We were lucky to catch up with Nadia Ali recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nadia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
I launched my company Idea Labs in 2020 with a passion to create healthier and kinder communities and workplaces.
The word Idea in Idea Labs is an acronym for Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity in Action and the company strives to advance these core values in the workplace through training, leadership coaching and organizational strategy.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I’ve always been interested in examining systems inequities and reducing gaps across healthcare, organizational culture, and communications through all of my educational and professional experiences. My educational background is in public health, which trains us to look at different issues through a systems and operational lens. As I started my professional journey, my work constantly intersected with challenges around how to create more inclusive work cultures, communications and finding ways to be more collaborative.
All of my work around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) over the past 20 years organically led to additional requests of facilitating workshops, providing leadership coaching and strategic advice. With encouragement from family and friends, my idea turned into a reality and I launched my business Idea Labs during the start of the pandemic two years ago.
Since launching Idea Labs, I have worked with over 20 organizations ton a range of projects in partnership with executive leaders, human resource professionals and staff members to improve organizational culture and communications, create opportunities for growth and build partnerships that have resulted in diverse talent pipelines.
Given my professional background, my approach to DEI work includes using a trauma-informed lens, therapeutic communication techniques and adult learning principles. I also draw from my lived experience as a visibly Muslim woman of South Asian heritage. Having a bi-cultural identity has been such a large part of my life, in terms of my values, how I am perceived in various spaces, and how I participate in my community. I recognize how many barriers minorities can face and how important it is to help dismantle systems of oppression to create more opportunities for others.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Having over 20 years of professional experience, my educational background, and lived experience have all helped to build my reputation within the market as a diversity, equity and inclusion consultant. I also think that having a presence on social media, especially LinkedIn has been a great way to build credibility and engagement with a variety of businesses and colleagues. Another way has been through being featured on different podcasts that center topics like race and culture, along with speaking engagements. Putting myself out there doesn’t always feel easy, but it’s been energizing for me whenever I do!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been consistent networking, building relationships and connecting with former colleagues.
I’ve also joined a number of professional groups which have provided great opportunities for networking and meeting other consultants doing similar work, leading to some great collaborations!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.idealabsinaction.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idealabsinaction/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idealabsinaction
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-y-ali/
Image Credits
Bianca Roman Photography & ELC Photography