As a global agency with a multicultural team, we’re surrounded by communications professionals with diverse backgrounds and origin stories. 

Culture is so relative: it means something different to everyone. In our inaugural series, we hear from some of our Battenhallers with roots in Bangladesh, Dubai, India, Malaysia and the Philippines, about what culture means to them, and how they’re able to stay connected to it – even while living in different countries overseas.

Rhea Mathew

• Role: Account Manager
• Location: Toronto, Canada
• Origin: Mumbai, India, and Dubai, UAE‍
• Favourite part about your culture: The diversity in our food and festivals which unite a community

What does your culture mean to you?

Having been born in Mumbai, India and raised in Dubai, UAE while still living across the US and Canada, I’ve been very fortunate to experience a myriad of cultures throughout my life. Culture takes me back to who I am, and it has shaped me into what I am today.

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

The culture of the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East is all about celebrating  roots through food, family, festivals and true community living. I am a Christian woman, but I was raised around neighbours and friends from different religions, which made me so curious and open to new experiences and traditions. My culture has shaped me to be adaptable and assimilate well in all locations.

What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

Representation is key. As communications professionals, we must always use our words and language to amplify where we come from, because this creates unity in community, and shows that even though we may be different, it’s our differences that bring us together. I’m proud to have had experiences from all over the world, which makes me a lot better at my job today. 

When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

Be yourself. Your culture and your roots are who you are - embrace it, share it with the world, and create a space where your culture is one of many, but is still represented.

Ankita Bose

• Role: Senior Content Writer
• Location: Bengaluru, India
• Origin: Kolkata, India
• Favourite part about your culture: Food

‍What does your culture mean to you?

Having more festivals as part of Indian culture has always meant family and friends coming together to create traditions and celebrating together. Now, living away from home means I create new traditions every year with friends.

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

Growing up, I’ve always seen big gatherings around festivals. Aunts, uncles, and cousins all came together to reminisce or make plans for the future with some lip-smacking food always around.

 Living independently means finding new circles and friends who become family, so you celebrate each other's festivals together.

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

It’s extremely important for people to see different cultures being celebrated at the workplace. Our culture shapes our identities, and an organisation that values this side to their employees goes a long way.

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

It’s about keeping it simple, and always doing what makes you feel good. That’s more important than getting caught up in the myriad of conventions.

Tania Rahman

• Role:  Junior Account Executive
• Location: Kent, UK
• Origin: Slyhet, Bangladesh
• Favourite part about your culture: The food! 

‍What does your culture mean to you?

When it comes to culture, my family and community are at the centre of it all. As someone who was born and raised in the UK and has only visited Bangladesh once (I was too young to remember anything), I love learning about my culture through stories from my relatives. Culture is a great mix of food, language, history and traditions and it’s amazing to discover this yourself and see how it has transformed over the years. 

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

I was lucky enough to be raised in a large family so things were never boring. We took every opportunity to see each other and host big events that would last all day, full of delicious food and good company. Growing up, religion was a big part of my life. I attended the mosque on the weekends and found joy in learning about Islam and what it means to be a Muslim. 

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

As someone who’s just started their professional career, representation means a lot to me. I want to see more Muslim and women of colour in the communications industry taking on senior roles and becoming leaders. I want to be able to see myself in them and feel confident that I can achieve that level of success as well one day. 

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

Stand out and be different! Always see your differences as a strength, especially in the communications industry. You can offer a different perspective to ideas that others may not see and help to deliver the correct message. Don’t be afraid to speak out and offer guidance. 

Nivetha Kannan

• Role:  Senior Designer
• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Origin: Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
• Favourite part about your culture: The food

‍What does your culture mean to you?

Indian culture is one that puts the unit above the individual. It's a direct contradiction to the west, which places the individual above everything else. Both philosophies have their ups and downs, and the biggest significance of culture for me is having the duality mixed into a balanced position in between. 

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

I loved the food, of course, and the experiences of growing up in a large extended family. Things were chaotic, but the memories are precious to me. 

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

Seeing people similar to yourself represented in the areas you work in is crucial to building a mindset around it that celebrates yourself as an achiever rather than a survivor. An achiever, to me, is someone who is able to look back and celebrate their successes. A survivor is someone who can’t stop to celebrate- they’re always preparing for the rug to be pulled out from under them, and don’t have the peace of mind or even the structure built around them to feel safe enough to take a rest and have time to celebrate.  

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

As the world turns more global, being from a different culture isn’t seen as such a foreign thing anymore. My biggest advice would be to not shy away from the things that make you individual and unique. The sooner you accept them about yourself, the sooner others will too. What started as a disadvantage can become an advantage if you cultivate it. 

