We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sandhya Sabapathy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sandhya below.

Sandhya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Creating a more inclusive workplace is deeply important to me, and my approach is shaped by both positive and challenging experiences I’ve encountered along the way. Let me share a few key strategies and moments that have informed my perspective.

Firstly, skill-based volunteering has been a cornerstone strategy. I’ve observed that when employees engage in skill-based volunteering, it not only helps the community but also breaks down internal barriers within the organization. Employees from different levels and functions collaborate, which fosters a more unified and inclusive culture. Personally witnessing these transformations has reinforced my belief in the power of engaging employees beyond the conventional work tasks.

Another transformative strategy is reverse mentoring. I once worked in an environment that lacked generational diversity in its leadership. We introduced reverse mentoring, and it was enlightening to see how the fresh perspectives from younger employees could challenge and enrich the strategic thinking of our senior leaders. This experience taught me that inclusivity stretches beyond cultural and ethnic lines and must include diverse generational insights as well.

Building programs with a strong Social Return on Investment (SROI) is also crucial. In one of my previous roles, we developed a program aimed at supporting underrepresented groups within the tech industry. The success of this program didn’t just fulfill a social good; it also brought in diverse talents that were pivotal in driving our innovation forward. This experience underscored the importance of aligning social initiatives with business objectives to create sustainable value.

Finally, the role of an activist executive has been significant in my journey. I recall a time when a lack of inclusivity in decision-making processes led to a noticeable disengagement among the staff. By stepping in and advocating for more inclusive strategies, not only did we see an improvement in employee engagement, but our team also became more collaborative and innovative.

These experiences have shaped my understanding of the practical steps necessary to foster an inclusive environment. From enhancing participation across different levels of an organization to ensuring that inclusivity is embedded in our strategic objectives, each element is crucial for building a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey and the work we do at Kaleidoscope. My path into the realm of sustainability and corporate responsibility was driven by a deep-seated belief that the smartest minds should tackle the world’s most pressing problems—particularly those affecting the underserved. This belief has guided my career and is the cornerstone of my professional ethos.

From early on, I aspired to be at the forefront of developing leadership that not only aims at immediate profit but also focuses on creating a socially and environmentally meaningful impact. This vision materialized through my extensive involvement in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) portfolio and programme development, where I’ve had the privilege to lead transformative initiatives across global corporations like the Adecco Group.

Career Highlights:

Strategic ESG Transformation: I led the shift from traditional CSR to a robust framework integrating social impact, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This strategic pivot not only aligned with corporate goals but also resonated deeply with stakeholder expectations, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.
Achieving Net Neutrality and Zero Emissions: My leadership in various organizations helped achieve ambitious environmental goals, including net neutrality and zero emissions, through rigorous development and implementation of emissions protocols.
International Leadership: Managing and inspiring a team across diverse regions like Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, I championed ESG initiatives that respected and integrated local and cultural nuances into broader corporate strategies.
Venture Development: The creation and management of ventures valued at £15M focused on EDI and sustainability, are testaments to my commitment to embedding these values into practical, profitable business models.
Recognition:

My dedication to inclusion and sustainability earned me accolades such as the Director of the Year Awards by the Institute of Directors and the Women of the Future Awards in the ESG category in 2023.

Kaleidoscope’s Offerings:

As the founder of Kaleidoscope, I’m proud to lead a company that specializes in not just talking about change, but actively driving it. Our services include:

Strategic Keynotes on Strategy, Reporting, and Sustainability Materiality Analysis, helping organizations articulate and navigate their impact.
Workshops tailored around themes like Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Sustainable Venture Building, designed to inspire actionable change and foster growth in a financially sustainable manner.
Advisory Services that provide in-depth guidance on global standards and frameworks, enhancing organizational compliance and performance.
What Sets Us Apart:

What distinguishes us is our holistic approach to sustainability and inclusivity, grounded in practical experience and a thorough understanding of international standards. Our commitment to not only adhering to but advancing these standards sets us apart in the field.

Most Proud Of:

I am most proud of our ability to integrate ethical practices into every facet of our operations and client engagements. Witnessing the tangible impacts of our work and the strategic growth of our clients and partners is profoundly rewarding.

