Sacha Thompson is the founder of The Equity Equation and Equity Leadership Institute. With nearly 20 years of experience within the education, non-profit, and tech industries, Sacha’s work is about removing barriers or providing support in order to get to a place of equality. She helps executives and leaders have that important dialogue and coaches them to the necessary, long-term changes that develop institutional cultures of inclusion.
Not too long ago, a prominent voice in the psychological safety space made a bold statement: “Psychological safety is what DEI should have been.” While this framing may resonate with some, for me, it felt incomplete. It ignored a fundamental truth—identity cannot be divorced from psychological safety. As someone who operates at the intersection of…
The recent election has intensified anxieties and uncertainty for many, particularly within marginalized communities. As we look toward the future, a sober reality settles in: the rights and protections fought for over decades may be in jeopardy. We anticipate that the hard-won gains of DEI initiatives will face unprecedented challenges, and the workplace—one of the…
In the wake of the recent election, many people are still processing the results, feeling uncertain, and even struggling to function as they consider what the coming days, weeks, and months might bring. For some, Project 2025 carries significant implications, not only for them personally but also for their families, friends, and communities. As concerns…
As we approach an election that feels particularly high-stakes, many are feeling the tension in their everyday lives, and this anxiety doesn’t stop at the workplace door. Employees may feel the weight of what’s happening outside the office—facing divisive rhetoric, anxiety about future outcomes, and a looming sense of uncertainty. For many, it’s not just…
Recent insights reveal significant shifts in how “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are understood, valued, and even misunderstood across our communities and workplaces. These findings bring to light that while many of us see DEI as essential to fostering respect and belonging, a few misconceptions remain—often rooted in fear of losing meritocracy or concerns about “reverse…
Companies like Amazon are mandating a return to the office, with some requiring five days a week. This marks a significant shift from recent flexible work norms. This shift has sparked concerns about the potential impacts on psychological safety, employee morale, and overall productivity. While pre-pandemic work arrangements might have seemed “normal,” the landscape of…
As DEI practitioners and advocates, we are often at the forefront of challenging conversations and initiatives. The current backlash against DEI only underscores the importance of our work. To continue driving positive change, it’s essential to amplify the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This playbook provides practical strategies to reinforce the value of DEI…
In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, the concept of psychological safety has emerged as a critical component for fostering inclusive, productive, and innovative workplaces. Despite its importance, many organizations remain unprepared to effectively address and sustain psychological safety within their teams. This lack of preparedness can have profound implications, not only on employee well-being but…
As an Inclusive Workplace Consultant and Coach, I often find myself at a crossroads. On one side, organizations seem hesitant to engage with anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Resources that once supported learning at all organizational levels have dwindled, and other business aspects have taken priority. On the other side, I receive…
Summary This episode of DEI After 5 features Yarek Kumechko, an advocate in the LBGTQ+ community, sharing his unique story and insights on allyship and creating inclusive environments. Host Sacha Thompson explores what it means to be an ally and accomplice in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Yarek, originally from Ukraine and now living in…