Ever tried hiding part of your identity at work?

For years, I buried my Russian background.

Even my Jewish ancestry.

I felt caught between worlds, not fully belonging to either.

I avoided mentioning where I came from or how I learned English starting in 2nd grade.

When clients asked about my slight accent, I’d quickly change the subject.

Why?

Maybe I was embarrassed. Maybe I thought it wasn’t relevant to development projects. Or maybe in recent years I worried how people might react.

It’s not just me. Studies show that 65% of immigrants in professional settings feel they can’t fully express their cultural identity at work.

But here’s what I’ve realized:

Those years in Russia and our family’s immigration journey in the mid-90s weren’t just personal history.

They shaped how I approach business challenges:

• Immigrant resourcefulness
• Dual-economic perspective
• Global investor rapport

This dual heritage also gave me unique insights.

When I joined GIS Companies with my sister Tanya, we initially branded as “GIS International Group,” proudly emphasizing our global perspective.

Later, we dropped “International” to fit in more seamlessly.

Ironic, since being multicultural is actually an asset in today’s development world.

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I’m curious: Have you ever downplayed your background professionally? What changed?

DM me your story – I read every message.

PS: My business Russian still needs work. Real estate terminology never made it into my teenage immigrant vocabulary!