Vivian Acquah CDE®

Certified Diversity Executive


Main focus: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Twitter handle: @vivalavivenl

Websites/blogs: https://amplifydei.com/ , https://card.amplifydei.com/ , https://globalinclusioninpractice.com/

Languages: Dutch, English

City: Amsterdam

Country: Netherlands

Topics: unconsious bias, personal branding, gender equality, cultural diversity, diversity, diversity equity and inclusion, conflict management, inclusive leadership, allyship, neurodiversity

Services: Talk, Moderation, Workshop management, Consulting, Coaching, Interview

  Willing to travel for an event.

  Willing to talk for nonprofit.

Personal note:

Hello! I'm Vivian Acquah, a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®), LinkedIn Top Voice, and nominee for European Businesswoman 2023 (ESDP). I'm also a passionate advocate for all DEI topics, in particular neurodiversity, and a transformational speaker, facilitator, and trainer.

Background Information
I transitioned from a Finance/IT consulting career to DEI consulting after becoming a mother. I promised my son (Orlando) and future generations to create thriving workplaces for EVERYONE. Today, I am the founder of Amplify DEI and the co-founder of Global Inclusion in Practice, where I operate as a DEI Coach and Consultant.

Bio:

As the Certified Diversity Executive, I am making an impact on the world of workplace wellness and DEI. I am devoted to making the topics of workplace wellness and DEI more accessible for everyone.

With a name that literally translates to 'water,' I have become an extinguisher of fires related to DEI, providing tangible strategies for embracing inclusive changes for clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, Deloitte, TIBCO, Cargill, Swift, Acrolinx, KLM, and Zalando.

Additionally, I facilitate meaningful conversations about DEI through the Amplify DEI Cards initiative, which enables teams to create effective action plans for furthering their work in this area.

Examples of previous talks / appearances:

Amplify Empathy with Virtual Reality

The Amplify Empathy with Virtual Reality Training program is an innovative workshop designed to enhance empathy and improve connections within your teams and, ultimately, the broader workplace environment. By investing in a healthy work environment, this program prioritizes your most valuable asset – your employees – and contributes to their overall well-being, job satisfaction, and retention rates.

The Amplify Empathy training's interactive online VR training approach is combined with engaging group discussions, delivering a fully immersive and transformative experience for all participants.

The program is designed to build empathy, heighten interpersonal awareness, and promote nuanced communication, all of which are critical components for fostering a positive and productive workplace culture. With this training, your team will be equipped with the tools and understanding to navigate complex and sensitive interpersonal situations with greater depth and sensitivity, leading to a happier, healthier, and more collaborative work environment.

Learning objectives
1. Understand the importance of empathy in fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment.
2. Experience immersive virtual reality scenarios that provide insights into diverse perspectives and challenges faced by colleagues.
3. Develop emotional intelligence and active listening skills to better understand and support team members from various backgrounds.
4. Engage in meaningful group discussions and Q&A sessions to reflect on personal experiences and learn from others.
5. Identify and implement micro-actions that contribute to creating a more equitable and supportive workplace.

Format
The Amplify Empathy with Virtual Reality Training is structured as follows: a maximum group size of 12 people, a 2.5-hour interactive session, followed by a presentation and Q&A session lasting 20 minutes, totaling 3 hours of immersive learning.

Through this unique combination of virtual reality experiences and interactive discussions, participants will be empowered to create a more empathetic, equitable, and inclusive work environment for everyone.

This talk is in: English
Amplify Inclusive Leadership

The Amplify Inclusive Leadership Training is a comprehensive program that focuses on empowering participants to master the core principles of inclusive leadership in today's diverse corporate landscape. The training leverages a dynamic and engaging approach to help participants develop a deep understanding of how to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Through leveraging a unique blend of theoretical frameworks, interactive slides, and real-life examples, the Amplify Inclusive Leadership training equips participants with the skills and knowledge they need to drive meaningful change in their organizations. The training also strongly emphasizes nurturing empathy, promoting teamwork, enhancing communication, and ensuring accountability throughout the workplace.

Whether you're a seasoned executive, a first-time manager, or a self-leader, Amplify's Inclusive Leadership training can help you to unlock your full potential as a leader while driving positive change within your organization.

Learning objectives
1. Develop a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and their significance in modern businesses.
2. Cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence to better connect with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
3. Strengthen teamwork by valuing individual differences and leveraging the power of diverse perspectives for problem-solving and innovation.
4. Establish accountability measures to ensure progress in diversity and inclusion initiatives.
5. Acquire strategies for driving organizational change by advocating for and implementing inclusive leadership practices.