To Our Potential Clients and Followers:

I want you to know that at Kaleidoscope, we are committed to fostering an environment where innovation is not just encouraged but structured in a way that ensures it contributes to a larger, global good. We’re here to guide you through complex ESG landscapes with clarity and actionable insights.

Thank you for considering how we might help your organization adapt, thrive, and lead in an increasingly complex and ethically-focused marketplace.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a presence on social media has been an integral part of my journey and the growth of Kaleidoscope. Though I wouldn’t consider myself an expert, I’m grateful to have cultivated a following of 35,000 across various platforms. This audience is not just a number—it represents a community of engaged individuals passionate about making a difference in the areas of social impact and sustainability.

Building the Audience:

My approach to social media has always been about interaction and sharing valuable information. From the beginning, it was crucial for me to be accessible and responsive. I wanted young people interested in social impact and sustainability to feel they could reach out and get the support they needed. This accessibility has helped shape the services we provide at Kaleidoscope, as interacting with my audience highlighted the gaps in understanding and application of sustainability practices in the industry.

Understanding the Needs:

The conversations and engagements on social media have made it clear that as regulatory standards evolve and become more complex, the need for knowledgeable guidance in sustainability is more critical than ever. It’s not just large corporations that need to adhere to these standards; companies of all sizes must integrate sustainability into their core strategies. This realization helped refine the focus of Kaleidoscope, emphasizing that social impact and sustainability are essential, not just ‘nice to have.’

Advice for Newcomers:

Start with a Clear Vision: Understand what you want to share and why. For me, it was about filling a knowledge gap and inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Be Consistent: Regularly post content that adds value and is true to your vision. Consistency helps in building trust and establishing your voice in a crowded space.
Engage Genuinely: Don’t just post and disappear. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and engage with other content creators. Networking within social media can significantly enhance your visibility and impact.
Leverage Analytics: Use the tools provided by social platforms to understand what content works best and refine your strategy accordingly.
Educate and Inform: Given the complexity of sustainability and social impact, use your platforms to educate your audience. This not only builds your credibility but also empowers your followers.
Conclusion:

My social media journey has been immensely fulfilling, not just in terms of building an audience, but also in understanding the broader impact our work can have. For those just starting out, remember that building a social media presence is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay true to your message, be patient, and the growth will follow. Most importantly, think of your social media as a way to make a difference—it’s a powerful platform for change.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Absolutely, I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration and insight from a diverse set of thinkers and concepts across both modern and ancient philosophies. To start, Josh Bersin’s extensive research in human resources and organizational behavior has been instrumental. His insights into learning and development, talent management, and HR technology have greatly influenced my approach to building an adaptive and innovative organizational culture.

Simon Sinek has also had a profound impact on my thinking, particularly through his book ‘Start With Why.’ His model of the ‘Golden Circle’ and the concept of leading with a clear, compelling purpose have guided me in shaping a business that truly resonates with people at a deeper level.

On the philosophical side, the Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca have taught me about resilience, ethical leadership, and the importance of self-mastery. Aurelius’ ‘Meditations’ and Seneca’s ‘Letters from a Stoic’ provide powerful lessons in controlling one’s actions and responses, which are crucial for navigating today’s complex business environments.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of ‘Flow’ from his book ‘Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience’ has been another cornerstone for understanding how to enhance personal productivity and design work environments that foster deep engagement and innovation.

The operational strategies and mission-driven approach of the Gates Foundation show how corporate principles can be applied to lead a high-impact philanthropic organization. This has inspired me to integrate social responsibility and effective altruism into my own business model.

Additional Resources that have been significant include:

‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins — This book explores what differentiates companies that leap from mediocrity to excellence and sustain it.
‘Principles’ by Ray Dalio — This offers a personal perspective from one of the most successful investors and entrepreneurs, detailing the fundamental truths that guide his life and work decisions.
TED Talks and webinars by leaders like Simon Sinek and Josh Bersin are fantastic for quick yet profound insights.
Paul Graham’s essays — His writings on startup culture and philosophy are incredibly insightful for anyone involved in entrepreneurship.
These books, thinkers, and resources have not only shaped my strategic and operational mindset but also deepened my understanding of leadership, making a meaningful impact through business, and living a principled life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandhya_sabapathy/?hl=en-gb
• Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sandhya-sabapathy