Setting goals can be hard for us immigrants. Most of us haven't learned how to set them right and how to achieve them. That's why in this episode, Mehran, Empowering conversationZ host talks about a personal experience that made her aware of setting balanced goals in life. and the culprit behind her failure in reaching her 40th birthday goals. 
In this episode, you will hear about the importance of goal setting.
several techniques in setting goals.
achieving them while living a balanced life.
As a career coach, she helps her clients set goals and reach them feeling supported and in this special episode, she is sharing the many techniques that she uses in her practice.

my email: Mehran@MehranS.com
Read more about Mehran: https://www.mehrans.com/about
subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about her group sessions: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz
Goal setting by Jim Rohn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOOYeMDLgC0
Explore coaching with Mehran https://www.mehrans.com/book-online

EZ41 Setting Achievable Balanced Goals

Migrated despite her will, slept on cardboard boxes, and left her house at the age of 15 because she couldn’t tolerate her abusive father anymore. My guest this week is Dr.Bahareh Sahebi who talks about her migration journey and the different elements that make leaving abusive relationships difficult especially for immigrants. She also educates us on the steps to take to prepare.

Dr. Bahareh Sahebi Bio:
https://www.family-institute.org/therapists-locations/staff/bahareh-sahebi
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with specialization in the treatment of trauma
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Illinois and a practicing clinician at The Family Institute
·         Assistant Program Director, Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, in the Center for Applied Psychological and Family Studies at Northwestern University  
·         Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Northwestern University
Clinical Fellow of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
·         Teaching Faculty in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University
·         Clinical Supervisor of the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at the Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic
Dr. Sahebi is a researcher, educator & consultant of the ParentLENS.com project that she co-developed with one of the most prominent figures in the profession of Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Mudita Rastogi
She is also the recipient of Dr. Christine Bard, Compassion and Skill in Rehabilitation Practice Award; nominated by the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals
 In the more recent 2 years:
Associate Editor for the Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy
Co-author of the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) Handbook currently in press
Published the preliminary article on telehealth clinical supervision practices and clinical supervision during a global pandemic published in Family Process
Sahebi B. (2020). Clinical supervision of couple and family therapy during COVID-19. Family Process, Vol. 59(3) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12591
Co-authored series of 4 published articles for caregivers, teachers, and psychotherapists related to E-learning for children during the global pandemic

You can sign up for our mailing list to be notified when an episode is released. 
Please write us a review: https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/empowering-conversationz/id1502034147
You can connect with Mehran: Mehran@MehranS.com 
Resources for domestic abuse: https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/abuse-specific-communities/abuse-immigrant-communities & https://www.thehotline.org/ & https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/userfiles/file/Children_and_Families/Immigrant.pdf

EZ42 What Makes Leaving Abusive Relationship Difficult with Bahareh Sahebi

Migrated at 18, faced an identity crisis as a Japanese Brazilian living in Utah, tried many jobs, pivoted multiple times until she found her desirable career. My guest this week is Fabiola Fujiwara. She is an HR professional with 10+ years of experience in developing, implementing, and administrating corporate policies and procedures. Fabiola shares with our audience her migration journey as well as the many valuable insights as an HR professional. One must listen to this episode if they don't know 
-How to negotiate, 
-How to start conversations when they are happy with their jobs, 
-How to build their network
-Why it's important to keep your resume up to date. 
Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when new episodes air: https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8 

Resources:
Fabiola’s Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiola-fujiwara/
Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/brand-studio/wp/2020/11/30/feature/culture-fit-is-outdated-its-time-to-think-about-culture-add/
Mehran email: Mehran@MehranS.com
Podcast website: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz
Episode 3:https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c0a6d889/ez03-on-attitude-for-climbing-in-corporate
Episode 40: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/90f54071/ez40-hr-addressing-immigrants-common-issues

EZ43 Grow Professionally by Implementing These Techniques with Fabiola Fujiwara

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong, that you are an imposter waiting to be found? If so, this episode is for you. We have Kim Meninger who's an expert in the area of imposter syndrome with years of training corporate women and men on the podcast. 
She shares her experience about: 
-What imposter syndrome is, 
-The history behind it, 
-Who suffers from it,
-How men and women suffer from it differently 
-The underlying racism 
- and what can we do about it. Both as an individual and as a manager.
Kim Meningers bio:
As a women’s leadership coach, Kim Meninger is passionate about empowering women to become more confident, visible and influential leaders. Having spent over 10 years in the high-tech industry, she experienced first-hand the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in traditionally male-dominated environments. She strives to be the resource to women that she did not have during her own corporate career.
Kim has a BA in psychology and an MBA from Boston College. She is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and CCE Board Certified Coach with certifications in career, executive and leadership development coaching. 
The Impostor Syndrome Files Podcast – Listen to the stories of women who have struggled with and have learned to manage Impostor Syndrome. 

