DEI After 5 with Sacha

College access isn’t just about admissions decisions—it’s about the support systems that help students arrive, adjust, and stay. In this episode, Sacha Thompson reflects on her own path into higher education and the kind of program support that helped her succeed—especially for students who are first-generation or from underserved backgrounds. She’s joined by Terrence Gresham, a talent advisor and...

There is a lot of noise right now about the so-called “end” of DEI. Some organizations are quietly backing away from their commitments. Others are changing the language but keeping some of the work. And many leaders are trying to figure out what they can still say, do, or stand for without becoming the next headline. But underneath all of that is a bigger truth: the need for inclusive leadership h...

When people hear the word resistance , they often picture protests, marches, signs, and public acts of defiance. And yes, those things matter. But that is not the only way resistance shows up. That is one of the biggest takeaways from this part of the conversation with Dr. Janice Gassam Asare. Too often, people count themselves out because they assume resistance only “counts” if it is public, bold...

If you’re trying to push for workplace equity in a climate of backlash, this episode is for you. Sacha Thompson is joined by Dr. Janice Gassam Asare—organizational psychologist and author of Rise and Resist —to talk about what resistance looks like now, including the quieter, behind-the-scenes moves that actually shift systems. Dr. Janice connects today’s workplace dynamics to the long legacy of B...

This is Part 2 of: “The Art of War for Inclusion: How to Beat Performative DEI at Work.” In this episode, we get practical about what it takes to move from public statements to real organizational change—especially in a climate where inclusion work is being scrutinized, politicized, or quietly rolled back. We reflect on the post–George Floyd corporate response cycle, the pushback from Black employ...

A checkbox approach to inclusion creates shallow progress—and people feel it. In this episode, Sacha Thompson talks with Rolando Talbot about what it takes to build workplaces where inclusion is treated like a business function , not a side initiative. We dig into inclusion as “business DNA,” why it matters for performance and culture, and how teams can create environments where neurodiverse emplo...

This is Part 2 of last week’s episode: “The 7 Trust Languages: A practical way to rebuild respect, safety, and credibility.” Here, we take the framework into real life—what trust looks like when people are watching whether your actions match your values. When organizations say “we value inclusion” but people experience something different day to day, trust breaks—fast. In this continuation episode...

In this episode of DEI After 5 , I’m joined by Minda Harts to talk about what trust really looks like at work—and how to rebuild it when it’s been strained. We unpack her 7 Trust Languages framework and the everyday behaviors that shape credibility, psychological safety, and team culture. If you’re leading through change or trying to strengthen relationships on your team, this conversation will gi...

In this episode, we dive into the critical relationship between employee experience and customer experience within the hospitality industry and beyond. Our host, Sacha Thompson and this week's guest, Calvin Stovall discuss the importance of inclusion, emphasizing that erasure and exclusion can significantly impact both employees and customers. The conversation highlights that your employees are al...

In this episode of DEI After Five, host Sasha welcomes Calvin Stovall, the Chief Experience Officer of Iconic Presentations, to discuss the vital role of hospitality and customer experience across various industries. Calvin shares insights into his work delivering dynamic keynote presentations focused on customer experience and leadership, emphasizing the importance of these concepts in hospitalit...

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha Thompson talks to Dr. Donna Oriowo, a sex and relationship therapist and expert, about the anti-racist and anti-black sentiment that challenges the progress made in DEI circles. Dr. Donna Oriowo speaks about her work in the intersection of DEI, mental health, and sexual health, and provides insights on how we can combat these sentiments and move towards a...

In Part 3 and the final episode with guest Ofentse Lakwane, we explore the importance of genuine commitment from employers towards their employees, moving beyond mere lip service. We discuss how quickly employees can identify insincerity and the necessity for organizations to uphold a higher standard of care and support. They emphasize the significance of accessibility in the workplace, highlighti...

