Building Bridges Between Worlds: Simone W. Johnson-Smith on Thriving as a Third Culture Professional
What happens when personal loss becomes the catalyst for finding your voice? For Simone W. Johnson-Smith, a personal loss in 2021 ended six years of procrastination and launched a movement that now reaches over 100 countries.
From Jamaican immigrant to U.S. diplomat to award-winning author and podcast host, Simone's story is about recognizing the psychological realities of living between cultures and empowering others to thrive in that beautiful, complex space.
About Our Guest
Simone W. Johnson-Smith is a global voice and cultural bridge-builder. With over two decades of experience navigating immigration systems and international transitions, she is a former U.S. diplomat turned award-winning author, certified coach, and podcast host. She is the visionary behind The Immigrant Experience in America podcast and The Bridge Concepts.
Her mission is to help Third Culture Persons and immigrants not only adjust but thrive, embracing their identity while bridging the gap between cultures. She is the author of "Decoding America" and creator of the Thrive Abroad framework.
From Retail to Diplomacy to Finding Her Voice
Simone's career began in retail when she arrived in the U.S. in 1998. A chance encounter at the layaway counter led to banking, teaching her that integrity and how you treat people can open unexpected doors.
That role evolved into investment banking, but she couldn't see herself there for 20 years. Instead, she became one of 20 people selected out of 600 applicants for a fellowship that led to the Department of State as a diplomat.
From 2015 to a personal loss in 2021, she had been procrastinating about her true passion—being scared to put her voice and story out there. That loss changed everything, and by summer 2021, she was working on The Immigrant Experience in America podcast, which launched in January 2022 and now streams globally with over 180 episodes.
The Hidden Psychology of Immigration
Simone addresses critical issues mainstream conversations often miss, revealing the depth of challenges that Third Culture professionals face:
Culture Shock goes beyond adjustment—research shows symptoms can range from mild depression to fatal self-harm, making this a serious mental health concern that requires attention and support.
Cultural Homelessness occurs when adapting to survive in a new country means you no longer fit into your home country either. This creates a painful in-between space where you feel like you don't belong anywhere.
Financial Vulnerability affects many immigrants who lack financial literacy about their new country's systems, making them targets for predatory financial companies and credit schemes.
Career Navigation Insights for Professionals
Simone's journey offers valuable lessons for professionals at any stage, particularly those navigating cultural transitions:
Always Be Ready for the Next Opportunity: Her move from retail to banking happened because someone noticed how she handled customers. Professional presence and integrity matter in every interaction, as you never know who's watching or what doors might open.
Don't Get Comfortable in Stagnation: When she couldn't see herself in the same building for 20 years, she made a bold move. Recognize when you're trading growth for security, and be willing to take calculated risks for advancement.
Leverage Your Unique Background: Her international experience and cultural perspective became assets in diplomacy. Your diverse background isn't a limitation—it's a competitive advantage that brings value to organizations.
Build While You're Employed: Simone demonstrates how to pursue passion projects while maintaining financial stability. The key is finding something that genuinely motivates you beyond just exchanging time for money.
Recognize Systemic Challenges Early: It took her over a decade to identify workplace discrimination and microaggressions. Learning to name and address these challenges sooner helps you navigate them more effectively rather than internalizing the impact.
Essential Insights for Global Professionals
Recognize Your Interview Power: Rather than approaching job interviews as a beggar, remember that you bring value to the table. Evaluate whether you'll have psychological safety in that workplace.
Prepare Beyond Excitement: Take time to educate yourself about the real challenges of living in a new culture, not just the opportunities.
Build Community Early: Isolation can compound adjustment challenges. Finding your community is essential for both professional and personal success.
Understand Systemic Challenges: It can take years to recognize and name experiences of discrimination and microaggressions. Being aware helps you respond rather than internalize.
Building While Working
Simone demonstrates the reality of building a purpose-driven business while maintaining full-time employment. She emphasizes that traditional employment alone won't create financial freedom, but when you find something that genuinely pushes you out of bed, the passion sustains the extra effort required.
Her approach shows how immigrants often need to be pragmatic about financial stability while still pursuing their deeper calling to make an impact.
Connect with Simone
Website: thebridgeconcepts.org
Podcast: The Immigrant Experience in America
Book: "Decoding America"
About the Host
Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset and founder of the nonprofit Immigrants Incorporate Inc. She works with organizations to build inclusive workplaces and amplifies the voices of leaders and immigrants in the corporate space.
Want to Get Involved?
- If you are a leader with a story to share - apply to be on the podcast: Application Link
- Join Immigrants in Corporate Non-Profit Community HERE.
Are you an HR, Culture, or DEI Leader? Email [email protected] to Get Your Workplace Community Employee Resource Groups (ERGs / BRGs) Launched, Leveraged, and Thriving!
This episode is essential listening for Third Culture professionals, immigrants navigating cultural transitions, and global professionals building bridges between cultures.