Joshua Lee.
The MFA DE&I Council would like to see an industry where everyone can thrive, feel heard, supported, and safe to do their best work. Let’s meet the Changers who are sharing their own lived experiences to inspire us all to change for the better.
Throughout my media career in Australia, I’ve had the privilege of serving on various agency senior leadership teams. However, I have regularly found myself as an Asian minority.
The low rate of Asian representation in senior roles reflects not only my personal experience and what I’ve observed in the industry, but also a broader, nationwide issue. According to the Diversity Council of Australia, Asian executives occupy just 4.9% of senior executive roles in Australian businesses.
Having lived half of my life in Indonesia, two cultural principles have significantly shaped and challenged my leadership style. Firstly, collectivism – where the group’s needs are always placed above individual needs. Secondly, “hormat” – an Indonesian value emphasising unconditional respect for elders, acknowledging their seniority and life experience.
In Australia, the individualistic nature of society often prioritises a direct, self-promoting and assertive communication style, which contrasts with a collectivist and hormat cultural code. Expressing a strong but necessary opinion that may disrupt team harmony typically involves straightforwardness, fortitude or persistence.
My cultural upbringing encouraged a more passive approach, refraining from voicing disagreements to avoid further group discord. Or making concessions to uphold dignity and mutual respect for my older peers, due to my younger status than most in leadership teams.
As a result, there have been occasions in the workplace where, despite having a differing opinion, I chose not to express it. Frustratingly, a colleague would then voice the same opinion and be praised for their insight and contribution. This left me regretful for my damaged ego but also concerned that my quiet reserve or deference might be misinterpreted as underperformance.
This cycle adversely affected my confidence, self-worth and perception as a high performer within the Australian workplace environment. Finding it challenging to fully conform or assert myself during times of cultural friction, I defaulted to avoiding confrontation and sought to appease others.
Over time, I came to recognise that these moments of discomfort were not just personal setbacks but signals of deeper cultural dissonance. Rather than continuing to retreat, I began to explore these experiences with greater self-awareness. The most valuable skill I’ve learned – and continue to refine – for navigating cultural differences is approaching situations with curiosity – an ability I developed through Brené Brown’s renowned Dare to Lead leadership program.
For example, rather than being direct and assertive to a colleague with a strong or potentially unpopular opinion, using statements such as, “No, I don’t think you’re right…” or “I think that decision was the wrong call because…”, I reframe the discussion.
Instead, I’ll engage in the conversation by saying, “I’m curious about your decision, can you help me understand or walk me through it?” or “I’m wondering if this other approach could be more effective?”
If they initially don’t agree, stay curious and respectfully ask, “Tell me more.” This also works in reverse, helping to draw out a different perspective for generating new ideas that may otherwise remain hidden due to that quiet reserve or deference.
Ultimately, this approach reduces judgment and bias, helping people from various backgrounds connect for better problem identification, resolution and ideation.
So, by leading with curiosity, I can bring my whole self to work and confidently engage in challenging conversations without compromising on my cultural values.
Joshua Lee is the National Head of Digital & Data at Zenith Australia and the executive sponsor of MOSAIC, Publicis Groupe ANZ’s employee action group dedicated to those from diverse cultural backgrounds. He is Australian-born Indonesian Chinese, raised in Indonesia. Josh is 38 years young and the father of two beautiful boys.
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