Stories Beyond Borders

The Weight of Leaving Home: A Zimbabwean-Canadian Story with Rohene Bouajram

In this episode of Stories Beyond Borders, we are joined by Rohene Bouajram, an award-winning educator, leadership coach, and internationally renowned speaker. Rohene is a Zimbabwean-Canadian whose work is deeply shaped by her bridged identity and lived experience of navigating systems not built for universal inclusion. She shares her journey of arriving in Canada in 2002 as what she describes as an “uninvited guest,” carrying with her the memories, ancestry, and collective history of Zimbabwe. In this powerful conversation, Rohene reflects on: * The legacy of Zimbabwe’s colonial history and independence in 1980 * The layers of racism and systemic inequities experienced both in Zimbabwe and Canada * The complexity of migration, privilege, and access to education * The emotional experience of returning “home” and facing re-entry shock * The duality of belonging to neither place fully, and learning to exist in between identities Through her lived experience and leadership work in equity, diversity, and inclusion, Rohene invites us to think more deeply about responsibility, history, and belonging — especially when building a life on land that is not originally our own. Her final message is a powerful reminder: “Don’t believe everything you are conditioned to believe. Seek answers and reconstruct your reality.” Connect with Rohene Bouajram: Website: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/ [https://www.rohenebouajram.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rohenebouajram/ [https://www.instagram.com/rohenebouajram/] Email: rohene.bouajram@gmail.com [rohene.bouajram@gmail.com] Podcast: Unspeakable Leadership Listen here: https://unspeakable-leadership.captivate.fm/ [https://unspeakable-leadership.captivate.fm/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspeakableleadership/ [https://www.instagram.com/unspeakableleadership/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnspeakableLeadership [https://www.youtube.com/@UnspeakableLeadership]

Leaving Home with a Plastic Bag: A Story of Identity, Survival & Reinvention with Tanja Podvrsan

In this episode of Stories Beyond Borders, I sit down with Tanja Podvrsan, a cross-cultural trainer and coach whose life journey spans Slovenia, the United States, and now France. Tanja’s story begins in Slovenia, where, as a young girl, she would look up at the sky and dream of a life beyond what felt familiar. That dream turned into reality most unexpectedly, as she left her home with nothing but a plastic bag, a book, and a doll, when she immigrated to the United States as a teenager. But starting over wasn’t easy. Navigating a new culture came with challenges, including bullying and being labeled as “different.” At home, she held onto her Slovenian identity, while outside, she learned to adapt, code-switch, and survive in an environment that didn’t always understand her. Her journey didn’t stop there. Years later, life took her to France—another culture, another transition, and another set of challenges. What was meant to be temporary became a new chapter filled with unexpected difficulties, especially when it came to integration and finding her place once again. Through exposure to multiple nationalities and languages, Tanja shares how communication goes far beyond words—each language carrying its own etiquette, nuance, and identity. Today, she uses her experiences to help others navigate international careers and cross-cultural environments, guiding individuals, teams, and executives through the complexities of working and living across borders. This conversation is about more than moving countries—it’s about identity, resilience, and what it really means to belong. Her message is simple yet powerful: trust yourself, and everything will be all right. 🔗 Connect with Tanja: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tpodvrsan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tpodvrsan] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanjapodvrsan/ [https://www.instagram.com/tanjapodvrsan/] Website: www.tptalks.com [http://www.tptalks.com] Email: tanyapodvrsan@yahoo.fr

A Life Across Continents: Redefining Identity with John Liang

What does it mean to grow up everywhere… and nowhere at the same time? 🌍 In this episode, I sit down with John Liang, Editor-in-Chief of Culturs Magazine and an Adult Third Culture Kid (ATCK), to explore identity, belonging, and what it really means to grow up across cultures. Born in Guatemala to Chinese descent, John shares his family’s story—from his parents’ unexpected love story to his own journey across Costa Rica, the U.S., Panama, and Morocco. His life is a reflection of constant movement, cultural adaptation, and redefining what “home” truly means. For years, John didn’t have the language to describe his experience. He once identified as a “global nomad,” only later discovering the concept of Third Culture Kids—and finally finding a sense of understanding and belonging. We talk about: * What it means to be an Adult Third Culture Kid * Growing up between cultures and identities * The ease—and complexity—of building connections across cultures * How storytelling helps us make sense of who we are * Why the TCK experience can be different for men and women If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fully belong in one place, this conversation is for you. 🌐 Website: www.cultursmag.com [http://www.cultursmag.com] 📸 Instagram / Threads: @juanjohnjedi 🦋 Bluesky: @juanjohnjedi.bsky.social 🔗 Connect with John Liang

From Bangladesh to Dubai to the USA: Navigating Life & Culture with Tasnim Hasan

Tasnim Hasan, marketing strategist, storyteller, and founder of Bangladeshi Trailblazers Podcast & Influsio, shares her journey across continents and cultures in this episode of Stories Beyond Borders. Born in Bangladesh, raised in Dubai, and having pursued her studies in the USA, Tasnim reflects on how the cities she’s lived in shaped her perspective, career, and creativity. From witnessing Dubai’s transformation firsthand to launching her own podcast during the isolating times of COVID-19, Tasnim navigated cultural transitions, visa challenges, and the intricacies of returning to Bangladesh as an adult third-culture individual. She opens up about the culture shocks she faced—including the art of punctuality—and how she found her community of understanding friends. Tune in as Tasnim shares her message for fellow global citizens: keep traveling, savor good food, create content, and explore opportunities—because every experience adds to the story you are building. 📩 Connect with Tasnim Hasan: Producer, Bangladeshi Trailblazers Podcast E: tasnimhasan.media@gmail.com

Everywhere and Nowhere: Finding Home in Languages, Music, and People

In this episode of Stories Beyond Borders, I sit down with Desta — a Bangkok-born, British-Eritrean educator, writer, and vocalist whose life has unfolded across continents, cultures, and languages. Having traveled to more than 90 countries through her work in international education, Desta shares the deep gratitude she feels for a life shaped by movement — and the quiet tension that comes with it: the longing to sometimes be rooted in one place and call it home. We explore her powerful relationship with languages — she speaks eight and is still learning more — and how music became her most meaningful gateway into language learning and cultural connection. She also shares practical and inspiring tips on how anyone can learn a new language through rhythm, sound, and emotion. From her love for colourful and creative Thai cuisine to her vision of expanding her platform, Language Through Music, and writing two upcoming books, this conversation is a beautiful reflection on global identity, curiosity, and human connection. Her message is a reminder we all need: No matter how different we are, there is always something that connects us. 🎧 Tune in to hear a story about movement, belonging, and finding home in people, in languages, and in music. 🔗 www.languagesthroughmusic.com [http://www.languagesthroughmusic.com]