Diversity and Inclusion with Prateek Shukla
Inclusion Heroes
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me, is about starting from a place of zero assumptions. It means accepting and valuing people for who they are, rather than having expectations based on our own biases or differences.
How is Deloitte helping you build your career?
For me, Deloitte has been a place of numerous possibilities and exciting opportunities. I have been fortunate to work with some highly talented, kind, and high-spirited individuals who have gone above and beyond to help me learn and grow as a professional, every step of the way.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned since you joined Deloitte?
Since joining Deloitte, I’ve learned the importance of building connections and your network. I find that having meaningful interactions and building strong relationships, not only with clients but with your colleagues as well, is indispensable for your professional and personal growth.
Inclusion to me, is about starting from a place of zero assumptions.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone relocating their life and career to Ireland?
For the first year at least, try to push yourself out of your comfort zone, as much as possible! It can be incredibly daunting at first, but you will make new friends, learn new things and it will help you learn a lot about yourself. Exploring new avenues can be extremely rewarding.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone processing a new neurodiversity diagnosis for themselves or a loved one?
Each person has their own set of circumstances to deal with, I think being kind and compassionate with yourself is an extremely helpful first step. Something I read a while back has helped me draw a much clearer picture of what self-compassion can look like - “Self-compassion is the difference between having an ally or an enemy inside your head”. As a neurodivergent person, you might often find yourself over-analysing your behaviour, your decisions, and actions, which makes it difficult to make sense of the diagnosis, connecting the dots to map out the answers to questions you have had for a long time. In these moments, self-compassion can be tremendously beneficial.
What do you see as the role of an ally?
Helping someone in their journey to become the best version of themselves.
Please describe inclusion in 5 words.