Alex Grubbs

• Role: Account Manager
• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Origin: Pittsburgh, PA / Butuan, Philippines

‍What does your culture mean to you?

Being mixed Filipino, it’s extremely important to me to keep well connected with my culture. I’m lucky enough to have grown up with my mother and lola (grandmother) and several ‘acquired’ titos and titas (uncles and aunties), gone to the Philippines several times as a kid, and have had the opportunity to learn Tagalog despite living in the US. Being Filipino has been the bedrock to my upbringing and my identity.

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

Even growing up in the US - specifically in the Pittsburgh area that has a small Filipino population - fiestas, Pasko (Christmas), food, karaoke, Mahjong, dancing, tv shows, Balikbayan boxes were always around, which are all things I still cherish today. My parents also didn’t have all the money in the world, but  felt it was extremely important for my brother and me to visit our family in the Philippines when we were younger, so we would go back every few years. I’ve missed so many milestones with them growing up, but every time I get to see them, it’s always special. And those are memories that I can’t ever forget.

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

There aren’t enough Asian Americans in the communications field, and there isn’t much data available to see how many of those people are Filipino. Whether it’s my culture or someone else’s, there’s power to having our people in the field that have the ability to tell our own stories and amplify the voices of others that may not necessarily be heard in the mainstream. Plus, my success, your success, whoever's, will pave the way to those who will come after us in this career. Going into communications isn’t necessarily a conventional path for many, especially in Asian cultures, but our presence makes a huge difference.

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

Block out the noise, and go for it. There’s unfortunately pushback to going into a creative field like communications, but you have the power to make a difference and be the representation and communicator you want to be.

Jazz Rathore

• Role: Account Executive 
• Location: Southampton / London, UK 
• Origin: Punjabi/Sikh, Indian 
• Favourite part about your culture: The delicious food and my family!

What does your culture mean to you?

As I've grown up, I've realised how important my culture truly is to me. It's a huge part of who I am and influences how I view the world. I believe that my culture provides an additional means to express love and joy, whether through music, stories, traditions, language, and, of course, food! When I was younger, I didn't understand the value in my culture. However, as I navigated through University and experienced homesickness, I found solace in visiting a nearby Indian beauty salon. The familiar music and conversations in my language offered reassurance, reminding me that I belonged to something meaningful. Despite the physical distance from my family, my culture consistently provided comfort.

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

My HUGE Indian family holds a special place in my heart. Around 50 years ago, my grandparents immigrated to the UK, resulting in a widespread network of relatives across the county. Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around visiting family during the summer holidays, creating lasting bonds with my cousins. I can't wait to share my cultural heritage with my own children one day, observing the evolution of traditions and the incorporation of Western traditions too.

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

Individuals like me are rarely seen in the communications industry. I hope to see more women and people of colour, especially in senior roles, as their success can inspire others with similar backgrounds, breaking the notion that culture or background should limit one's aspirations.

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

Embrace authenticity. There's no one else quite like you, and your unique perspective sets you apart.

Elka Requinta

• Role:  Senior Social Media Manager
• Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Origin: Manila, Philippines
• Favourite part about your culture: Which one? Jk. That it’s halo-halo (literal translation: mix-mix; also the name of a local dessert)

‍What does your culture mean to you?

If I were to relate it to ‘agency speak’ it’s like a brand all on its own. It’s built from a rich Philippine history with pre- and post-colonial influences, the combination of  rural and urban values and beliefs I was exposed to growing up and while travelling, and then further enriched by the people and places I encountered along the way. 

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

The stories, the art, the dancing, and a love for nature (a combination of my parents’ worlds), and more stories (and art! and dance! and nature!) from people I’ve met since I started travelling at 21 years old. That last bit used to be frowned upon where I’m from, especially as a  female, but is now more widely accepted and encouraged by a new generation of parents who see it as an extension of their children’s education. I like discovering differences and similarities that make me even more curious about people and behaviour in general. There’s also something about humour, and how it’s being used as a tool for connection, or a coping mechanism (the Philippines and its neighbouring tropics are not strangers to natural disasters).

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

Hands down, it would be consciousness of cultural diversity that reflects in the mindsets and ways of working across teams, clients and stakeholders. I like that it’s always an opportunity for us to find common ground that we can use to our advantage as communications practitioners.

‍When we talk about staying rooted in your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

There’s a famous line – ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’ – and it’s a lesson I always keep in mind. It has proven incredibly useful across projects and teams I work with, especially when I find myself in situations where I represent a minority. As a communications practitioner, where  ‘the message’  is king, I’ve learned the value of having a global mindset and local adaptability, especially in terms of how and when a message of any form gets delivered.

Anton Perreau

• Role: President and Managing Director, United States and Canada
• Location: New York, NY
• Origin: Eurasian, UK
• Favourite part about your culture: The vibrant linguistic blend that is 'Manglish' (Malaysian English) humour

What does your culture mean to you? 

