The Newcomers Podcast

E172: David Bradshaw on being the only one in the room

July 31
1h 7m

Episode Description

In this episode, I am speaking with David Bradshaw, Co-Founder of BradshawBolton and President of Calgary Black Chambers, about what it's like walking into rooms where nobody looks like you.

Once you're in there, do you use that privilege to build a bridge for the people coming behind you, or do you start thinking you're the GOAT and demand that everyone treat you like one?

David and I chat about this and:

  • Watching a Black CEO in action in the mid-nineties and what it changed for him

  • Carrying a chip on your shoulder without letting it go sour

  • The cost of keeping up a version of yourself that isn't real

  • What a police officer taught him about how to approach work

  • Why institutions like the Calgary Black Chambers are important

Dozie's Notes

A few things that stuck with me as I listened through this week's conversation:

  1. Performing because you want to fit in is exhausting. And while I agree there are many reasons why we immigrants do so, please scram once you can. Because it shows in the work and in all you do. Plus, you probably end up burnt out. I mean, I am all for adapting and integrating. But it shouldn't come at such a cost.

  2. Most of us arrive in Canada and take a job that has nothing to do with who we were — the late-night security shifts, the warehouse floor, or the overnight shelf-stocking role. We tell ourselves all this is temporary, and it often is. But no one preps you for the mental burden it comes with, and all the times you have to question your idea of who you thought you were and who you are in the moment. If that's you right now, remember, you're in a moment in time, and that moment isn't you.

Official Links

✅ Connect with David Bradshaw on LinkedIn

✅ Get involved with Calgary Black Chambers

One Ask

If you found this story helpful, please consider sharing it with one Canadian immigrant you know.

Timestamps

  • 0:00 You're not alone in facing these issues

  • 0:54 Intro

  • 2:49 Cleaning arenas and learning what invisible feels like

  • 7:28 Getting fired from Co-op over ten cents

  • 13:21 Adapting without twisting yourself into a pretzel

  • 18:57 Leading as the only Black person in the room

  • 23:50 Nice is not the same as kind

  • 30:57 How newcomers break into Calgary's tight networks

  • 37:06 Building something that outlasts you

  • 56:23 The community he wishes he had

  • 1:02:56 Know your worth and speak up

  • 1:06:59 Outro

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