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What happens when Caribbean cultural identity meets corporate expectations?

In this powerful conversation, Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown sits down with organizational psychologist Dr. Kerriann Peart to unpack the challenges Caribbean people - women especially, face in professional spaces. From cultural misunderstandings and workplace microaggressions to burnout, “boreout,” and the pressure to fit into corporate norms, this discussion explores how identity, authenticity, and professional well-being intersect.

They also discuss how Caribbean cultural values such as integrity, excellence, and community shape how we show up at work, sometimes in ways that clash with corporate culture.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation that dives deep into navigating professional life without losing yourself. Mek sure you come back for Part 2. In the mean time check out:

Resources Mentioned

Lens 5: Culture Influences How We Show Up at Work: Audio | Video | Blog

Connect with Dr. Kerriann Peart: Website | LinkedIn

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You were taught to work hard and let your work speak for itself. But what happens when that formula stops working? In this episode, let's explore Lens 5 of the Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model and how cultural identity shapes how we show up at work.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Why Caribbean work ethic is both strength and pressure
• The myth of meritocracy in corporate America
• Cultural mismatches between Caribbean values and U.S. workplace norms
• 
  

Resources Mentioned

• Caribbean Diaspora Experience Model (CDEM)
• Previous Lens Episodes:
  • Lens 1: Where You Start Shapes the Journey
  • Lens 2: Where You Live + What You Seek = How You Connect
  • Lens 3: Cultural Anchors Keep Us Rooted
  • Lens 4: Your Identity Will Shift

If this episode resonated with you:

• Share your workplace story in the comments
• Send this to another Caribbean professional
• Follow to Carry On Friends for more conversations on identity, culture, and growth
• Follow @carryonfriends on social

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Support How to Support Carry On Friends

1. Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation.
2. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store.

Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production

Send a text

I this episode I sat down with cultural heritage reconnection coach Tami Garcia to trace a path from distance to pride. Raised in Cleveland by Jamaican and Dominican family who chose assimilation for survival, Tami grew up without language, rituals, or a map for belonging; until Howard University cracked something open: pride, proximity, and a hunger for the fullness of her story.

This conversation traces Tammy’s journey from disconnection to reclamation, and how that personal work became the foundation for the work she now does with families and individuals across the diaspora.

Along our conversation journey, we name cultural imposter syndrome, face the pain of gatekeeping on both sides of the diaspora, and offer strategies to enter new spaces with respect: arrive in silence, observe, share your story and build trust step by step.

Connect with Tami Garcia - https://www.tamigarcia.com/

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Support How to Support Carry On Friends

1. Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation.
2. Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store.

Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production