Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shivaun Palmer, Co-Founder of DEI Consultants, LLC., located in Fort Worth, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consulting Firm whose mission is to advance engagement practices that create a culture of inclusion and human dignity and promote an organization and workforce's well-being. Our clients include corporations, non-profits, associations, faith-based organizations, and governmental entities. We do work all over the U.S. and beyond. Our philosophy is significantly informed and inspired by our deep commitment to the values and practices of human dignity, empathy, and integrity. We believe that dignity, empathy, and integrity are essential precursors to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Particularly in an era where language is increasingly politicized and exploited, resulting in division, conflict, incivility, and misunderstanding, our philosophy of careful operationalization is a viable game-changer in the DEI field. Our intent is to encourage goodwill, a sense of community and belonging, and a greater capacity to collaborate and contribute to a more respectful human-centered culture.

Tell us about yourself

I co-founded DEI Consultants three years ago with two people I greatly admire whose skill sets complimented the area that I am most passionate about - Mental health/Mental wellness. Together we joined forces and approach our work from an intersectional lens, knowing you can't pigeonhole people - we are all multi-layered as humans. We meet our clients where they are. What inspires me to get up each day and do this rewarding (yet challenging) work is that the future of business and our communities will be contingent on all of us working to embrace what we have in common vs. what separates us. Also, companies who invest in a sustainable DEI initiative see numerous rewards, including increased revenue, retention of key employees, healthier work culture, and being able to attract new talent, to name a few.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been to learn (in the words of Kenny Rogers) know when to hold them...know when to fold them. Also, surround myself with people who are much smarter than I am.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Revenue can ebb and flow...as a business owner; typically, you are the last to be paid.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Find a niche - don't be a generalist.
Be passionate about what you are doing, or it will become a "job."
Be able to articulate your value to your customer at the beginning of the relationship (present yourself as a true partner) and create a strong communications strategy (as part of your contract deliverables) in order to showcase what is working and if there needs to be a "pivot" along the way.

Owning a business has so many rewards; however, it can be a "gut" check from time to time. You have to have the correct mindset to weather the ups and downs, but at the end of the day, in my humble opinion, it is so worth it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.deiconsultants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DEI-Consultants-LLC-365744310700493/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivaunpalmer/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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