Format: This program is usually delivered in a keynote of 60-90 minutes, virtual or in-person, with time built in for audience peer-to-peer interaction and Q&A. It can range from a brief TED-style talk of 25 minutes to a 60-90 minute keynote to a half-day or full-day workshop with extensive interactive exercises.

This talk is in: English
Cultural Intelligence Training

The Cultural Intelligence Training is designed keeping in mind the need for individuals and teams to overcome cultural differences. It aims to equip you with tools to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and viewpoints while also encouraging you to recognize and leverage the strengths present in these differences.

With many businesses operating globally and team diversity on the rise, this training provides a comprehensive roadmap to tackle cross-cultural situations successfully in the workplace. It includes the latest trends and cultural insights to help you better understand the customs and values of clients or colleagues from different geographies.

By promoting cultural awareness, this training helps mitigate conflicts and break down communication barriers. Team members will be empowered to effectively interact with other cultures, leading to greater productivity and success in achieving common goals.

Learning objectives
1. Understand the importance of cultural intelligence in today's increasingly diverse work environment.
2. Develop an awareness of one's own cultural biases and assumptions, and learn strategies for overcoming them.
3. Gain insights into different cultural norms, values, and communication styles, fostering a deeper understanding of various perspectives.
4. Enhance communication and collaboration skills to navigate cultural differences effectively and build stronger working relationships.
5. Learn practical techniques for resolving conflicts that arise due to cultural misunderstandings or miscommunications.

Format
This program is usually delivered in a keynote of 60-90 minutes, virtual or in-person, with time built in for audience peer-to-peer interaction and Q&A. It can range from a brief TED-style talk of 25 minutes to a 60-90 minute keynote to a half-day or full-day workshop with extensive interactive exercises.

This talk is in: English
Check Your Unconscious Bias

The Check Your Unconscious Bias Training is a transformative program that has been specifically designed to assist participants in gaining a deeper understanding of how unconscious bias can affect diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This training program goes beyond the typical compliance-oriented approaches, as it shifts the focus towards individuals and identifying specific, effective behaviors that can help create more effective leaders and productive teams. Participants are encouraged to collaborate and work together to identify and address any biases in their organization, thus creating a more inclusive work culture that is open to diversity.

With its holistic training approach, the Check Your Unconscious Bias Training is a perfect solution for organizations looking to create a more equitable and productive work environment.

Learning objectives
1. Understand the concept of unconscious bias and its impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as collaboration, decision-making, and management.
2. Recognize one's own unconscious biases and learn strategies for mitigating their influence on thoughts, actions, and decisions.
3. Develop effective communication skills to address and prevent biased behavior in the workplace.
4. Learn practical techniques for fostering an inclusive environment that acknowledges and values diverse perspectives.
5. Discover tools and resources to support ongoing self-reflection and growth in addressing unconscious bias.

Format
This program is usually delivered in a keynote of 60-90 minutes, virtual or in-person, with time built in for audience peer-to-peer interaction and Q&A. It can range from a brief TED-style talk of 25 minutes to a 60-90 minute keynote to a half-day or full-day workshop with extensive interactive exercises.

This talk is in: English
Deactivate Microaggressions @ Work

The Deactivate Microaggressions @ Work Training program is a comprehensive and impactful training designed to help participants understand the harmful effects of microaggressions on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. It provides an in-depth analysis of how microaggressions can negatively impact collaboration, decision-making, and management.

The training aims to educate individuals on specific, effective behaviors that can help to create more effective leaders and productive teams. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing a more inclusive organizational culture that values diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. Learn how to recognize and eliminate microaggressions from your workplace to create a stronger and more supportive team.

Learning objectives
1. Define microaggressions and share examples of microaggressions in action within the workplace.
2. Describe the formation of microaggressions and the ways in which they impact the lives of co-workers.
3. Understand the role of unconscious biases in perpetuating microaggressions and learn strategies to recognize and mitigate these biases.
4. Develop effective communication skills to address and prevent microaggressions in workplace interactions.
5. Learn practical techniques for intervening and supporting colleagues who experience microaggressions.

Format
This program is usually delivered in a keynote of 60-90 minutes, virtual or in-person, with time built in for audience peer-to-peer interaction and Q&A. It can range from a brief TED-style talk of 25 minutes to a 60-90 minute keynote to a half-day or full-day workshop with extensive interactive exercises.

