In the evolving landscape of corporate America, fostering an equitable workplace has become paramount. Leading this charge is Devika Brij, the founder and CEO of Brij The Gap Consulting. With a mission to empower underrepresented talent, Brij The Gap Consulting partners with companies to support and increase the retention of employees of color, women, and other underserved demographics. Through comprehensive career advancement training, learning and development, and leadership training, the firm ensures these individuals can navigate workplace challenges and achieve the careers they deserve.

The Journey to Brij The Gap

Devika Brij’s journey to founding Brij The Gap Consulting is rooted in her experiences in the tech industry, where she worked for giants like Google and LinkedIn. During her tenure, she encountered numerous challenges as a woman of color. Initially, she believed these obstacles were unique to her, but conversations with peers from similar backgrounds revealed a widespread issue affecting many women and people of color in the tech sector.

This realization sparked Devika’s determination to create more resources, tools, and educational opportunities to help underrepresented individuals navigate their professional landscapes. In 2019, she left her corporate job to focus on consulting full-time, partnering with several prominent companies to drive change.

A Turning Point

A pivotal moment in Brij’s career came in 2018 when she was fired by a biased leader despite being a strong employee with nearly five years at the company. This period of joblessness forced Brij to reflect deeply on her career and aspirations. It was then that the seeds of Brij The Gap Consulting were sown. She envisioned a platform that would provide a thorough playbook for underrepresented individuals, equipping them with strategies and insights to excel in their careers.

The Impact of Brij The Gap Consulting

Brij The Gap Consulting offers a wealth of resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by people of color and other underrepresented groups. The firm’s initiatives are designed not only to benefit the employees but also to educate leaders on how to better support and coach their diverse teams. This dual approach fosters a more supportive workplace culture where everyone can thrive.

One of the standout offerings from Brij The Gap is Thrive in Color, a comprehensive playbook that addresses various workplace scenarios and challenges. While it is particularly beneficial for people of color, its insights and tools are universally applicable, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance their career. Moreover,  Thrive in Color encourages leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and develop solutions that enhance understanding and equity.

Advocating for Healthy Self-Advocacy

Central to Devika’s philosophy is the concept of self-advocacy. She emphasizes that self-advocacy does not have to be aggressive or boastful. Instead, she promotes “healthy entitlement” or “humble bragging”—advocating for oneself using data and key facts. This approach empowers individuals to confidently showcase their achievements and prepare for career advancement.

Devika believes that self-advocacy is essential for professional growth. By teaching individuals how to advocate for themselves effectively, she helps them overcome barriers and achieve their career goals. Her approach transforms self-advocacy from a negative connotation into a powerful tool for success.

Devika Brij’s work with Brij The Gap Consulting is making a significant impact in the corporate world. By providing underrepresented talent with the tools and resources they need to succeed, and by educating leaders on how to support diverse teams, Devika is helping to create more equitable and supportive workplaces. Her journey from experiencing bias in the tech industry to becoming a champion for equity and empowerment serves as an inspiration for many. Through Brij The Gap Consulting, Devika Brij is not only bridging gaps but also building bridges to a better, more inclusive future.

For more on Devika and Brij The Gap: Website | Instagram

Grab your copy of Thrive in Color on Amazon now!