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Building a World Where Everyone Can Thrive: A Conversation with Carrie Sawyer

Conversation Highlights

In this episode of Thriving in Intersectionality, host Lola Adeyemo welcomes Carrie M. Sawyer, an international bestselling author, speaker, design researcher, CEO, and nonprofit founder who has dedicated her career to creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

During this thought-provoking discussion, we explore career navigation from biomedical engineering to advocate and corporate consultant, plus the intersection of design thinking and inclusion work. Carrie shares insights from her bestselling book, "Ripples of Inclusion: Turning Your Questions about Antiracism into Action, Allyship, and Activism," which has resonated with readers across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

The conversation delves into how small, intentional actions—what Carrie calls "ripples"—can collectively create waves of transformative change within organizations and communities. She explains how leaders can maintain momentum in their DEIB initiatives even during times of uncertainty or shifting priorities, drawing from her workshop "Elevating Inclusion in Times of Uncertainty."

The conversation also highlights the importance of embedding inclusive practices into organizational DNA rather than treating them as separate initiatives. Carrie shares examples of organizations that have successfully integrated inclusion into their core operations and the measurable benefits they've experienced as a result.

Career Journey Insights - From Engineering to DEIB Expert

Carrie's non-linear career path offers valuable lessons for professionals navigating their own careers:

  • Embrace evolution: Carrie began in biomedical engineering before finding her true passion in design and inclusion work, demonstrating the value of remaining open to new directions.
  • Combine your unique skills: By merging her design expertise with her passion for inclusion, Carrie created a distinctive business approach that sets her apart in the DEIB field.
  • Start with side projects: Carrie's involvement in employee resource groups and volunteer initiatives laid the foundation for her future entrepreneurial ventures in the inclusion space.
  • Practice patience and persistence: It took several years before Carrie could fully transition into entrepreneurship and her inclusion-focused work, showing the importance of staying committed to your vision.
  • Remain curious and adaptable: By identifying emerging opportunities—like applying design thinking methodologies to DEI initiatives—Carrie positioned herself at the forefront of innovation in her field.

The key takeaway from Carrie's journey is the importance of staying true to yourself while remaining open to new possibilities. Finding ways to integrate your passions and skills, even when the path isn't linear, can lead to meaningful and fulfilling work.

About Carrie Sawyer

Carrie brings over two decades of experience applying design thinking principles to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Her impressive background spans multiple sectors including corporate, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations, giving her a uniquely comprehensive perspective on inclusion challenges across different environments.

As the founder of Diversity by Design, she has pioneered innovative approaches that merge design research methodologies with DEIB work. Her dedication to this field has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Next Gen Instigator Award from San Diego Innovation Day, highlighting her forward-thinking contributions to inclusive practices.

Carrie's educational background in design research has shaped her distinctive approach to DEIB work. Rather than viewing inclusion as merely a compliance issue, she sees it as a design challenge that requires creative problem-solving, empathy, and systemic thinking. This perspective has allowed her to develop frameworks that help organizations "unlearn exclusion from the inside out" and build spaces where inclusion is prioritized from the beginning.

This episode provides essential guidance for professionals seeking to create more inclusive workplaces and communities at all levels. Whether you're just beginning your inclusion journey or looking to deepen existing efforts, Carrie's insights offer practical wisdom and inspiration for meaningful change.

Connect with Carrie:

Free Resources:

  • Download "10 Ways to Start your Ripple" guide: https://bit.ly/3VvZkoD
  • Learn more about her workshop "Elevating Inclusion in Times of Uncertainty" by contacting carrie@diversitybydesign

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