Dipsi Kundal, recently honoured with the ITL Awards 2024, is the head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Thoughtworks India and Middle East. In her current role, she is part of the global DEISSC (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Social Change) function at Thoughtworks, leading DEI for India and the Middle East region. Her work involves strategizing and implementing DEI goals across the region, working alongside other business functions and accounts.

Aligning Initiatives with Purpose

“Purpose is the driving force that transforms work from a task into a mission. It’s the foundation upon which true employee engagement is built.”

Dipsi Kundal begins by reflecting on her journey, noting, “It’s been an incredible journey. One of our key initiatives has been aligning and driving measurable goals across critical dimensions such as Women or Gender Diverse (W/GD) people. By setting clear, attainable targets, we fostered a culture of shared accountability and progress.”

She emphasizes the impact of enabling sensitization and awareness through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). “These groups have been instrumental in creating safe spaces for dialogue and education, which in turn has enhanced inclusivity and deepened understanding across the organisation,” she explains.

“In the realm of thought leadership, we’ve made significant strides,” Dipsi continues. “By developing and publishing insights on DEI, we’ve positioned Thoughtworks as a leader in this space, influencing both internal practices and the broader industry. Lastly, cultivation and enablement of people have been a cornerstone of our strategy. By mentoring and empowering individuals in their career journeys, we focus on creating a robust pipeline of future leaders who will continue to drive the organisation forward.

Differentiating Leadership Through Empathy and Data

Discussing what differentiates her as a talent leader, Dipsi says, “I believe empathy and connectedness are my greatest strengths. Understanding the unique experiences and challenges of our employees allows me to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Additionally, my data-driven approach to DEI goals ensures that our strategies are not only well-intentioned but also effective. By leveraging data, we can track progress, identify areas for improvement, and work together towards successes.”

Creating industry benchmarks and driving processes and practices in continuity is another aspect that sets Dipsi apart. “This ensures that our DEI efforts are sustainable and can adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities. Finally, I am inspired by servant leadership. Enabling others in their journey towards growth and success and collectively working towards business outcomes, I believe I am able to create meaningful impact.”

Embedding Purpose in Organizational Culture

Reflecting on Thoughtworks’ emphasis on purpose and DEI, Dipsi notes, “At Thoughtworks, we believe that a strong orientation to purpose is foundational to employee engagement. When employees see a clear line of sight between their individual performance goals, their team’s goals, and the organization’s overarching goals, it serves as a powerful motivator.”

“Our purpose—to create an extraordinary impact on the world—was defined through a collaborative process involving hundreds of our people. This inclusive approach ensured that our purpose resonates deeply across the organization. We also established five lenses through which we pursue this purpose, one of which is fostering a vibrant community of diverse and passionate technologists. This has embedded DEI into the very fabric of Thoughtworks.”

Dipsi continues, “With every Thoughtworker, and Thoughtworks function, internalising our purpose, we have defined equitable talent goals, established policies that foster retention and engagement, pioneered responsible tech practices and committed to Science Based Targets for our decarbonization journey. And when you become a part of Thoughtworks, this becomes your purpose, to create an impact, not only through excellent software delivery but also through following practices that makes Thoughtworks and the world a better place..”

Sharing specific policies or practices that have been particularly effective in fostering retention and engagement, Dipsi explains, “Our open-door policy for joining employee resource groups and grassroots initiatives makes a huge difference. This empowers all employees – from day one – to take an active role in shaping our culture and policies. .”

“We’ve pioneered responsible tech practices, ensuring that our work not only delivers value to clients but also aligns with our ethical standards. This has resonated strongly with employees who are passionate about using technology for good. Lastly, our commitment to Science Based Targets for decarbonization demonstrates our dedication to sustainability, which is increasingly important to our employees. By integrating these goals into our business strategy, we’ve created a sense of shared purpose and accountability.”

Final Thoughts

In her final thoughts, Dipsi advises, “My advice would be to start by listening to your people. Understand their aspirations, challenges, and what drives them. Use this insight to define a purpose that resonates across the organisation and aligns with your business goals. Also, remember that DEI is not just a function but a way of doing business. Embed it into every aspect of your organisation, from talent management to business strategy. Finally, lead with empathy and authenticity. When your people know that you genuinely care about their well-being and success, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the collective purpose.”