In a corporate landscape where diversity initiatives often fall short of meaningful change, Devika Brij is revolutionizing professional development through her company, Brij the Gap Consulting. Born from personal adversity after an unjust termination in 2017, Brij’s venture has evolved into a powerhouse consulting firm, partnering with global giants like Meta, Visa, Reddit, and Morgan Stanley.

Drawing from her background in tech and the music industry, Brij identified a crucial gap in corporate talent development programs – the failure to account for lived experiences and challenges specific to different identities, ethnicities, and genders. This disconnect became apparent during her own corporate journey, where despite access to leadership development programs, she found herself in rooms with facilitators who couldn’t relate to her unique challenges as a woman of color.

Brij the Gap Consulting emerged at a pivotal moment in 2020, amid a national racial reckoning that saw companies scrambling to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While this timing proved advantageous for Brij’s venture, her approach transcended the temporary surge in DEI initiatives. “We have always stayed true to the fact that lived experiences need to be part of talent development and leadership development,” Brij emphasizes.

As corporations now grapple with claims of “DEI is dead,” Brij maintains a measured perspective on the evolution of workplace equity. She observes that organizations are being forced to think holistically about their workforce, moving beyond surface-level initiatives to create genuine equity for all. This shift has led to what Brij describes as a “season of resetting,” where companies are reevaluating their approaches to inclusive professional development.

Brij’s impact extends beyond consulting through her book, “Thrive in Color,” which addresses the unique challenges faced by underrepresented professionals while providing practical tools for career advancement. The book’s success has led to corporate-wide adoptions, with companies like Reddit purchasing copies for their entire female workforce. Recognizing the power of collective growth, Brij is launching book club facilitation guides to foster collaborative conversations around development and workplace experiences.

What sets Brij the Gap apart is its dual focus on individual empowerment and systemic change. While the company specializes in supporting underrepresented individuals, Brij emphasizes that their work benefits all demographics. “There’s room and space for all, but we have to be thoughtful about the human behind the role,” she explains, advocating for an approach that recognizes both individual potential and organizational success as interconnected goals.

Looking ahead, Brij remains cautiously optimistic about the future of corporate diversity initiatives. While some companies may use current shifts as an excuse to withdraw resources, others are demonstrating continued commitment through meaningful pivots. As organizations plan for 2025 and beyond, Brij the Gap Consulting stands ready to guide them toward more equitable and effective professional development strategies that acknowledge and embrace the full spectrum of human experience in the workplace.

Through her innovative approach to professional development and unwavering commitment to authentic inclusion, Devika Brij is not just bridging gaps – she’s building bridges to a more equitable corporate future, one organization at a time.

Thrive in Color is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4kgW3V2