Upton Consulting Group

05/18/2026

In my May Substack newsletter I talk about the relationship between failure and the inclusion work. I also offer strategies for failing forward. Check it out and let me know your thought.

And if you've not subscribed to my Substack page, join the community.

https://sandraupton.substack.com/p/why-failure-is-a-necessary-part-of

05/14/2025

10/01/2024

I’m honored to be in London for History Month UK! There are countless black leaders here doing amazing work, especially in the DEI space!

In the US we celebrate BHM in February. But as my colleague and friend here in the UK reminded us - every day worldwide is BHM.

The theme “Reclaiming Narratives” truly resonates with me. Three years ago, I relaunched my consulting business. This one decision allowed me to reclaim my narrative and drive the DEI work on my terms. It has positioned me to soar and have even greater global impact.

So many Black leaders, both in the UK and US, have paved the way in this work. I’m fully dedicated to contributing my part, one organization at a time.

The picture below is a photo of me vacationing in Santorini, Greece with my husband. It was exactly one year after I had relaunched my company. I was celebrating and felt on top of the world. The same is true today!

09/29/2024

I’m in London for a full week of business meetings and events, including facilitating my signature DEI Propel Program with a cohort of DEI leaders and allies.

It was fun kicking off my time here at TEDxShoreditch and listening to Lee Chambers excellent talk on how men need to be allies in the work!

Let’s go London! It’s going to be an amazing and productive week!

09/13/2024

On the road again.

Another week of meaningful and impactful DEI work. This time with one of my amazing clients in the healthcare field.

✅ Led an interactive session on DEI, Change Management and Cultural Intelligence with a team of over 100 Inclusion Advocates across the organization.

✅ Facilitated an intensive and customized version of my signature DEI Propel Course with the CDO and DEI team.

✅ Signed copies of my book, Make It Last, and engaged with clinicians, administrators, researchers, and other outstanding staff who are committed to propelling the DEI work forward.

They are all working hard to save lives, serve diverse children and families and create an inclusive, culturally intelligent and equitable work environment.

I call them DEI Superheroes.

08/22/2024

Last evening was truly special as I shared my story at the Failure Lab event. It was an evening filled with powerful stories and invaluable lessons.

Failure is a sign that you were brave enough to try. Through failure, we gain insights into what works and what doesn’t.

The essence of this experience resonates deeply with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). I always emphasize to the organizations and leaders I partner with that DEI is a continuous journey. To effect real change and make the work last, one must embrace vulnerability and be open to the possibility of setbacks. It’s through these challenges that we learn, grow and move forward.

Thank you Jordan O’Neil and the entire team for your innovative vision and the invitation to participate in an extraordinary evening!

06/21/2024

Baseball hats and Bach.

Last evening my husband and I kicked off summer enjoying a fabulous concert by the ridiculously talented BLKBOK.

If you’ve not heard of him, he is one of the best neo-classical pianist and composers in the US. Yet there is very little that is traditional about his approach to music, especially his style during his performances, which usually includes a baseball hat, jeans and a few tattoos.

During his performance he shared how many in the classical music industry have rejected him because he doesn’t “fit” the traditional norms.

Sound like a familiar scenario? This is exactly how many organizations miss out on good talent.

Despite the resistance, I was inspired and proud to see him stay committed to showing up as his authentic self.

As you head into the weekend, enjoy a taste of his amazing talent. And if you enjoy classical music with a little hip-hop, follow him.

Summer is already off to an amazing start!

05/07/2024

In Chapter One of my book, I emphasize to DEI Practitioners and Allies that the FIRST rule of engagement in this work is to develop a strategy to protect their mental health. I provide strategies and tips for how to do this.

Diversity and compassion fatigue are real, especially during these interesting times. You need a mental health strategy to help you implement the DEI Strategy and stay sane and motivated on the journey.

05/03/2024

04/29/2024

The backlash against DEI is likely not going away anytime soon. But I keep reminding us we’ve been here before. So we keep moving forward. But let’s stay prepared with our responses to some of the common arguments against the work.

This is a good read with some helpful strategies.

These metaphors can help employees navigate criticisms of DEI jargon and reframe DEI as a tool that builds everyone up rather than tearing some down. As a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and communications practitioner, I often use metaphors to reframe complex issues. Employing metaphors can....