How do we create meaningful change in organizations and communities? In this episode of .Team Talks!, we sit down with Christina Sackeyfio, founder of Boldly Inclusive, to explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) shape success. From her early experiences as a young advocate to leading DEI transformations in businesses, Christina shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the power of inclusive cultures.
From Early Advocacy to Lasting Change
Christina’s passion for social impact began in childhood. She recalls a defining moment in grade six when she and a friend recognized gender bias in their classroom. Rather than staying silent, they took action—organizing a petition that successfully led their teacher to change her approach. This early lesson in advocacy laid the foundation for her work today, proving that small changes can have a profound impact.
Beyond Numbers: Measuring True Impact
In many organizations, success is measured in outputs—how many people complete a program, how many services are delivered. But Christina argues that true impact lies beyond the numbers. Instead, it’s about how people’s lives improve as a result. Are they making better decisions? Do they feel more included? Do they have greater opportunities?
This shift from purely quantitative to qualitative metrics is crucial in driving real change. It’s not just about reaching people; it’s about making a difference in their lives.
Leadership That Drives Inclusion
A key takeaway from our conversation is that DEI is not a standalone initiative—it must be embedded into an organization’s culture. Christina works with leaders to help them see DEI as an integral part of decision-making, hiring, and overall business strategy.
Through coaching and capacity-building, she helps leaders navigate the complexities of fostering an inclusive workplace. Many express concerns about “getting it wrong” or unintentionally causing harm. Her advice? Embrace vulnerability, listen to diverse voices, and be willing to adapt.
Building Processes That Work
Christina highlights the importance of organizational processes in shaping culture. In her audits, she often finds that inclusive decision-making leads to stronger workplace cultures. When employees feel consulted and valued, engagement and innovation thrive. However, in organizations where decisions are made top-down without staff input, a culture of fear and resistance often develops.
The lesson? Inclusion isn’t just about policies; it’s about how people experience the workplace every day.
Creating Space for Growth
As a business owner, Christina also shares her personal journey of growth. She started as a solopreneur, juggling multiple roles, until she realized the importance of systems and support. Bringing on a virtual assistant, streamlining processes, and continuously reassessing her approach helped her scale her impact without burning out.
For leaders, this is a crucial takeaway: sustainable growth requires intentionality—not just in DEI, but in how we structure our work and invest in people.
Listen to the Full Conversation
This episode of .Team Talks! is packed with actionable insights on diversity, leadership, and creating meaningful change. Whether you’re a business leader, an HR professional, or someone passionate about social impact, there’s something in this conversation for you.
Listen to the full episode here!
Let’s continue the conversation—what does success look like in your organization? Share your thoughts in the comments!