The Gift of the Outsider
Exploring how those who stand at the edges of systems reshape them from within.
My WHY for this project…
In 2015, I walked across a stage and received my doctorate, an ethnographic exploration of identity-construction that shaped how I see the world, my work, and myself. I had, in the months leading up to that convocation ceremony, decided that I would not be pursuing a career in academia. Instead, I wanted to make an impact on the world, and chose to veer into the then-nascent field of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I).
Over the last decade of having built a career in the now-thriving fields of Inclusion, Indigenous Relations, Social Impact, and Human Rights, I have begun to see a pattern…
The people who thrive in this dynamic field - the ones who lead, who disrupt, who build - carry something powerful withing them: the experience of being an outsider.
For me, this positionality, once seen as a barrier, has become a deep source of wisdom, courage, and clarity.
And, I want to explore this story with others who also know it intimately.
About the Research
This project aims to explore the strengths, insights, and leadership traits that emerge from being “the outsider” in professional systems.
My hypothesis is simple:
Those who have navigated the world from the margins carry a unique gift,
which shapes how they create systems of inclusion, equity, and belonging.
This research invites practitioners, leaders, advocates, and anyone who works in the inclusion and equity space to share their experiences, reflections, and wisdom.
Your voice will help illuminate the nuanced, powerful, and often unseen strengths born from navigating systems that were not designed for you.
Through this work, my goal is to honour the people who have been quietly and powerfully shaping the systems from the margins. This research is a love letter to those who lead with courage, compassion, and lived experience.
By participating, you are helping to map a story that has yet to be fully told: one that I hope will affirm, support, and equip future generations of people who choose to commit their careers to this work.
Is this Study for YOU?!
Please consider participating if you identify with the following:
You work in equity, inclusion, Indigenous Relations, human rights, and/or advocacy for equity-seeking communities.
As an inclusion practitioner, you’ve felt like an outsider in your workplace, community, or sector.
Your lived experiences have offered you strength, clarity, or purpose in your work.
You are reflecting on your professional path and the forces that shaped it.
Your voice matters.
Whether you’re early in your career as an Inclusion practitioner,or decades into it, I’d love to hear from you!
How to Participate
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15-20 minutes
A short written reflection to help me understand your journey, your positionality, and what has shaped your work.
Please be as brief or detailed as you would like to be.
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45-60 minutes
A select group of participants will be invited for a deeper conversation to explore the themes in more nuance and texture.
If you’re interested in this option, please fill out the questionnaire, and indicate your preference.
All contributions will be treated with care, confidentiality, and respect.
You may choose to use your name, remain anonymous, or be identified by a pseudonym.
Your participation is completely voluntary and confidential. You can review the consent form before submitting your responses.
Thank you for your interest in this project.
I look forward to connecting with you soon.
- Roselle