Embracing Multiculturalism to Foster Cultural Diversity

Introducing Protiviti’s Prakash Rajandran and Vikas Sharma

Multiculturalism is nothing new for Prakash and Vikas, both of whom have been with Protiviti for approximately two and a half years. Born in Malaysia with an Indian background, Prakash has been exposed to people of different cultures from his childhood days. He studied at university in Australia before returning to Malaysia to work with a professional services firm serving a global client base. After three years in Malaysia, Prakash transferred to the firm’s Melbourne office. He continued to work with global clients and then moved into the commercial space. Over the next 9 years he played a key role in establishing the internal function of a major Australian transport infrastructure business and in building the risk and insurance function for a business unit later divested to a global alternative asset manager.

Vikas hails from India, though he considers both India and Australia home. He spent some of his younger years in Australia before his family returned to India. Vikas came back to study Engineering, Telecommunications and Electronics at the Australian National University, as well as an MBA at the Australia Graduate School of Management. He then settled in Australia, where he has lived for the past 17 years.

Q. What’s your background and how did you come to join Protiviti?

Prakash: I was born and bred in Malaysia of Indian background. Malaysia is a multicultural country, often portrayed by three major ethnic groups; Malay, Chinese and Indian — collectively referred to as Malaysians. Spending almost 20 years in Malaysia allowed me to clearly appreciate the merits of operating in a diverse cultural environment. A strong understanding and appreciation of these cultural differences is key to getting the best out of our people.

As to how I landed at Protiviti, I was looking at returning to professional services after almost nine years in the commercial space. So, I reached out to a few of my close contacts and they strongly recommended Protiviti. As part of the interview process, I met with key senior leaders of the firm. I accepted the role not just because of the work and personal growth opportunities but also the sincerity demonstrated by those leaders. They were very open and honest, which from my point of view demonstrates a great working culture.

Vikas: I was born and raised in India but have spent most of my adulthood in Australia, which puts me in a unique position to bring perspectives of two completely different cultures. I am proudly a product of both Australia and India and bring that to work every day.

I joined Protiviti because I wanted to try something different. I followed the footsteps of former colleagues I trusted and decided to build my career in consulting. I have not regretted my decision since. For me, the culture at Protiviti is its best asset, and I want to play my part to foster and protect it. It was the reason I joined the Protiviti Australia’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee — to make a difference through the Multicultural Network.

Q. What inspires you to lead the Multicultural Network?

Vikas: Belonging to two different backgrounds, I do feel that we have much to achieve in the Multicultural Network space at work, especially in terms of awareness of different cultures and the benefit of such diversity. The Australian society itself is very multicultural, and our clients are multicultural. I definitely think that our teams should reflect that aspect of our society.

Also, I feel passion and empathy towards people who come from different cultures and the challenges they face of settling into and living in a different society. Whether it’s the language, the way of life or different work styles, it can sometimes be difficult. Having come from a humble background to make something of myself in a foreign country, I know there are so many other people in the same boat who are trying to build their careers and lives.

I want Protiviti to be the place that stands out in this regard. We want our firm to be known for providing an inclusive environment where everyone thrives. The Multicultural Network is really focused on spreading awareness and celebrating different cultures. Recently, we launched our internal Multicultural Network podcast series, which I am really excited about. We invite our colleagues from unique backgrounds to share their stories, which are so incredible and inspirational. So, we are taking steps in the right direction, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

Prakash: I echo what Vikas has said, and also, I think we need to come back to the basics on what Protiviti is all about. Protiviti is a people-driven business with a strong work culture brand. Our people and brand have been instrumental in driving our success to date. To keep this momentum going, the Multicultural Network plays a pivotal role. Continuously recognising, celebrating and respecting the diverse workforce which forms part of Protiviti’s DNA helps us create a work environment that is cohesive and more importantly nurtures the best out of our people both at a workplace and an individual level.

Q. Why is it important to have a workforce reflective of various backgrounds and cultures?

Prakash: Multiculturalism is so important, as diversity improves both work culture and business performance. We need to remember everyone is different, and this difference brings opportunity, enhanced understanding and power to our organisation. Embracing diversity helps us challenge the status quo and reflect a workplace where the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts.

At Protiviti, we give people equal opportunity. We recognise people from different cultures, and we allow them to grow also provide mentorship and/or sponsorships, so opportunities can be endless.

How do we get the best out of people? How do we nurture them? When asking these types of questions, we are able to invest in people from the start and promote their success over time.

Vikas: Quite simply, it is non-negotiable in this age. We are a global firm and clients look to partner with us because we bring that blend of backgrounds and experience to them. Our potential recruits want to see that Protiviti is committed to diversity when deciding to join us, and our teams need to be balanced for us to provide unique perspectives to our clients. Therefore, we work together and are constantly looking to improve. For example, the firm recognised the need to set up a network that supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and that initiative has recently launched Protiviti’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan.

Through these developments, we are learning and making progress against our multiculturalism and broader diversity and inclusion targets. We want to be the firm that inspires people, and we are on the right track. I am so incredibly proud to be part of that journey.

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with Prakash or Vikas.

Learn more about careers and working with Protiviti.