As the host of “The Speak English Fearlessly Podcast” I’ve had the privilege of engaging with many inspiring individuals, each with their own unique stories and insights.
In my most recent episode, I sat down with Dozie Anyaegbuna, a content strategist, storyteller, and budding documentary filmmaker who made the bold move from Lagos, Nigeria to Canada in 2021.
Dozie, who also hosts the “Newcomers Podcast” shared his journey of immigration, career transition, and the challenges he faced along the way.
From Lagos to Canada: A Leap of Faith
Dozie moved to Canada to obtain better career opportunities. He also wanted to explore the world, and provide better opportunities for his family.
With a background in brand marketing and communications in Nigeria, he recognized content marketing as a transferable skill that would serve him well in his new home.
His proactive approach to networking through informational interviews and leveraging connections was instrumental in securing job opportunities in Canada.
The Art of Storytelling as an Immigrant
One of the key themes we delved into was the importance of honing one’s story as an immigrant.
Dozie emphasized the need for immigrants to refine their value proposition and communication skills to effectively convey their abilities to potential employers.
He candidly acknowledged the mental and emotional challenges of immigration, especially for adults starting afresh.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Immigrant’s Job Search
Dozie and his family faced numerous hurdles during their immigration process, particularly in the job search and establishing themselves in a new environment. He expressed immense gratitude for the support from friends who helped them settle in during their initial months in Canada.
The House Hunting Ordeal
Dozie talked about the often-overlooked challenges of house hunting as a new immigrant, such as the lack of a Canadian credit score and the exhaustive questioning from potential landlords. He shared a particularly telling anecdote about a landlord who bombarded him with invasive questions, only to reject his application afterward. This experience highlighted the stark realities many immigrants face when trying to secure housing.
Facing Discrimination with Resilience
Dozie’s experiences with discrimination were eye-opening. He faced rejections based on his nationality and race, which was disheartening, especially in a country known for its inclusivity. However, he also encountered kindness and acceptance, as evidenced by the Asian landlord who offered him a home without prejudice. This reinforced his belief that biases are held by individuals.
The Accent Bias: A Barrier to Inclusion
During our conversation, Dozie talked about the initial pressure he felt to adjust his accent and speech to fit in. This impacted his confidence and communication at work. He later realized that the one who needed to change was not him, but his listeners. His accent is a part of who he is.
Final Thoughts
I think some of my biggest takeaways from this interview were informational interviews and building a community around you. These are crucial steps for immigrants to establish themselves.
My discussion with Dozie Edozien was a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination required to immigrate. It underscored the importance of community, self-acceptance, and perseverance. I loved Dozie’s story because of how he worked hard to overcome many obstacles.
If you’re interested in hearing Dozie’s experiences and insights, be sure to subscribe to the “Speak English Fearlessly” podcast. And for those going through a difficult immigration process, this episode is for you.
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