Episode 20 - Equality, diversity and training in Asia with Thanes Chelliah

Join us as we speak to Thanes Chelliah, a change expert from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with experience working in multiple countries and cultures in Asia. Thanes talks about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in change management, and its profound influence on project outcomes. We discuss the importance of creating awareness about DEI and its integral role in employee engagement and retention.

For Thanes, fostering an environment where every individual feels significant and connected to the project encourages better contributions and results.

We also talk about the crucial role training plays in facilitating change within organisations, the common challenge of achieving and demonstrating the desired Return on Investment (ROI), and the role Change Managers have in driving genuine transformation.

Managing all of this in different countries, even within the same continent, needs a delicate understanding of culture mixed across local, organisational and national boundaries. Thanes shares her tips on how to deliver training and change while working in this way, whether that's people watching or watching the language you use.

Listen to this episode to unravel the journey of a proactive learner managing cultural transitions across Asia and gain actionable advice for navigating unfamiliar cultural landscapes effectively.