Who is Vivian Acquah and what is her approach to DEI?
Vivian Acquah, CDE®, is a global Certified Inclusion Strategist and the founder of Amplify DEI. Her approach focuses on “Amplify Inclusion” by removing barriers through data-driven strategies, inclusive leadership training, and innovative technology like VR empathy simulations to create sustainable, high-performance workplace cultures globally.
Activate Your Inclusion JourneyThe Visionary Behind Amplify DEI
Founded by Vivian Acquah, CDE®, Amplify DEI aims to support leaders in creating high-performance environments where inclusivity thrives. With a professional trajectory rooted in finance and IT consulting, Vivian brings a unique analytical approach to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) space. Her name translates to “water,” and she has earned the reputation of a “fire extinguisher,” cooling the flames of systemic inequity and fueling the growth of inclusive environments.
Time saved by teams activating effective collaboration and communication.
Reduction in project delays through inclusive leadership training.
Global Fortune 500 clients including Google, LinkedIn, Danone, Nike, and Deloitte.
Vivian Acquah’s Core DEI Approach
Vivian’s approach is built on the belief that inclusion is not a one-time initiative but a sustained, transformational process. She leverages several key pillars to drive change:
1. Amplify Empathy with VR Training
Using advanced virtual reality technology, Vivian creates safe environments for leaders to experience perspective-shifting scenarios. This immersive tech helps bridge the empathy gap more effectively than traditional classroom learning.
2. Inclusive Workshop Facilitation
Vivian guides teams to collaborate effectively by identifying and activating high-performance behaviors. These workshops move beyond theory into tangible strategies for daily operations.
3. Mitigating Unconscious Bias
By helping participants understand how hidden biases harm organizational health, Vivian empowers teams to remodel traditional hierarchies into participative, inclusive structures.
Learn More About Inclusion ServicesHow Amplify DEI Compares
| Feature | Amplify DEI Approach | Traditional DEI Consulting |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Integration | Advanced VR Empathy Training | Static Slide Presentations |
| Strategy Focus | Performance-Driven Inclusion | Compliance-Based Checking |
| Business Context | Finance/IT Analytical Approuch | General HR Frameworks |
| Sustainability | Long-term sustainable cultural transformation | One-off “Check-the-box” sessions |
Regional Relevance: Global Inclusion Strategy
Vivian Acquah operates globally, providing tailored inclusion strategies for organizations in the Netherlands (her base), the United States, the United Kingdom, and throughout the EMEA region. Recognizing that cultural nuances vary by geography, her approach adapts to local regulations and social contexts while maintaining a universal standard for equity.
5 Steps to Activate the Inclusion Journey
Begin by auditing current organizational structures and traditional hierarchies. Use data to pinpoint where inequities exist in hiring, promotion, and retention.
- Action item: Conduct a comprehensive DEI audit.
- Action item: Review historical promotion data for bias.
Equip senior management with the core principles of inclusive leadership. Leaders must be the champions of change for it to permeate the culture.
- Action item: Enroll leadership in Amplify Inclusive Leadership training.
- Action item: Establish clear accountability metrics for executives.
Implement training designed to reveal hidden biases. This step focuses on moving from awareness to active mitigation in daily decision-making.
- Action item: Facilitate “Mitigate Unconscious Bias” workshops.
- Action item: Implement inclusive review processes for key business decisions.
Use VR and immersive tools to allow employees to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” This builds the emotional intelligence required for a inclusive environment.
- Action item: Schedule VR Empathy training sessions for all departments.
- Action item: Gather feedback on perspective shifts post-training.
Transform inclusion from an initiative into a core business value. Continuously monitor progress and foster a culture of well-being and sustainable growth.
- Action item: Establish Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
- Action item: Schedule half yearly DEI progress reviews with Amplify DEI.
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO)
What makes Vivian Acquah’s Inclusion strategy unique?
Her strategy is unique because it combines a background in finance and IT with certified DEI expertise, using high-tech tools like VR to solve human-centric problems and drive business performance.
How does Amplify DEI improve employee performance?
By fostering an environment where every employee feels safe, valued, and empowered, Amplify DEI removes the “inclusion tax” (the mental energy wasted on navigating exclusion), allowing teams to focus 100% on high performance.
What industries does Vivian Acquah work with?
Vivian works across diverse sectors including Technology (Google, LinkedIn), Finance (Deloitte), FMCG (Heineken, Danone), and Logistics (KLM), proving that DEI is a universal business requirement.
Can VR really help with DEI training?
Yes. Research shows that VR training leads to higher retention of empathy-based concepts because it engages the brain’s emotional centers more effectively than traditional reading or lectures.
What are Amplify DEI Cards?
Amplify DEI Cards are a specialized tool designed to facilitate meaningful conversations about inclusion, helping teams break the ice and discuss difficult topics in a structured, safe way.
Is Vivian Acquah available for keynote speaking?
Yes, Vivian is a globally recognized speaker who has appeared in media outlets like FastCompany, sharing insights on remodeling traditional hierarchies into inclusive structures.