As a former refugee displaced in my early teens, I was thrust into a world of uncertainty. My journey, like many others, was marked by challenges and opportunities, teaching me to think outside the box, build resilience and maintain hope for a brighter future. These lessons, I believe, are not just relevant but essential for today’s corporate leaders. Why?
In a world where the pace of change is unprecedented, corporate leaders must navigate uncharted waters. Whether driven by generative AI, geopolitical shifts, or economic volatility, change seems constant. To thrive, we might all benefit from looking beyond traditional sources of wisdom.
As June 20th—designated "World Refugee Day" by the U.N.—approaches, we are reminded of the courage and unwavering hope that refugees embody. With 110 million displaced people worldwide, their experiences offer invaluable lessons that can inspire and guide corporate leaders through these tumultuous times.
Always Think Outside the Box
Studies show that refugees often endure unimaginable hardships during their migration journeys, facing brutality from smugglers, traffickers, militias and even state officials.
In a recent conversation with Jina Krause-Vilmar, CEO of Upwardly Global—an organization dedicated to helping immigrants, refugees, and asylees rebuild their careers in the U.S. — she shared that "despite challenges, refugees develop critical skills like adaptability and creativity to survive." These skills are immensely valuable in the corporate world, where disruption has become the new norm, according to Krause-Vilmar. "Today's leaders can learn from refugees' ability to think outside the box and adapt quickly to changing circ*mstances," she points out.
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How can you, as a corporate leader, harness this mindset? Start by encouraging your team to view problems from multiple perspectives. Foster an environment where unconventional ideas are welcomed and explored. Just as refugees must innovate to overcome obstacles, your team should be empowered to think creatively to address business challenges.
Are you providing the space and resources for your employees to innovate? Are you celebrating their creative solutions?
Create a Culture of Resilience
Resilience defines the refugee experience. According to the World Health Organization, refugees remain among society's most vulnerable members, even after migrating to new host countries. They often face xenophobia, discrimination, substandard living conditions and limited access to mainstream health services.
Nevertheless, a report from the American Immigration Council highlights that refugees frequently exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit that surpasses both non-refugee immigrants and native-born citizens. In 2019 alone, the United States was home to nearly 188,000 refugee entrepreneurs, who collectively generated $5.1 billion in business income. Why is that?
In a recent discussion with John Thon Majok, director of the Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative at the Wilson Center, he emphasized that "through their lived experience of withstanding many adversities, refugees are risk-takers and that is an important lesson to derive from them." Majok further noted that "refugees who have survived adversities possess an unwavering quality of not giving up."
In your organization, resilience should be more than just a buzzword. It should be embedded in your company culture. Encourage resilience by setting an example—showing that setbacks are opportunities for growth. Provide support systems such as mentoring programs and mental health resources to help your team bounce back from challenges.
Do you foster an environment where your team feels supported in times of adversity? Are you recognizing and rewarding resilience?
Maintain Hope for a Brighter Future
The refugee experience is anchored in hope—the hope for safety, stability and a better life. This hope fuels their determination to rebuild shattered lives and communities. Remarkably, many refugees do achieve these hopes, contributing significantly to their new homes. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, over the past 15 years, refugees and asylees have made a net positive fiscal impact of over $123 billion on the U.S. economy and government budget.
For corporate leaders, maintaining hope amidst uncertainty is crucial. Share your vision for the future with your team and inspire them to work towards it. Cultivate a positive outlook even when faced with challenges and emphasize the importance of perseverance.
Are you communicating a hopeful vision that motivates your team? Are you celebrating small victories that build momentum towards your broader goals?
A Call to Action for Corporate Leaders
It's time to change the narrative and see refugees not merely as recipients of corporate social responsibility and public benefits, but as vital contributors to our workplaces and communities. As Majok aptly puts it, "refugees represent a significant market segment that cannot be ignored. They are our customers, neighbors, and future corporate and world leaders."
However, a report highlighted by Upwardly Global reveals that nearly 50% of recently arrived immigrants, refugees, and asylees in the U.S. hold at least a bachelor's degree. Despite this, one in four struggle to find jobs that match their skill level, representing a significant untapped potential for corporate leaders.
While learning from refugee experiences is valuable, hiring refugees can introduce unique skills and capabilities needed in today’s evolving world into your organization. Krause-Vilmar even highlights that "refugees often display remarkable loyalty to their initial employers, boosting retention rates in an increasingly competitive talent market."
The lessons drawn from the resilience and adaptability of refugees are not just stories of survival, but beacons of inspiration for corporate leaders. Refugees exemplify the tenacity and innovation required in today’s unpredictable business environment. It is not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic advantage to harness the untapped potential that refugees bring. As leaders, the onus is on us to create ecosystems where unconventional thinking, resilience, and hope are not just encouraged but are integral to the organizational fabric.
