how many different backgrounds, skills and personalities can come together to work as one. Those differences fuel creativity, because with varied experiences come varied ideas and solutions. In a safe, open environment, everyone feels empowered to share their perspective without fear of judgement. Inclusion is a huge factor behind psychologically safe environments, as it helps to create a place where people can openly express ideas, ask questions and make mistakes.
Inclusion is especially important to me because of my own background. My mum is English and Irish, my dad is Indian, and together they blended two families, three cultures, and four religions. That has always inspired me. I grew up celebrating everything from St. Patrick’s Day to Diwali to Christmas, which gave me a richer view of the world. Unfortunately, I faced backlash and judgement growing up, but I learned that those voices came from people who weren’t thinking inclusively. Underneath it all, we all share so many of the same interests, whether it’s football, wrestling, or simply enjoying good food. Our differences may shape us, but they don’t divide us.
At Rambutan, I see a real drive for inclusion every day. Our team is diverse in every sense and we thrive because of this. We learn from one another constantly, asking questions to understand each other better. Everyone especially loves it when Bijal brings in new foods for us all to try!
Inclusion isn’t just about feeling good. It makes us work better together. Something as simple as asking someone their preferred way of communicating and adapting to it can make a huge difference. It shows respect, builds trust and ensures everyone feels heard. When we create an environment where people can share openly without fear of judgement, we build the best kind of place to live, grow and work.
How do you promote a culture of inclusion in your teams?