by Leesa Hill, Partner, Team Effectiveness & Head of DEIB
On a recent episode of The Future of Teamwork, Rocki Howard shared how her career changed the moment she stopped trying to fit into the corporate mold and started showing up authentically. Not only did her own career accelerate, but others around her felt permission to bring more of themselves to work too.
It’s a powerful reminder: culture isn’t just about what leaders say — it’s about how teams live their values in the day-to-day.
Key Lessons from Rocki’s Journey
- Culture is co-created. Executives set the stage, but teams reinforce culture through everyday behaviors.
- DEIB must be sustainable. Efforts stumble when they unintentionally exclude. Progress comes from building inclusive practices that everyone can contribute to.
- Small actions matter. A single behavior shift — like how we give feedback, recognize effort, or run meetings — ripples across teams.
- Tools can help. Simple frameworks and technology can support leaders and practitioners in the “moments that matter,” where inclusion either takes hold or breaks down.
From Awareness to Action
Rocki challenges us to rethink inclusion not as a one-time initiative, but as a rhythm built into the flow of work. Here are a few small actions you can try this week:
- Send gratitude. Text or email a colleague to thank them for a specific contribution.
- Rotate roles. Give someone new the chance to lead a recurring meeting.
- Check your feedback. Review your last comments to a team member — did they balance constructive guidance with forward-looking growth?
These may feel simple, but over time they add up to cultural shifts that create safer, stronger, and more innovative teams.
Rocki’s perspective on authenticity, inclusion, and the future of teamwork is rich with experience and practical wisdom.
Together, we can change the workplace one story, one conversation, and one action at a time.
Connect with Rocki here
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