Podcast Summary
LinkedIn is a top platform for job seekers and recruiters: 70% of LinkedIn users aren't found on other job sites, making it a valuable resource for both job seekers and recruiters. However, it's important to note that not all opportunities on LinkedIn are legitimate, and there are instances of modeling agencies exploiting vulnerable individuals.
LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals, as over 70% of its users don't visit other leading job sites. Sandra, a potential candidate, emphasizes this point as she shares how she wasn't found through other means but on LinkedIn, even though she wasn't actively looking for a new job. Meanwhile, 1800flowers.com's Celebrations Passport offers a different kind of opportunity – the chance to give amazing gifts with perks and rewards. On a more serious note, the discussion also highlights the issue of modeling agencies targeting refugee camps and exploiting vulnerable individuals. The story of Nyabalang, a young South Sudanese refugee, illustrates this issue, as she was lured with promises of modeling opportunities but ended up returning to Kenya with no progress. This raises concerns about the need for regulation in the industry to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Fashion industry's push for diversity leads to exploitation of refugee models: The fashion industry's trend of recruiting refugee models from camps can lead to exploitation due to unpaid debts and lack of transparency and accountability.
The fashion industry's push for diversity and inclusion has led to a trend of recruiting refugee models, particularly from South Sudan, in camps. However, this trend is problematic due to the industry's lack of accountability and care for the livelihoods of models. The modeling industry operates on a system of debts, where models accrue expenses while agencies find them work, and these debts are often not repaid. This system, along with the industry's lack of transparency and accountability, can lead to exploitation. The trend of recruiting refugee models from camps is a form of tokenism, as the industry seems more interested in their stories and appearance rather than their well-being. It's important for the fashion industry to reconsider its approach and ensure that models are treated fairly and ethically.
Modeling offers hope to refugees in Kakuma Camp: Refugees in Kakuma Camp find hope through modeling opportunities, offering potential escape from poverty and bleak conditions.
Despite the extreme poverty and hopelessness prevalent in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, home to over 200,000 refugees mainly from South Sudan, the prospect of modeling offers a glimmer of hope. Many refugees have seen fellow camp residents become successful international models, providing a potential escape route from the bleak conditions. The UN-run camp, which follows strict rules and limits employment opportunities, has seen an increase in modeling scouts visiting the camp in the last few years. These scouts offer the opportunity for refugees to start modeling careers and potentially leave the camp. This hope is especially significant for long-term residents who have lived in the camp for decades with little to no prospect of leaving. The success stories of South Sudanese models from Kakuma have fueled the desire for a better future among the camp's residents.
Discovering New Talent in Refugee Camps: Agencies hold casting events in refugee camps to offer models a chance at a career and a glimpse into a different world, but the experience is often fleeting and leaves models with a deep sense of disappointment and a longing for more opportunities.
The modeling industry extends beyond the glamorous runways of Europe and reaches refugees in camps like Kakuma, Kenya. Agencies like Isis Models and Select Model Management hold casting events to discover new talent, offering refugees a chance at a career and a glimpse into a different world. However, the experience is often fleeting, leaving models like Teflok Lukbayak Chul with a longing for more opportunities and a deep sense of disappointment when they return to their camps. Despite the hardships, these models remain hopeful and determined to change their lives and those of their families, showing the resilience and ambition that lies within even the most challenging circumstances.
The Power of Hope and Opportunity: A young refugee's dream, a business owner's goal, and a tech giant's innovation all demonstrate the power of hope and opportunity to transform lives and businesses.
No matter the circumstances, people hold on to hope and strive for a better future. This was evident in the story of Nyabirang, a courageous young woman who fled South Sudan and found herself in a refugee camp. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, including rape, domestic abuse, and being shunned by her family, Nyabirang held on to her dreams. Her story was a catalyst for an investigation by the Sunday Times, which uncovered the potential for modeling careers for refugees in Kenya. Meanwhile, in a completely different context, Shopify offers a solution for businesses to grow and sell effectively, while LinkedIn helps small businesses hire top talent. And in the world of entertainment, Mint Mobile, with the help of Ryan Reynolds, continues to offer affordable wireless plans to consumers. Through these stories, we see the resilience of the human spirit and the power of opportunity, no matter how big or small. Whether it's a young refugee's dream of a modeling career or a business owner's goal of expanding their reach, the potential for growth and success is always present.