Culture, for me, is complex. It’s a mix of East-meets-West, wrapped with Asian culinary traditions, the sharp wit of British banter, and the straightforward candour that's a hallmark of America. While my British roots are a chapter in my story, my present and future are deeply influenced by Portuguese, Asian and American sensibilities.

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places? 

I may present as white, but my background is a mix of Portuguese and Southeast Asian heritage. Food has always been a big deal for us: think amazing Malaysian curries and Portuguese desserts. Growing up around such diverse cuisine has made me open to trying new things and even mixing different food styles together. Aside from that, making music and having large family gatherings have always been how we come together and feel at home. Whenever I feel nostalgic or a bit out of touch with my roots, playing music on my own helps bring me back to centre.

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your role?

In a field as universal as communications, the key for me is radical inclusivity and mindful awareness. Striving to be unbiased is a daily practice. My culture enriches my worldview and influences how I approach my role. I deeply appreciate when others exhibit the curiosity to challenge their own preconceptions.

‍When we talk about staying rooted in your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

Your identity is your own narrative. For me, my British accent is the only overt remnant of my UK origins – the rest is a fusion of American and Asian elements that resonate with me. My advice? Be your authentic self, avoid being pigeonholed by societal labels, and continually seek inspiration from those who embody what you aspire to become.

Moyca Disini

• Role:  Senior Account Executive
• Location: London, UK
• Origin: Manila, Philippines
• Favourite part about your culture: Food and people

‍What does your culture mean to you?

Culture to me reminds me of home and where I come from. The Philippines is a melting pot of culture, with many Spanish and American influences. Because of this, our culture is multi-faceted and it brings me so much joy to share my culture to people in London - whether it be through food, music, movies etc. 

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

Growing up, I absolutely loved the big ‘fiestas’ (parties) with family and friends. In the Philippines, parties were a big thing and there would always be loads of food, karaoke, dancing, and drinking. The best part about a fiesta was all the food and spending time with your loved ones. While it doesn’t happen as much because I live in the UK, the Filipino community I’ve made here makes me feel like I’m back home every time. 

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

It’s not very common to see someone who is from the Philippines in the communications field in the UK, especially not in a senior position. To see people like me or share similar backgrounds is so important because it shows me that I can do that too. Representation always matters and because Filipinos are not usually in the limelight, everyone (and I mean every single person) will not stop showing support. The Filipino community is one of the things that you can always count on, as we will always come together and support fellow kababayans (“fellow Filipino, countryman, or townmate”). 

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

Never be afraid to be different - your background makes you interesting and more unique. Be proud of where you came from!

Nilaya Durafe

• Role:  Junior Designer
• Location: London, UK
• Origin: Indore, India
• Favourite part about your culture: The food

‍What does your culture mean to you?

To me, culture is not only the place where I was born but also the family I grew up with and every tradition that came with that. With the numerous subcultures within India, this means that there are various values and experiences that you can learn about and enjoy!

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

Growing up, I was able to form almost a ‘mini India’ around myself, with families from different states and subcultures, creating a support system I rely on to this day. I’m lucky enough to be able to call all these people family in every sense of the word. Together, we were able to form our own special versions of events, taking snippets from everyone’s background and creating unique memories that we will always cherish.

It’s not traditional, but it’s my version of what it is to be Indian, while living in another country.

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

Design isn’t the most conventional job you’d expect someone with my background to have, but I believe it’s my background that has inspired me the most. It has such a rich and vibrant history that has definitely played a role in how I see the world, and how I get inspiration.

While there aren’t a lot of us, being able to work with and see others from the same background is inspiring, as I know I can be supported in a way I never thought possible.

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

It took a while to realise but it’s important to be proud of yourself for your differences. Only you can provide that one unique perspective and that’s something to be proud of!

Alowina Yap

• Role: Senior Account Executive
• Location: Long Beach, CA
• Origin: Manila, Philippines
• Favourite part about your culture: Togetherness

What does your culture mean to you?

I attribute some of my best qualities to the Filipino culture.

‍What did you enjoy most about your culture growing up, and while living in other places?

In every corner of the world, there will be a Filipino person waiting to make you a part of their family.

‍What is the importance and significance of having your culture close to you or represented in the communications field, especially in your job role?

My culture is a part of me, I am not my culture.  I hope in our field of work we can approach culture as a characteristic and not an identity. 

‍When we talk about staying rooted to your culture, what advice can you share for those who want to start their journey in communications and marketing?

Treat others based on the decisions they make, not the decisions they don’t make. 

We are actively recruiting for a number of account roles and specialist positions globally. Learn more or email join@battenhall.com.