This talk is in: English
Amplify Your Voice – Seat at The Table Training

The Amplify Your Voice – Seat at The Table Training is a powerful, multifaceted program that seeks to provide a supportive and inclusive environment to underrepresented employees in the workplace. It is carefully designed to enable them to advance in their careers and broaden their horizons.

One of its main focuses is on the crucial role that leadership can play in creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment where every employee feels respected and valued. By fostering such an atmosphere, the barriers to advancement that often hinder underrepresented employees can be broken down, allowing them to unleash their full potential.

Moreover, this training empowers underrepresented employees by teaching them how to secure their place at the corporate table, enabling them to level up their careers and positions of influence. It also empowers them to amplify their voices, leading to positive change in the corporate culture and allowing them to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Through engaging and informative modules, the training provides a comprehensive and invaluable resource for career advancement and cultural change within the modern workplace.

Learning objectives
1. Learn practical tips for leaders to create an equitable workplace, such as providing access to mentors, career development opportunities, and setting measurable diversity and inclusion goals.
2. Discover strategies for underrepresented employees to secure a seat at the workplace table and advance in their careers.
3. Develop effective communication skills to amplify one's voice and advocate for oneself and others in the workplace.
4. Recognize the value of exploring new opportunities and taking control of one's career potential.
5. Engage in meaningful discussions and networking opportunities with peers and leaders to foster collaboration and mutual support.

Format
This program is usually delivered in a keynote of 60-90 minutes, virtual or in-person, with time built in for audience peer-to-peer interaction and Q&A. It can range from a brief TED-style talk of 25 minutes to a 60-90 minute keynote to a half-day or full-day workshop with extensive interactive exercises.

This talk is in: English
Amplify Intersectionality @ Work

The Amplify Intersectionality @ Work Training is a thought-provoking program thoughtfully tailored to explore the concept of intersectionality and its deep-rooted implications in the workplace. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, the inimitable scholar of Law, intersectionality is the enlightening study of overlapping identities and the intricate interaction between different power structures.

This training has been designed to provide a safe, nurturing space for all the participants from all walks of life to reflect on their own prominent intersecting identities such as gender, race, sexual orientation, abilities, and myriad others.

By using an intersectional framework and deeply ingrained understanding, attendees will be able to better understand and address interference between broader power structures and other workplace issues with the utmost sensitivity and comprehensiveness to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Learning objectives
1. Gain a thorough understanding of intersectionality and its importance in addressing workplace inequities.
2. Reflect on one's own intersecting identities and how they may influence experiences in the workplace.
3. Learn to identify and recognize the complex interactions between different power structures within the organization.
4. Understand how to apply an intersectional framework in organizational settings.
5. Explore ways to advocate for and support colleagues with diverse, intersecting identities, creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Format: This program is usually delivered in a keynote of 60-90 minutes, virtual or in-person, with time built in for audience peer-to-peer interaction and Q&A. It can range from a brief TED-style talk of 25 minutes to a 60-90 minute keynote to a half-day or full-day workshop with extensive interactive exercises.

This talk is in: English
Amplify Authentic Allyship

The Amplify Authentic Allyship Training is a powerful program designed to empower people to promote a culture of inclusion in their organizations. This transformative training helps participants become effective, everyday allies by teaching them specific strategies and techniques for positive, intentional, and conscious actions.

The program's core focus is building awareness and understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by marginalized groups and providing the tools and resources necessary to become an active and empathetic ally in the workplace. Through practical examples and real-world case studies, participants will gain a deep understanding of the daily realities of members of underrepresented groups and learn how to take action to support and advocate for them.

The training tackles many of the most pressing issues facing workplaces today, including unconscious bias, microaggressions, and exclusionary behaviors. Participants will learn how to recognize and intervene in these situations in the moment, fostering a more supportive, collaborative work environment for everyone. With the knowledge and skills gained from Amplify Authentic Allyship Training, participants will be able to create meaningful change in their organizations and make a real difference in the lives of their colleagues.

Learning objectives
1. Understand the concept of allyship and its importance in fostering an inclusive organizational culture.
2. Enhance emotional intelligence and empathy to better understand and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
3. Discover practical techniques for in-the-moment interventions to address microaggressions, exclusionary behaviors, and unconscious biases.
4. Gain insights into leveraging your influence and position within the organization to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Format: This program is usually delivered in a keynote of 60-90 minutes, virtual or in-person, with time built in for audience peer-to-peer interaction and Q&A. It can range from a brief TED-style talk of 25 minutes to a 60-90 minute keynote to a half-day or full-day workshop with extensive interactive exercises.