Society feels more divided than ever. We seem to be talking about this all the time, but it’s exactly these discussions that are pulling us further apart.

Professor Betina Szkudlarek says it’s worse than differences of opinion. Today, people are less likely than ever to even hear out someone who’s different to them in some way. So what do we do?

Betina points to refugee employment as a case study – and you’ll hear from Karyna, a Ukrainian refugee who now manages a restuarant in Sydney. Businesses are now some of our most trusted institutions, and they’re the place you’re likely to experience the most diversity on a daily basis. Betina explains what we can learn from businesses who are committed to building a more cohesive society, and shares tips on how you can contribute at work, too.

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The Solutionists is a podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Facebook and Instagram, and @sydney.edu.au on Bluesky.

This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Sarah Dabro. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Sladjana Rstic, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman.

This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.