If you are a new listener, make sure you subscribe here: 
Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when an episode is released. https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8 
Nominate our next guest: 
Suggested episodes: 
EZ08 Perfectionism, know it & manage it: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c119a0f0/ez08-perfectionism-know-it-and-manage-it
EZ16 Aftermath of accepting verbal offer: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c0b492e1/ez16-aftermath-of-accepting-verbal-contract
EZ22 Creating your leadership advantage: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c31f426c/ez22-creating-your-leadership-advantage
EZ33 Immigrants guide to Racist comments: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/8e97f693/ez33-immigrants-guide-to-racist-comments

EZ44 How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome with Kim Meninger

Mehran is a communication coach helping countless immigrants and minorities improve their communication skills at work. In this episode, I, Mehran the host of the Empowering conversationZ podcast share the story of the very first time I spoke English with a native English speaker. How it felt, the shame, and how I became fluent in English plus the 4 tips that I give my clients on improving their language while using the wisdom from my previous guests and many conversations I've had with successful immigrants, refugees, and Dreamers. Listen, Subscribe and share!

EZ3 Attitudes on climbing the corporate ladder: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c0a6d889/ez03-on-attitude-for-climbing-in-corporate
EZ10 Born Twice, CEO's Story https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c1174648/ez10-born-twice-a-ceos-story
EZ Frederic Cherau on Accent and Culture https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c23901b0/ez15-frederic-chereau-on-accent-and-culture
EZ08 Perfectionism, know it & manage it: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c119a0f0/ez08-perfectionism-know-it-and-manage-it
EZ35 Upwardly and their role in supporting you get your first job as an immigrant https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/9159709c/ez35-immigrants-and-first-professional-job
Sign up for our mailing list to be notified when an episode is released. https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8
Booking a complimentary session: https://www.mehrans.com/service-page/explore-coaching?referral=service_list_widget

EZ45 Tips to Speak with Confidence with Mehran Sorourian

In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we sit down with Meenakshi Iyer to discuss the challenges immigrants face in professional settings, especially when it comes to language and accents. Immigrants often encounter microaggressions related to their language skills and how they speak, leading to discrimination and bias.

Meenakshi shares insights on:

>Why it's essential to celebrate cultural diversity and how cultural identity enhances professional environments.
>The importance of language inclusion and how it fosters a more equitable and inclusive society.
>Real-life examples of microaggressions around language and accents that immigrants experience daily.
>How organizations can adopt practices to create an environment where all employees, regardless of accent or language proficiency, feel respected and valued.

If you've ever felt the sting of a language-related microaggression or want to learn more about language inclusion, this episode offers valuable insights into building a more inclusive, respectful workplace and society.

Bio:
Meenakshi Iyer thrives at the intersection of People, Process, and Technology. She is a T-shaped servant leader with an international and interdisciplinary career in IT, Agile/Business Process Transformation, international healthcare, HR, and Training, in India and the USA, spanning more than two decades. “Stop, breathe, think, act.” is her motto.

Meenakshi is the Founder and Principal of NorthStar Solutions and Services - a future-of-work oriented, virtual coaching, training and consulting practice serving clients globally.  She is an ICF-certified Personal Agility and Self-Leadership Coach. She specializes in supporting People and Technology leaders in co-creating their personal transformation and leadership development journeys. Meenakshi is fluent in four languages, and has lived and worked in 10+ cities in India and the US.
Connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenakshi-iyer-northstar/
More about her and her work - https://www.northstaratwork.com/

Here are the TED talk links:
Taiye Selasi: Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCKzpXEW6E
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg
Sir Ken Robinson - Do schools kill creativity? - https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?language=en

Language Inclusion & Overcoming Microaggressions in the Workplace with Meenakshi Iyer

"In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Pavna Sodhi to discuss the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community—particularly within BIPOC immigrant communities. We explore the complex process of coming out, the role of family, community, and the host culture in this journey, and the unique struggles LGBTQ+ individuals face in these contexts.

Dr. Sodhi shares her insights on:
>The emotional and social challenges LGBTQ+ individuals and their families experience, especially as immigrants in BIPOC communities.
>How family dynamics and cultural expectations influence the coming out process.
>The impact of the host culture on the LGBTQ+ experience and the complexities of living between cultures.
>Strategies for educating children about LGBTQ+ issues and fostering an inclusive environment.
>How to support LGBTQ+ individuals in overcoming barriers and building a sense of belonging.

Whether you're an LGBTQ+ individual, an ally, or a parent looking to better understand and support your children, this episode offers valuable insights into immigrant LGBTQ+ experiences, cultural identity, and family dynamics.

