Damon Maassen
He/Him
"I don’t believe in waiting for change—I believe in creating it, one conversation, one relationship, and one intentional action at a time."
Resilience
Resilience is an ongoing practice that requires intentionality, and for me, it begins with prioritizing my physical, emotional, and mental well-being. I reset by engaging in movement—whether through workouts, running, yoga, or meditation—allowing me to quiet the noise and regain clarity. Journaling also plays a key role in helping me process challenges and reframe them as opportunities for growth. Beyond personal practices, I find deep resilience in being of service to others. Supporting colleagues, mentoring emerging leaders, or simply offering a listening ear reminds me of the collective strength we all share. In my leadership, I encourage others to discover what fuels their own resilience by fostering environments where rest, self-reflection, and support systems are valued as essential leadership tools.
Purpose-Driven
Purpose is my compass, guiding me through moments of uncertainty and decision-making. I regularly assess my values, mission, and purpose statement when navigating crossroads, ensuring that my choices align with the impact I strive to make. When external circumstances present challenges, my commitment to equity and inclusion remains unwavering. For example, as the DEI landscape faces increasing resistance, some have pivoted away from this work. However, diversity, equity, and inclusion are deeply aligned with my values, and rather than retreating, I’ve doubled down on my efforts to make workplaces and communities more inclusive. Staying true to my mission not only strengthens my resolve but also inspires others to lead with integrity, even in difficult times.
Developmental Leadership
I take an equitable approach to leadership development, ensuring all individuals have the tools, guidance, and opportunities to thrive. One key focus is fostering high-quality feedback and fair performance evaluations, so employees—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—receive equal opportunities for growth.
Recently, I coached a leader struggling with self-doubt about advancing to a senior role. Through targeted development, strengths-based feedback, and advocacy, they built confidence, refined their leadership skills, and ultimately secured a promotion. This experience reinforced my belief in an equitable approach—one that ensures talent is nurtured fairly, empowering everyone to reach their full potential.
Intersectionality
Identifying as Black and gay has shaped my leadership in profound ways. At times earlier in my career, I felt tension between these two identities in some spaces. In predominantly Black spaces, I sometimes felt pressure to downplay my sexual orientation to be fully accepted, while in predominantly LGBTQ+ spaces, my experiences as a Black man navigating systemic barriers were not always understood. This duality made me feel as though I had to choose which part of myself to center at any given time.
However, my increased involvement in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and my own DEI journey broadened my perspective beyond single dimensions of identity. I learned that true inclusion requires an intersectional approach—one that acknowledges the layered experiences of individuals navigating multiple, sometimes conflicting, identities. This realization has helped me foster more inclusive spaces where people don’t feel pressured to “code-switch” or hide parts of themselves, but instead feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves to their work and communities.
Future Facing Legacy
My legacy will be one of demystifying DEI—showing that it is not an abstract corporate initiative, but a framework for how we live, work, and engage with the world every day. I strive to make DEI tangible by offering practical examples of how its principles can be applied in daily life, from fostering inclusive conversations to rethinking hiring and development practices. More importantly, I work to humanize this work, recognizing that at our core, we are all spiritual beings having a shared human experience. By fostering understanding, connection, and equity in every space I enter, I hope to leave a lasting impact that transcends any one organization or moment in time. My goal is for the leaders I’ve coached and the communities I’ve engaged with to carry this forward, ensuring that inclusion is not just a fleeting initiative, but a lasting cultural shift.