The consultants winning culture budgets are not better at DEI. They are better at the language of cost
ROI of DEI Newsletter
Every weekday, one idea for DEI consultants who want to win the budget conversation. In under 3 minutes.
Yes, it's actually every weekday. And yes, people actually stay subscribed.
Are you saying any of these out loud?
- "I want to be honest, business has been really slow lately."
- "None of my current clients is paying my full rate. They are all just projects."
- "I don't have any clients at the moment."
- "I'm just trying to hang on to the clients I have right now."
- "I have limited capacity. I am trying so hard to get everything together for my work."
- "I'm at the initial stage where I have only started approaching clients."
- "I don't have the funds to take on new collaborations right now."
- "At the moment, my primary focus is on securing my next full-time opportunity."
- "Unfortunately, I don't have a budget to invest in my own business."
- "For the moment, I won't be expanding my current services."
- "15 years of following DEI narratives has run me down, and I am thinking of alternative ways to pivot."
- "We have been transitioning our client type to allow for more cash flow."
- "I don't have as much energy to focus on my business development."
- "I am in the very early stage of setting up my consultancy."
If any of those landed, this newsletter was written for you.
- Use one number pulled from the prospect's business that makes them say yes to the call.
- A clear picture of where that cost is concentrated and who is carrying it.
- A 90-day plan that needs no new budget and no new approval to start.
Imagine if you could:
What you get every weekday
- One idea. One insight. One number.
- Each email takes under 3 minutes to read. Each one gives you something you can use the same day with a prospect.
- This is not inspiration. It is a daily thinking partner for consultants who want to close more engagements.
Testimonials
I know that your emails are mass produced but they are one of the few ones that I do actually read regularly and glean something from. In a crowded inbox full of culture content, ROI of DEI newsletter is the one I keep coming back to because it speaks the language of business, not just values.
Culture Consultant | Canada
I read the ROI of DEI newsletter regularly and always get something out of it. It has some really good bite-sized insights. What I like most is that it gives me a bit of optimism that DEI will evolve rather than die. In a tough market, that motivational punch matters.
Author of Powering Inclusive Culture: Why Measurement Matters | USA
Your daily emails are one of the few DEI and culture newsletters I genuinely enjoy because they translate EDIB from a values-only conversation into the language of business, risk, culture and cost. In my own OD and EDIB practice, they help me sharpen how I speak with leaders about the cost of doing nothing, especially around retention, psychological safety, leadership capability and organisational culture. The emails are short, practical and commercially grounded, but still keep the human purpose of inclusion at the centre.
Dr Idrees Ahmed Mohammed PhD
EDIB Specialist | UK
I've had the privilege of witnessing Vikram's unique approach to business, community, and human relationships, and I can confidently say he is one of the most innovative thinkers in the field. His ability to bridge the gap between DEI and business impact is not just insightful—it's game-changing. His work challenges outdated models and provides actionable, results-driven strategies that make a real difference. If you're looking for someone who doesn't just follow trends but sets them, Vikram is the one to watch.
DEI & Culture Strategist | USA
Although I'm a data and AI consultant rather than a DEI consultant, I still consider Vikram's daily newsletter one of the most useful emails to hit my inbox each day. He delivers solid, no-nonsense advice that is applicable to any expert consultant, and I never ceased to be impressed by the quality and variety of his insights.
AI Specialist | Australia
I have come to rely on the ROI of DEI newsletter to provide a new and at times, unexpected perspective to our work. In today's climate, it has become a go-to source for me and our team to maintain our footing in what has become incredibly turbulent times.
Inclusion Advocate | USA
The ROI of DEI. Does it exist? Can DEI be quantified and distilled into a relative return? Unequivocally, the answer is yes. A deeper question is, 'How do you accomplish this'? This will help practitioners do just that: quantify the ROI. Thanks to Vikram Shetty for taking the lead on this.
Certified Diversity Executive | USA
ROI of DEI daily newsletter is one of the few things in my inbox I genuinely look forward to. It's practical, consistent, and grounded in the real challenges consultants face when trying to make the business case for inclusion.
