The Flavorful Approach: Vivian Acquah on Long-Term DEI Commitment

Global Inclusion in Practice Podcast

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The Flavorful Approach: Vivian Acquah on Long-Term DEI Commitment

“DEI is as complex and huge as the ocean.”

Global Inclusion in Practice

Vivian Acquah CDE®

, and

Marjolijn Vlug

Aug 16, 2023

Transcript

Before we interview our guests, it’s only fair that we share about ourselves, too.

There’s lots to learn about your host Vivian, to get to know her better. Marjolijn asks her questions she didn’t expect to be asked and much more.

“This is me. Get to know more about me.”

Born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Vivian (she/her) is a proud mother, partner, and DEI coach/consultant. She brings a lot of soul and heart, a sense of humor, and food (carrot cake, anyone?) into creating inclusive environments where DEI is more digestible and where people can grow.

When DEI can make people feel like being dropped in an ocean, Vivian is the swimming coach that starts people in the kiddie pool and accelerates to larger waters.

Essential to know about Vivian is that she is a Black woman and a DEI generalist who advocates for all kinds of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is also someone with a neurodivergent brain that enables her to achieve things that not every average person is able to do. In addition to consulting and coaching, she has organized several editions of the online Amplify DEI Summit, with a wide array of DEI speakers and topics: sharing the mic in a global, inclusive journey.

"I am tapping into my uniqueness because I have created various Amplify DEI products." — Vivian Acquah

Vivian is continuously finding the best mix of recharging, JOMO, and getting energized by her work, to sustain her in doing this long-term. She shares how she grew from doubting herself and toning down her capabilities in order to ‘fit in’, to fully using her tech-savvy creativity and growth mindset. And she paints the future of who she is becoming.

There are a plenty of resources available already about how-to’s and business cases in DEI. With this podcast, Vivian chooses to add a new resource: a podcast in which we talk about what it means to be a DEI professional and how we deal with challenges, connecting with each other’s personal stories.

"We need to realize that we have to leave the Earth, the environment, and the workplace more sustainable than it is now. And I want to activate all of you to think about what you can do to make the world a little bit better. " — Vivian Acquah

“Connect with others in this field and recognize each other's learning journeys.” - Marjolijn Vlug

We have some great guests lined up. Get empowered by the stories of amazing DEI changemakers and pick up different perspectives on what it means to be a DEI professional. Join this supportive podcast community to bring out the best in yourself.

Nominate a DEI Changemaker

Be strategic and don’t go it alone in this journey. It is a long-term thing and has to be sustainable for you.

Hear what Vivian is grateful for and how that sparks inspiration. Find out her recommendations for a particular book, two movies, and song to energize yourself and learn from.

We have brand new episodes coming up soon, with guests from around the world sharing about their lives in DEI. Subscribe and get a notification as soon as they’re available!

Reach out to Vivian if you have any further inquiries or would like to explore more.

And we’d love to hear your stories in the comments as well.

Discussion about this podcast

Global Inclusion in Practice Podcast

Listen in on the behind-the-scenes stories of DEI change-makers from around the world and be inspired to make a difference in your own work.

In the Global Inclusion in Practice Podcast, Vivian Acquah and Marjolijn Vlug have kitchen table conversations with DEI professionals, representatives, advocates, and allies. Their personal stories tell you that you are not alone in your endeavors to create a more inclusive world. Let’s share perspectives on what sustains us in creating lasting change in different parts of the world.

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