We are excited to share with you the next interview in our “Beyond the Page” series featuring Daphne Watkins.
What does it truly mean to lead with social impact? Dr. Daphne Watkins, researcher, professor, and executive coach, takes us on a profound journey exploring leadership that prioritizes uplifting marginalized voices over personal advancement.
Drawing from her remarkable career transition—from two decades researching Black men’s health to coaching leaders across racial and cultural differences—Dr. Watkins illuminates how coaching can transform leaders into powerful agents of social change. She defines social impact leadership not as holding power or titles, but as “giving voice to the voiceless” and creating meaningful legacies that extend beyond individual achievement.
The conversation tackles head-on the challenges facing diversity and inclusion work today. Rather than abandoning critical progress during DEI backlash, Dr. Watkins describes how leaders are “pivoting”—maintaining their commitment to equity while adapting their approaches. Her practical insights include creating psychological safety in coaching relationships and using identity mapping exercises to help leaders understand how their backgrounds shape their leadership styles.
Most compelling is Dr. Watkins’ nuanced exploration of privilege—how we all carry it in different contexts, often without recognition. As a self-described “data nerd” measuring coaching effectiveness through “ripple effects,” she demonstrates how seemingly individual leadership transformations can cascade through organizations and communities. Her current research with leaders of color heading research institutes further reveals untold pathways to influence and impact.
Ready to examine your own leadership through a social impact lens? This conversation offers both the challenge and the roadmap. Connect with Dr. Watkins at daphnewatkins.com and discover how your leadership can create meaningful change in a world desperately needing voices for the voiceless.
In this episode, I talk with Daphne about her article published in our June 2025 issue.
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