Chief Wellness Officer | USA
Vikram, you are definitely on to something here, and adding a reference/comparable to a similar industry that is not aligning business metrics to the ROI of DEI would be a powerful addition in a discovery conversation with your model.
AVP, National Diversity Council | USA
ROI of DEI is a much-needed tool for any DEI professional, as we often find ourselves trapped in the questions regarding the business value of DEI, Vikram has given us a framework to navigate such critical conversations and also provided us key actionable insights backed by evidence. Congratulations.
Co-founder Billion Strong | Disability Consultant | India
I firmly believe you validate the fact that a deeper understanding of DEIB is needed to understand it's impact on business ROI and the bottom line. ROI of DEI can act as the foundation for DEIB initiatives, overall infrastructure and development of policies and procedures.
DEIB Speaker | USA
DEI consultants can now use this simple questionnaire structure to define relevant business-driven DEI metrics, not just aligning these metrics back to the business results but also showcasing how these will contribute to the desired ROI for the business. It is a great cheat sheet, indeed.
DEI Business Process Expert | India
Your suggestion to demonstrate the ROI of DEI is crucial. The idea of an assessment framework tailored for corporate buyers is excellent, and the overall tone is professional and informative.
Academic Researcher | Italy
I really liked how it shifts focus from cultural and fairness arguments to this is already costing you money and it's completely measurable. It's good stuff!
Neuroinclusion Consultant | UK
In the ever evolving landscape of DEI, Vikram offers you key actionable insights as to how to measure your DEI initiatives, obtain impact, and receive value in return.
Host of Environmental Social Justice | USA
It's full of clearly evidenced good advice, so I imagine that DEI consultants will find it very valuable.
Certified facilitator of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® | UK
Studies that inspired me to create this newsletter
News that matters to DEI Consultants
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this newsletter for?
Consultants doing DEI work who are tired of losing budget conversations and want a simple, repeatable way to show clients the cost of inaction.
What will I get?
One email every weekday. One idea, one insight, or one number that helps you build the business case for culture in plain language your clients understand.
How long are the emails?
Under 3 minutes to read. Every time.
Why is Vikram writing this newsletter?
After 310+ conversations with DEI consultants, one pattern was impossible to ignore. They were losing budget conversations they should be winning. Not because their work lacked value. Because the language they used did not land in a boardroom. This newsletter exists to close that gap.
What is the ultimate goal of this newsletter?
To help every DEI consultant walk into a client meeting with one number, one clear picture, and a 90-day plan that budget holders feel safe saying yes to.
Can I reply to the emails?
Yes. This is a two-way street. Vikram reads every reply personally.
Who else can benefit from this?
Internal DEI leads, People and Culture directors, and HR professionals who need to make the business case for inclusion inside their own organisations.
Who wrote this page, anyway?
Vikram Shetty is a Director at 73bit Limited, where he is involved in business development and company culture. Prior to that, he worked in the IT sector, with nearly 20 years of experience. He is also the host of a podcast named ROI of DEI — a business growth podcast for DEI consultants (over 200 episodes). Since 2020, he has published a weekly newsletter on LinkedIn, Building Our Team.
73bit provides Assessment software for publishing scorecards for DEI Consultants, Agencies, Think Tanks, and others. We have helped our clients with DEI Audits, Diagnostics, Workplace Equity Scorecards, Inclusive Leadership 360-assessment, Self-Assessments, Talent Inclusion and diversity Evaluation, Inclusion Index Benchmarking Tool, DEI Maturity Model Discovery, etc.
Where this all began
- In 2024 I wrote the ROI of DEI white paper.
- It was downloaded more than 560 times by DEI consultants across the world.
- What they said about it shaped everything that came after. Including this newsletter.
I thought it was a super smart document... of the way that you laid out the challenges today in DEI. You essentially have to find a way to make the argument to people that this is not a nice to have. This is a need to have and that there is an ROI to this work. I think very smartly you have laid out six key areas that organizations and leaders should be reflecting on. I mentioned it to the leadership in my organization, and they were really excited about this work. [It helps] to convince them that this is something that is a strategic investment for us as an organization for the long term... Your white paper in a very smart way lays out the opportunities here.
