Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion
Dr. Rahul Sharma
Founder & Lead Strategist
More than just buzzwords…
effective & lasting DEI strategies require
emotional intelligence and brave leadership.
We offer customized programs, group training, individual leadership coaching, keynote speaking, experiential learning through drumming & dialogue, and more.
We offer customized programs, group training, individual leadership coaching, keynote speaking, experiential learning through drumming & dialogue, and more.
Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion
More than just buzzwords…
effective & lasting DEI strategies require
emotional intelligence and brave leadership.
Dr. Rahul Sharma
Founder & Lead Strategist
"Dr. Sharma is a master at his craft...
He brings a tremendous depth of experience, insight, wisdom, and care to help lift up individuals and organizations. . . . His ability to swiftly improve diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within systems puts him at the cutting edge of helping organizations.”
- David Klow, Founder & CEO of The Skylight Foundation
"I worked together with Dr. Rahul Sharma to create a leadership development experience for 90 of our top leaders. . . . His background . . . made him the perfect person to bring insight, expertise, passion and creativity into our DEI journey. . . . He was a
great listener, got to know our organization, and was able to design an outstanding half day learning experience
to meet us where we are in our journey and reach people in a new and different way. Many people commented on how they appreciated and truly enjoyed this different approach. . . . I highly recommend Rahul. We grew together through this partnering experience, just as our leaders did."
- Jane Shlaes, Senior Talent Consultant and Leadership Coach, College of American Pathologists
"I would recommend working with Dr. Sharma if you or your organization are seeking someone skilled in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity and leadership training/coaching. My organization hired him in 2020 to provide coaching to employees who might be experiencing trauma and have a hard time processing the racial violence and inequities in society. He also worked with our leadership group on how to best support the well-being and productivity of employees. . . . Dr. Sharma brings his
wide span of expertise in diversity, social justice, multiculturalism, individual/community health, music, and healing to his work.
He is able to skillfully work with clients towards mitigating racial trauma and race-related stress they may be experiencing, and help them to develop coping strategies."
- Karen Appelbaum, Operations Director, Northwest Area Foundation
Chicago Children’s Museum Board of Directors Retreat. Photo Courtesy of CCM
“I watched a …
large group of strangers
develop into a…
truly engaged community…
with the use of very little words. This is the first time I attended a conference of this caliber.”
-Conference plenary participant
Read More Testimonials Here
“I watched a …
large group of strangers
develop into a…
truly engaged community…
with the use of very little words. This is the first time I attended a conference of this caliber.”
-Conference plenary participant
Read More Testimonials Here
"Dr. Sharma is a master at his craft...
He brings a tremendous depth of experience, insight, wisdom, and care to help lift up individuals and organizations. . . . His ability to swiftly improve diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within systems puts him at the cutting edge of helping organizations.”
- David Klow, Founder & CEO of The Skylight Foundation
"I worked together with Dr. Rahul Sharma to create a leadership development experience for 90 of our top leaders. . . . His background . . . made him the perfect person to bring insight, expertise, passion and creativity into our DEI journey. . . . He was a
great listener, got to know our organization, and was able to design an outstanding half day learning experience
to meet us where we are in our journey and reach people in a new and different way. Many people commented on how they appreciated and truly enjoyed this different approach. . . . I highly recommend Rahul. We grew together through this partnering experience, just as our leaders did."
- Jane Shlaes, Senior Talent Consultant and Leadership Coach, College of American Pathologists
"I would recommend working with Dr. Sharma if you or your organization are seeking someone skilled in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity and leadership training/coaching. My organization hired him in 2020 to provide coaching to employees who might be experiencing trauma and have a hard time processing the racial violence and inequities in society. He also worked with our leadership group on how to best support the well-being and productivity of employees. . . . Dr. Sharma brings his
wide span of expertise in diversity, social justice, multiculturalism, individual/community health, music, and healing to his work.
He is able to skillfully work with clients towards mitigating racial trauma and race-related stress they may be experiencing, and help them to develop coping strategies."
- Karen Appelbaum, Operations Director, Northwest Area Foundation
Photos courtesy of TEDx Chicago
Watch Dr. Sharma and his band Funkadesi on the TEDx Chicago stage
leading the TEDx crowd in a guided meditation with live improvised music.
CONSULTING
Organizational assessments (informational interviews, focus groups, “walking the floor”) to better understand work culture, pain points, and goals.
Speaking
Keynotes & plenaries on various topics ranging from DEI, cultural competence, leadership, emotional intelligence, and coping, self-care & wellness.
Coaching
For individuals, providing EQi & EQ360 assessments; anti-racism coaching; prepping leaders to combine EQ with DEI strategy.
Customized Training
Based on organizational needs, stand-alone and sequenced training session options, utilizing proven, innovative formats such as experiential drumming and dialogue.
PERFORMANCES & MORE
Dr. Sharma is thrilled to leverage the talents of the band he founded, Funkadesi — an unprecedentedly diverse music group that in 2021 celebrated 25 years together.
“Whether I’m engaging as a psychologist, coach, speaker, trainer, or musician, one thing is clear across all these domains:
There’s MAGIC in the spaces we create.
When we set the ingredients in the right way (a clear strategy or set of objectives, setting the tone for maximum safety, exploration, authenticity, and courage)…
we can transform.”
-Dr. Rahul Sharma
“Whether I’m engaging as a psychologist, coach, speaker, trainer, or musician, one thing is clear across all these domains:
There’s MAGIC in the spaces we create.
When we set the ingredients in the right way (a clear strategy or set of objectives, setting the tone for maximum safety, exploration, authenticity, and courage)…
we can transform.”
-Dr. Rahul Sharma
Recent Clients
Keep up with Dr. Sharma
AAPA Journal
feature on Dr. Sharma and Funkadesi leading a virtual conference Keynote (pp. 12-16)
Click here to read the journal
Inclusion
Contact us for Your Free consultation
Keep up with our happenings and the latest news about Inclusion – sign-up for our newsletter:
Follow Strategic Inclusion