Leadership isn’t about titles, power, or paychecks—it’s about people. It’s about how you show up for them, how you see them, and how you create opportunities for them to thrive.

Risha Grant, an award-winning diversity and inclusion expert, knows this truth better than most. She doesn’t just talk about inclusion—she lives it. And her story of coaching middle school basketball holds a powerful lesson for every business leader looking to build a culture of belonging.

A Lesson in Leadership from the Court

Risha spent years coaching young athletes, leading her team from underdogs to state champions. But the lesson that stuck with her most didn’t come from a victory—it came from a single shot.

During a semifinal game, she noticed a player on the opposing team who moved differently than the others. She wasn’t interacting like her teammates, and something told Risha that this game meant more to her than anyone realized.

When the girl was finally put in during the last quarter, Risha made a decision: she told her team to ease off on defense. Not to let the other team win, but to give this girl a shot.

And she took it.

And scored.

The crowd erupted. The moment was electric. It turned out that this player had been on the team for years—but no one had ever let her touch the ball in a game, let alone score. That one shot changed everything.

Risha could have chosen to keep the pressure on, to push for a bigger win. But what would have been gained? Instead, she led with empathy. She gave someone their moment to shine. And that lesson—that true leadership isn’t just about winning, but about lifting others up—stuck with her forever.

The Business Case for Empathetic Leadership

This story isn’t just about basketball. It’s about how we lead our teams, our businesses, and our communities.

In today’s corporate world, too many leaders focus on competition at the cost of inclusion. They roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, dismiss employee concerns, and undervalue the power of diverse perspectives. But what they fail to realize is this: when your people feel seen, valued, and heard, your business thrives.

Empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a leadership superpower. It fuels innovation, fosters collaboration, and builds high-performing teams. When employees feel psychologically safe and included, they engage more, perform better, and stay longer.

On the other hand, workplaces that ignore inclusion see higher turnover, lower productivity, and a culture of disengagement. The choice is clear: lead with empathy, or risk falling behind.

How Risha Grant Transforms Workplaces

Risha Grant doesn’t just inspire change—she helps leaders implement it. Through her keynotes, workshops, and her Be Better Than Your BS video series, she teaches companies how to lead with purpose, create cultures of belonging, and ensure that every team member has a shot at success.

Her message is clear: When your people win, your company wins.

She challenges leaders to move beyond performative DEI efforts and take real action. To see and address biases. To build workplaces where inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of success.

Ready to Lead with Empathy?

The best leaders invest in people. They create workplaces where every voice matters.

If you’re ready to transform how you lead, Risha Grant can help. Her dynamic keynotes ignite change, challenge old mindsets, and empower leaders to build a future where everyone belongs.

Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about the people who make them possible.

Book Risha Grant for your next event and start building a culture of belonging today.