WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO BELONG?

Redefining Identity, Success, and Courage Across Continents – with Diogène Ntirandekura

 Have you ever felt like you belong everywhere and nowhere, all at once? Like your heart holds pieces of different cultures, yet you still search for that one place where you can plant yourself and finally exhale?

 In this heartfelt episode of the Immigrant Nation Podcast, we sit down with Diogène Ntirandekura—a Burundian-Belgian-Canadian entrepreneur whose story explores the complex layers of belonging, ambition, and leadership as an immigrant in the modern world.

 Born in Brussels, Belgium (as a United Nations refugee) to refugee parents who fled political violence in Burundi during the 1970s, Diogène grew up in the space between two cultures. He was Belgian on paper, Burundian at home. He didn’t choose that identity—it chose him. And from a young age, he had to learn how to navigate, adapt, and rise.

 But what does it really take to succeed as an immigrant?

 “It’s not just about working hard,” Diogène shares. “That’s step one. But if you want to rise, you also have to work smart. That means understanding the power dynamics in your organization. What’s written in the HR policy is one thing—but who are the real decision-makers? What are their values, priorities, and pain points?”

 He learned the hard way that performance alone doesn't guarantee promotion. Immigrants often come in with humility, modesty, and an instinct to “stay in line,” trying not to stand out. “We’re raised to keep our heads down and let our work speak,” he says. “But in many Western corporate cultures, that just isn’t enough.”

 So, what challenges do immigrants really face?

 Cultural Hesitation: Many of us are taught to be humble, respectful, and even a little shy. But in competitive industries, visibility matters. Speaking up isn’t arrogance—it’s strategy.

 Power Blindspots: Promotions aren’t just about merit—they’re about influence. Understand who holds power, how decisions are made, and what invisible rules guide advancement in your field.

 Lack of Networking: Most immigrant professionals don’t grow up with ready-made networks. We often skip after-work social events, thinking they’re unnecessary. But networking inside your organization and outside—through meetups, LinkedIn, or associations—is how relationships (and careers) are built.

 Imposter Syndrome: When you're the only one with an accent in the boardroom, or the first from your community to make it to a leadership role, it's easy to question if you belong. Silence that voice. You earned your seat.

 Unfamiliar Systems: Immigrants often don't know about the unspoken codes—like mentorship programs, government grants, or informal leadership tracks—that others take for granted.

 Despite it all, Diogène pushed through.

 He got his start in IT somewhat by chance, beginning as a SAP consultant with IBM in Belgium. That opened doors to travel, work across Europe, and develop a truly global skill set. But it wasn’t until he visited Montreal in 2010 that something inside shifted. “The city breathed life into me. It didn’t ask me to choose between being Burundian or Belgian or anything else. I could just be me.”

 By 2013, he had moved to Canada under a youth work permit. He transferred with his company, continued consulting, and eventually built a thriving business in Montreal. Today, he’s a Canadian citizen and the host of the Consulting Lifestyle Podcast, where he features B2B consultants from around the world, sharing their stories, strategies, and growth journeys.

 His advice for other immigrant professionals?

“Take a leap of faith—but take it wisely,” he says.

 If you’re looking to break into technology or healthcare in Canada or anywhere else, here’s a roadmap based on his experience as a consultant:

 1. Do a Skills Audit:

Identify what you’re good at—and how that translates into the local job market. If you’ve worked in operations, logistics, teaching, finance—those can all be transitioned into roles in tech or healthcare with training.

 2. Get Certified Locally:

In tech, look into certifications like CompTIA, AWS, SAP, Salesforce, or Google IT Support. In healthcare, explore pathways like Personal Support Worker (PSW), Nurse Assistant, or bridging programs for internationally trained nurses and doctors.

 3. Tap Into Immigrant-Focused Programs:

Canada has many provincial and municipal programs for minority and immigrant entrepreneurs and job seekers. From employment grants to small business loans to free upskilling courses—they exist. Use them.

 4. Find a Mentor:

Seek someone who has walked the road before you. Ask questions. Ask again. Many will say yes to mentoring—you just need the courage to ask.

 5. Brand Yourself:

Start a blog. Post on LinkedIn. Go to networking events. Share your journey. The world needs your voice—and visibility brings opportunity.

 Imagine being told you won’t make it—just because of your name, your background, your accent. And imagine turning that into fuel to rise even higher.

 That’s Diogène’s story. A journey of strength over silence. Power through presence.

 “You are not too much. You are enough. Your story is not a burden—it’s a bridge. Use it.”

 From refugee roots to corporate boardrooms, from fear to leadership, from silence to a podcast that uplifts others—Diogène reminds us that belonging isn’t about fitting in. It’s about owning who you are, and showing up with it—everywhere you go.

 Listen More on https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pzNaB1uwsUGavNxMTBqQY

 Let this episode inspire you to lead, speak, build, and belong—on your own terms.

 Because your story? It’s just getting started.