In this week's episode of DEI After 5, we continue our engaging conversation with Ofense Lakwane, diving deeper into the concept of intentionality in creating inclusive workplaces. We explore the distinction between performative actions and genuine efforts, highlighting the importance of not just checking boxes, but truly understanding and addressing the needs of all individuals. A powerful exampl...

In this episode of DEI After 5, host Sacha welcomes accessibility expert Ofentse Lakwane, who discusses the importance of creating truly accessible workplaces rather than just going through the motions with checkbox solutions. Originally from South Africa and now based in the UK, Ofentse brings a unique perspective to the inclusive workplace landscape, with a background in technology consulting, s...

In this episode of DEI After 5, we delve into a pivotal article from Big Think, discussing five key recommendations that will reshape leadership development by 2026. The host emphasizes the importance of aligning learning initiatives with business strategies, ensuring that leadership training reflects the core principles of an organization. They highlight the significance of creating a cohesive ar...

Being a guest on the HCI Podcast gave me the chance to talk about something I care deeply about: how psychological safety becomes the catalyst for workplaces where people can show up fully, speak openly, and actually thrive. At The Equity Equation, this isn’t theory—it’s the core of the work we do every day with leaders, teams, and organizations who want to build cultures where people feel respect...

Creating spaces where people feel safe, respected, and able to show up as their full selves isn’t just “nice to have” anymore—it’s necessary. As conversations about diversity and inclusion get quieter in some rooms, the need for brave, supportive communities grows louder. Whether you’re learning, leading, or simply trying to navigate today’s workplace culture, empathy, curiosity, and belonging are...

When I think about the leaders, teams, and individuals I’ve supported over the years, one truth keeps showing up: mindset is the gateway to transformation. Whether we’re talking about happiness, resilience, purpose, or even navigating workplace stress, the way we frame our experiences shapes the way we move through them. Coaching becomes the vehicle—not because it provides all the answers, but bec...

If there’s one leadership skill that keeps coming up in every conversation I have—with clients, podcast guests, and leaders navigating the post-pandemic workplace—it’s empathy. Not the “I feel sorry for you” kind. Not sympathy. Real empathy. The kind that helps you actually feel with people, not just observe their struggle from the outside. This skill isn’t soft. It isn’t optional. And it definite...

Leadership today demands more than vision or authority—it requires trust. In workplaces where uncertainty and change are constant, the leaders who succeed are those who create environments where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to deliver their best work. As Damian Goldvarg shared in our recent conversation, effective leadership is not about control—it’s about cultivating trust and accou...

In this episode of DEI After Five, host [Host Name] welcomes author and organizational psychologist Damian Goldvarg to discuss his book, " Lead with a Coaching Mindset ." The conversation focuses on the urgent need for a shift in leadership from project management to a more human-centered approach, especially in today's complex times. Damian shares his extensive background in psychology and leader...

Let’s be honest—most onboarding experiences are forgettable at best and overwhelming at worst. Yet for many organizations, the way they welcome new employees hasn’t kept up. Traditional onboarding often feels like a box to check—an administrative marathon of paperwork, policies, and PowerPoints. But in a world where people are craving connection, clarity, and belonging, that approach simply doesn’...

In this episode of DEI After 5, Sacha reflects on the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work in organizations. Addressing a recent question posed by a caller, the discussion emphasizes that while the specific terminology around DEI may evolve, the essence of the work remains crucial due to our inherent diversity as humans. She notes a shift in organizational needs, moving away from...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work, hire, and even how we define success—but it’s also quietly reshaping conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While AI promises efficiency and data-driven insights, it also poses serious risks when bias goes unchecked. On a recent episode of DEI After 5 , I sat down with Dr. Alexandra Zelin to unpack what this means for...

Artificial intelligence is changing everything. How we work, how we make decisions, and how we connect with one another. But as powerful as AI is, it also carries the risk of reinforcing the very inequities many of us have spent years trying to dismantle. Inclusion in AI isn’t just a technical issue — it’s a human one. As we continue to integrate AI into everyday life — from hiring and lending to...