Inclusion Expert | USA
This white paper puts the psychodynamic approach into a business context in a very satisfying way. When approaching a consulting project, we must consider the emotional life of the organisation in order to make sustainable change, and that means addressing the unconscious motivations of the decision-makers. This can often feel vulnerable for leaders, and what Shetty has done here, is reframe the questions so that we can deliver a change project that suits not just their goals, but their drives. It's so exciting to have this in the world, and I look forward to seeing the change it will make.
Accessibility Consultant | UK
The reality is that much of DEI faces pushback because it often lacks the metrics to demonstrate its impact. Historically, the primary focus has been on the social imperative, which, while essential, is not enough to win over skeptics. Vikram's whitepaper, ROI of DEI - How to Show Corporate Buyers That Their Investment in DEI Will Pay for Itself, masterfully combines insight and practicality, emphasizing where companies have fallen short by focusing solely on compliance. DEI must go beyond justice and compliance to show its value in driving profitability and improving the bottom line. This whitepaper offers actionable strategies, compelling data, and real-world examples, making it an invaluable resource for DEI champions. As Vikram aptly states, "DEI is a vital business strategy that can boost profitability, foster workplace trust, and drive revenue growth."
CEO of Cultural Infusion | Australia
I love how this white paper provides a practical approach to demonstrating the ROI of DEI initiatives. The step-by-step guide to creating an ROI of DEI assessment is particularly helpful, offering a structured framework for consultants to effectively showcase the tangible benefits of their work. I think this can support internal DEI leaders looking to make the business case for their work as well! I highly recommend this white paper to anyone seeking to make a more compelling case for DEI.
DEI Practitioner | USA
Leading with business ROI of DEI is always a good starting point, and this white paper shows you how to do it. The best part of the white paper is that it has designed the framework using the KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly) method. The simplicity of the diagram's explanation makes it easy to understand. I can see how this can be a powerful tool for the consultant during a sales interview. I really appreciated the white paper that I have utilized in my workplace assessments.
Psychological H&S Consultant | Canada
Vikram Shetty's ROI of DEI is a must read for any DEI consultancy and practitioner. The white paper offers a step by step guide on how to help commissioners see the value of DEI work, and helps you go well beyond "you should do this because it is the right thing to do". An invaluable resource.
EDI Consultant | UK
Great white paper, Vikram! My key takeaway is that we need to move away from "one size fits all" approaches to DEI consulting. Positive business outcomes can only be achieved with targeted and tailored DEI initiatives. And a sure way to figure out what a business truly needs is to conduct an assessment. Love it!
Founder of DEI Pro Finder | USA
I've read your whitepaper and can see the value of having the framework and scorecard to measure DEI and the ROI of it. So, I can understand how DEI Consultants would use this to support them in their conversations with clients. I already use a framework and scorecard in my consultancy, so I recognise this as a game-changer when working with clients.
Inclusive Culture Change Leader | UK
The white paper is really helpful - appreciate you sharing it. As a DEI and Social Impact Measurement consultant based in Australia, I believe it will be a really useful resource for communicating the importance of DEI and engaging the corporate sector.
DEI Consultant | Australia
I had a read through your white paper it's a really smart way of linking the work people like me do with the kind of outcomes businesses actually pay attention to. I can definitely see how that kind of framework could strengthen accessibility and lived experience-led training.
Specialist in Inclusive & Accessible Learning | UK
The white paper is excellent! Most of my work falls under these frameworks. For those that are looking to escalate to more technical DEI work and strategy, this resource will help elevate your work.
DEI Consultant | USA
First of all; thank you for writing this extremely important white paper. As the world is run by money, making the DEI "talk money" is now more important than ever.
DEI-Ambassador | Head of Marketing | Finland
It was such a well-written paper, so well done on that! I really liked that the gap between DEI and business value was bridged. It was helpful that there were also credible studies that supported this.
DEI Consultant | Austria
This white paper gave me a TON to think about - so thank you for that (blows through the rest of the day and not looking at my to do list...)
DEI Consultant | USA
The ROI of DEI white paper is fantastic.
Board of Director | Canada