Resources:
https://positivespacenetwork.ca/
https://egale.ca/
https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/
https://lgbtq.wvu.edu/state-and-national-resources/-resources-for-queer-and-transgender-black-indigenous-people-of-color
https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbt
https://www.strongfamilyalliance.org/parent-guide/

Dr.Sodhi’s last episode: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c2a4e1fa/ez28-managing-covid-trauma-for-immigrants
List of books for children: https://www.readbrightly.com/9-great-lgbtq-books-kids/ & https://www.familyequality.org/family-support/lgbtq-books/early-elementary/
Dr. Pavna Sodhi Bio:
With over 20 years of psychotherapeutic and research experience, Dr. Pavna Sodhi (she/her) has interacted with a multitude of populations in both clinical and academic spaces. Her professional background and personal narrative offer a unique research perspective regarding culturally responsive trauma work, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, and immigrant mental health. Her research has been featured in national and international scholarly journals and books. In 2017, she wrote, Exploring Immigrant and Sexual Minority Mental Health: Reconsidering Multiculturalism (Routledge). Content from her book is supported by first- and second-generation immigrant narratives, who share their experiences of migration, trauma, overt/covert racism, identity formation, and mental health concerns. She is currently authoring a book regarding decolonizing mental health and trauma-informed practices.
Insta : @sunotherapy
Website: www.pavnaksodhi.com
Twitter: @DrPavnaKSodhi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavna-k-sodhi-67b81615/?originalSubdomain=ca
Book: https://www.routledge.com/Exploring-Immigrant-and-Sexual-Minority-Mental-Health-Reconsidering-Multiculturalism/Sodhi/p/book/9780415841870

LGBTQ+ Immigrants & The Journey of "Coming Out" with Dr. Pavna Sodhi

n this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we dive into the art of making difficult changes—especially when it comes to navigating cultural differences, beliefs, and assumptions. How do you successfully negotiate change, both with yourself and others?

Our guest, Reut Schwartz-Hebron, an immigrant from Israel, shares her journey from working as an HR director, where she was blindsided by non-verbal cues and workplace dynamics, to becoming a seasoned expert in change management.

Learn about:
>The challenges of adapting to new cultural environments and how to make necessary changes without losing your authentic self.
>How to negotiate change with yourself and others, especially when dealing with cultural misunderstandings and workplace communication barriers.
>Insights from Reut’s books: Outswim the Sharks and The Art and Science of Changing People Who Don’t Want to Change.
>How negotiation skills can be applied in both professional and personal contexts to help you overcome challenges and thrive in any environment.

Whether you're an immigrant navigating cultural shifts, a professional dealing with workplace communication challenges, or someone seeking to improve your negotiation skills, this episode offers valuable insights into managing change and adapting to new circumstances.

Reut Schwartz-Hebron is a change management expert and author of Outswim the Sharks and The Art and Science of Changing People Who Don’t Want to Change. With a background in HR leadership and behavioral psychology, she helps individuals and organizations navigate cultural adaptation and communication barriers in the workplace. 
Connect with Reut on LinkedIn here or learn more about her work at her website.

Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when new episodes air: https://mehrans.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6dfc4750bd3f20b3caae4503f&id=0329b857f8 
List of episodes: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz
Contact Mehran: Mehran@MehranS.com

Reut Schwartz-Hebron Bio: 
In her role as Certifying Partner with KCI, Reut has trained and certified hundreds of HR leaders, coaches, consultants, and other change professionals to use powerful Neuroscience-based models for guiding people through difficult change.
She started her career at the rank of a Lieutenant Commander working with elite training teams in the Israeli military, and was the first woman consultant to be offered a prestigious field position with a combat unit. She has a BA in Psychology, an MBA in Business and Organizational Development, and has been collaborating with Neuroscientists for the last 17 years to develop a neuroscience-based Unlearning Model. While she supports coaches and change leaders to use a wide range of Neuroscience-based models, she is internationally renowned as one of the top experts in this specific field of guiding people to unlearn and relearn as part of making transitions and transformations. 
For the past 25 years Reut coached and consulted in organizations that range from Fortune 500s such as NIKE, Avaya, GSK, Comcast, and Philips Medical to medium sized companies in a large variety of industries including financial, high-tech, telecom, universities, hospitals and other health organizations, retail, manufacturing, and government agencies. She is a published author of books and numerous articles, but perhaps most importantly, she is a mother, a wife, a sister, and an avid supporter of human rights.
 To learn more about Reut’s work and the Certification in Applied Neuroscience, please visit: www.KCIcertification.com

Neuroscience of Change with Reut Schwartz-Hebron

The son of Chinese immigrants, Dr. James Lin is a math professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In 1986, he took an unexpected step and taught the first-ever Asian American Studies course at UCSD. Despite being a math professor, Dr. Lin’s passion for social justice and ethnic studies led him to break boundaries. Two years later, he succeeded in obtaining Academic Senate approval for a Minor in Asian American Studies, marking a significant milestone in academic history.

