Ngozi Okeh - Driving Business Success through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Ngozi Okeh - Driving Business Success through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola March 5, 2024 Duration: 37:04

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ngozi Okeh, the global head of DEI at NextRoll, a marketing tech company. They delve into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and how it can significantly impact business success.

In this episode you will learn:

  • The practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a daily practice shaping workplace dynamics and opportunities.
  • Strategies for effectively engaging executive leaders in DEI by aligning initiatives with organizational goals and priorities.
  • Overcoming common misconceptions about DEI and fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
  • How vulnerability in leadership can lead to more meaningful contributions and collaboration among team members.
  • Practical tips for managing nervousness in speaking engagements and enhancing communication effectiveness.
  • The pitfalls of relying on the 'It Factor' in hiring decisions and the importance of grounding assessments in objective standards.
  • Recognizing the influence of bias in decision-making and strategies for avoiding subjective biases.
  • The value of seeking external perspectives and diverse viewpoints to challenge biases and make informed decisions.

 About Ngozi:

Ngozi Okeh is an accomplished DEI leader with a proven track record of driving initiatives to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into strategic business processes. She specializes in conceptualizing, defining, and operationalizing DEI principles to align with organizational goals, developing and overseeing policies and programs aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Holding a Master's degree in HR Management from Georgetown University, she brings extensive experience across multiple industries, including mortgage banking, government, and the tech sector. In her role as Global Head of DEI, Ngozi has led teams, collaborates with company executives, and provides strategic guidance to drive organizational change. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is actively involved in community service as a board member for Hunger Free America, demonstrating her commitment to creating a positive social impact.

 

You can connect with Ngozi in the following ways:

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:

 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
  • LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
  • Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
  • Twitter: @LauraSicola
  • Instagram: @drlaurasicola
  • Website: https://laurasicola.com
  • Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

Speaking to Influence features conversations about the tangible mechanics of leadership communication, moving beyond theory into practical application. Host Dr. Laura Sicola, an expert in linguistic influence, guides discussions that dissect how language, tone, and presence directly impact credibility and outcomes. Each episode brings a perspective from seasoned executives and industry figures who share their real-world experiences-not just their successes, but the nuanced moments where a single conversation changed a trajectory. The focus here is on the actionable: how to structure a message for a skeptical board, modulate your voice to convey authority without arrogance, and read a room to pivot your approach in real time. This isn't about generic public speaking tips; it's a deep exploration of the strategic choices behind influential speech. Listeners gain access to a toolkit for building confidence, commanding attention, and achieving specific professional results through more intentional communication. The podcast operates at the intersection of business strategy, personal development, and the often-overlooked technical art of persuasion, making it relevant for anyone whose role requires them to lead, sell, or inspire through spoken word. Dr. Sicola's background provides a unique lens, ensuring every conversation yields insights you can use immediately to refine your own impact.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Speaking to Influence
Podcast Episodes
Dr. Mark Wilkinson, Vocal Expert: Your Voice Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:39
This week, Dr. Mark Wilkinson will share with us various ways that preparing our voice can help lead to a greater impact in front of any size audience. In this episode you will learn: The importance of warming up your bo…
Lisa DiPaolo of Karyopharm Therapeutics: Qualities of a Senior Leader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:57
This week, Lisa DiPaolo shares with us the qualities that she looks for when hiring someone for a senior leadership role. In this episode you will learn: How her company is on a mission to defeat cancer. The importance o…
Dave Noll of Keller/Noll - Pitching to Outrageous Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:05
In this episode of Speaking to Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Dave Knoll, creator of over 60 television shows, including the popular series "Chopped" about successful pitching.