New life in Paris brings unexpected challenges for Nyaburang: Refugees face numerous challenges as they adapt to new cultures and environments, including financial struggles, language barriers, and pressure to conform to societal expectations.
Despite the excitement and promise of a modeling career for Nyaburang in Paris, she was unprepared for the realities of life in a new country. Her agent saw potential in her tall stature and beauty, but the expectations for her appearance led to pressure to lose weight, which she achieved through starvation. Upon arrival, she was shocked by the cold weather and struggled to navigate basic tasks like cooking and shopping for food. The model agency provided her with a small weekly stipend, but it wasn't enough to cover her needs. Despite her dreams of improving her family's living conditions, Nyaburang's experience in Paris was far from the glamorous life she had imagined. Instead, she faced challenges that tested her resilience and determination. Overall, this story highlights the complexities and hardships that refugees face as they try to build new lives in unfamiliar places.
Models from far-off countries face financial and emotional strain during casting calls: Models, especially new ones, may face significant financial and emotional challenges when traveling for casting calls in fashion capitals, including high expenses and unclear communication from agencies.
The modeling industry can be financially and emotionally draining for new models, especially those coming from countries far from the fashion capitals. Yaballang, a model from Kenya, shared her experience of going to Paris for a week-long casting call, only to return home without any bookings and in debt. She had to pay for her phone adapter, hair care, and other expenses, which were deducted from her earnings. Moreover, she faced communication issues with the agency, leaving her unsure of her status and future in the industry. Sadly, Yaballang attempted suicide due to the financial strain and emotional distress. Select Model Management, the agency Yaballang worked with, acknowledged the issue of unrecoverable model advances, stating that they lose over £100,000 per year on this issue. It's important to note that this is not an isolated case, and models from all nations face these challenges. While the industry offers opportunities for growth and success, it's crucial for models, especially those starting out, to be aware of the potential financial and emotional risks. Agencies must prioritize clear communication and transparency to help mitigate these issues.
Concerns over exploitation of refugees in modeling industry: Agencies must ensure fair treatment and adequate support for refugees in modeling industry to prevent exploitation
While the modeling industry provides opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers to improve their lives, there are concerns about the exploitation of models, particularly during their initial stages in the industry. Agencies often cover their expenses and accommodation while trying to find them work, but the length of time they spend in Europe and the level of support they receive vary. Some agencies have been accused of taking advantage of vulnerable individuals by bringing them to Europe for short periods without providing adequate support or finding them work. However, it's important to note that not all modeling agencies operate in this way, and some, like ISIS Model Management, have a track record of taking care of their models and their families. The UNHCR also emphasizes the need to protect refugees and asylum seekers from exploitation and risks. Ultimately, it's crucial for modeling agencies to be more selective and provide adequate support to models to ensure they have a fair chance at success in the industry.
Investigating fair treatment and safety in the modeling industry: Ensure fair treatment and safety for models, particularly newcomers, and support efforts to improve industry conditions.
Importance of ensuring fair treatment and safety in the modeling industry, particularly for newcomers. Lisa Brinkworth and Hugo Daniel's investigation into the experiences of models, including Niabalang, highlighted potential risks and the need for better safeguards. Niabalang herself hopes to prevent others from going through similar experiences and continues to pursue her dream of becoming a successful model. The industry as a whole should be held accountable for providing proper care and protection. For listeners, it's crucial to be aware of these issues and support efforts to improve conditions for models. Additionally, Shopify was promoted as a platform for businesses to grow, and 1-800-Flowers was presented as a one-stop shop for gift-giving with various perks and rewards.
![Ep.47 How To Nail A Job Interview From An Employers POV [SOLO EP]](https://www.podcastworld.io/podcast-images/working-hard-hardly-working-pzym05gt.webp)