Dr. Lin's journey didn't stop there. He teamed up with faculty from Chicano Studies and African American Studies to gain approval for an Ethnic Studies Department in 1990, which has had a lasting impact on both students and the wider community.

In this episode, Dr. Lin shares his remarkable journey, his experiences as an immigrant, and the challenges and triumphs of creating an essential program that amplifies diverse voices and promotes cultural awareness and social justice.

Tune in to hear about:
>Dr. Lin's path from math professor to Ethnic Studies advocate.
>His role in creating the first Asian American Studies course and later the Ethnic Studies Department at UCSD.
>The importance of cultural representation and academic diversity in higher education.
>How immigrant experiences shaped Dr. Lin’s commitment to social justice and education.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in ethnic studies, academic diversity, and the intersection of immigrant identity and education.


Jim's past interviews: https://youtu.be/1BxdlT2RC2g?si=JRfoQ3w2v5Xq7JoG

Immigrant Conversations -  
00:00:00 " Jim and I know each other through Toastmaster
00:01:02 " My father built the first modern airplane by a Chinese in China
00:11:18 " Lin family says I'm the lucky baby because within days of being born
00:20:18 " By the time I was 15, I had studied 8000 hours of math
00:27:03 " At 15, I scored perfect score on the math SAT
00:32:53 " You mentioned as an adult that there were a lot of somewhat isolating feelings
00:41:39 " The public doesn't know much about your immigration, Mehran
00:50:57 " UCSD faculty opposed creating a race-based ethnic studies minor
00:58:54 " Jim Mehran: I was inspired by a book called see no stranger        Keywords: migration, Chinese-American, aviation pioneer, academic success, cultural identity, Asian American Studies, UCSD, resilience, podcast    
Jim's Biography:        Jim is a Chinese-American who has made significant contributions to both academia and cultural representation. Born in Manhattan shortly after his parents emigrated from China, Jim's early life was marked by rigorous academic discipline and cultural challenges. He excelled in mathematics, earning a PhD from Princeton and becoming a full professor at UCSD by the age of 30.    
        Jim played a crucial role in establishing the Asian American Studies minor at UCSD, which later became a full department. His work has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and education. Jim continues to inspire through his storytelling and dedication to fostering understanding and inclusion.

The ‘Perpetual Foreigner’ Stereotype & Its Impact with Dr. Jim Lin

Immigrant conversations Guest is Richard Hsung, born and raised in China to a Chinese mother who considered America home. Together, they migrate to the States. Richard studied chemistry and became a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One day he made a promise to his ailing mother, a promise that helps his mom die peacefully but leaves him with a huge responsibility that causes tremendous pain but also healing.  

Biography:
Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions.
https://richardperkinshsung.com
www.linkedin.com/in/richard-perkins-hsung-2378752ab
Spring Flower: A Tale of Two Rivers: https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Flower-Book-Tale-Rivers/dp/9888552848


My Mother's Memoire with Richard Hsung

Our first original song. Lyrics are based loosely on the book "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman. This is overall a pretty awesome song. You should share it with all your buds.

Melody and Lyrics by Alex Nackerud

Alex Nackerud--Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Duncan Weisbrod--Drums
Henry--Bass, Vocals

Like, for real though.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Welcome to Immigrant Conversations, the podcast that brings you inspiring stories from immigrants who have turned challenges into triumphs. Join Mehran Sorourian, a Middle Eastern immigrant woman as she dives deep into the experiences of first-generation and diaspora individuals, exploring their unique journeys, cultural identities, and the hurdles they’ve overcome. We discuss everything from immigrant entrepreneurship, cross cultural experiences, as well as the dark side of migration such as isolation, bias, and more. We aim to provide a platform for voices that often go unheard and aim to bring people closer together.
Join us as we explore topics ranging from immigrant entrepreneurship, first-generation struggles, and cross-cultural experiences to the impact of immigration policies and advocacy. Whether you are an immigrant, a descendant of immigrants, or simply interested in compelling human stories, "Immigrant Conversations" offers a unique perspective on the immigrant experience.
Tune in to discover how individuals from diverse backgrounds overcome obstacles, achieve success, and enrich our communities with their unique perspectives and talents. Subscribe now to "Immigrant Conversations" on your favorite podcast platform, and be inspired by the extraordinary journeys of those who have built new lives from the ground up.

My Mother's Memoire with Richard Hsung

Mehran

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