Beyond Performative DEI: How Synclusiv Builds Workplaces That Drive Business Results 

In an exclusive interview with Black Business Magazine, Nicole Piggott, President and Founder of Synclusiv, shares how organizations can move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and create meaningful, measurable workplace transformation. Drawing from more than three decades of experience in senior corporate HR leadership, Nicole discusses why sustainable inclusion requires rethinking systems,processes, and leadership practices.

Interview By Dwania McLarty-Peele

Nicole Piggott a passé sa carrière à promouvoir des lieux de travail inclusifs. Avant de fonder Synclusiv, Nicole a occupé des postes de direction chez la Gouvernance au Féminin (LGAF), Bombardier Aéronautique, RioTinto, la Compagnie Minière IOC (IOCC) et FedEx Canada. Nicole a mis en œuvre et supervisé tous les aspects des ressources humaines, qu’il s’agisse de politiques, de programmes ou de pratiques visant à favoriser des environnements de travail plus inclusifs et motivants. Elle a eu le privilège de négocier les premiers accords de partenariat entre IOCC et diverses communautés autochtones du Labrador.

What inspired you to leave corporate HR and launch Synclusiv?

A defining moment for me occurred while I was overseeing an international gender parity program. We were on the cusp of celebrating an important milestone of 30% women on boards. I asked my team to create a visual mosaic of the women on boards of TSX 200 and at the helm of major organizations in Canada. The result was deeply unsettling: the mosaic revealed a complete lack of racial and cultural diversity. The very systems designed to advance women were replicating the homogeneity we were seeing with men. I realized I could not leave a legacy that ignored people who looked like me. That realization became the catalyst for me to launch Synclusiv. I wanted to build a firm that did not just focus on targets, but actively reconstructed workplace systems to attract and retain talent with diverse perspectives and experiences to expand opportunities and drive greater business performance.  

Why do so many DEI initiatives fail to create lasting change?

Most DEI initiatives fail because they focus on performative gestures rather than systemic transformation. Organizations often invest in one-off training sessions or awareness campaigns without auditing the underlying systems that actually dictate outcomes. Marketing, procurement, HR, organizational design and the decision-makers processes and structures frequently contain hidden biases that no amount of unconscious bias training can fix. Furthermore, many initiatives lack clear metrics or executive accountability, meaning they are easily scaled back when budgets tighten or political climates shift. At Synclusiv, we believe inclusion must be embedded into the operational DNA of an organization. Without data-driven diagnostics and a willingness to deconstruct traditional frameworks, DEI remains a line item rather than a strategic lever for growth.  

How does Synclusiv help organizations turn inclusion into measurable business results?

We move organizations from intention to impact through a rigorous, three-pillar framework: people, systems and culture. We begin with proprietary diagnostic tools like SyncScope^TM and SyncPulse^TM to identify the real gaps in an organization’s policies and culture. From there, we co-design tailored strategies that align directly with the client’s business goals, whether that is improving retention, expanding talent pools or driving innovation. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every engagement is customized to the organization’s industry, demographics and DEI maturity. By focusing on measurable outcomes and equipping leaders with the practical tools to sustain change, we ensure that inclusion translates directly into stronger engagement, better performance and sustainable business growth.  

As a Black woman entrepreneur, how have you navigated the current pushback against DEI?

I have navigated this climate by treating it both as an indicator of progress as well as a business strategy challenge rather than a threat. When anti-DEI rhetoric gained traction and contracts were suddenly reconsidered, I brought my leadership team together to restructure Synclusiv for maximum agility. We reduced fixed costs, shifted to a leaner operational model and used the slower periods strategically to refine our digital tools. We also made the difficult but necessary choice to only partner with clients who demonstrated a genuine readiness for change. The result is that our profits are up 200%  from last year and we are back on track. I have learned that adaptability is an entrepreneur’s greatest strength. Navigating uncertainty does not mean compromising your vision; it means adjusting your sails so you can weather the storm and emerge stronger.  

What legacy do you hope to through Synclusiv, board leadership, and the Black Academic Scholarship Fund?create 

My legacy will be creating spaces that foster a pipeline of diverse talent that will shape the world economically, socially and politically. My mother co-founded the Black Academic Scholarship Fund in 1991 because she believed society benefits most when we nurture young potential. When she passed away in 2021, I took the helm to ensure her vital work continued. To date, we have awarded over $1 million in scholarships to Black students across Canada. At Synclusiv, we developed tools and strategies specifically designed to support the advancement of equity-deserving groups, directly placing underrepresented talent into leadership pipelines to enhance business performance. Finally, I advocate for diverse leadership at the highest levels of governance. I will become the first Black and first Canadian Chair of the National Safety Council in 2027. Across all these spheres, my driving mandate remains consistent: to ensure no potential is left behind.  

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Black Business Magazine or its affiliates. The magazine is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs and fostering conversations that promote inclusion and economic empowerment.