In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations that thrive are those that foster environments where diverse talent feels empowered to innovate, collaborate, and bring their whole selves to work. At Publicis Sapient, building a culture of inclusion and psychological safety is not just a value—it’s a strategic imperative that fuels transformation, creativity, and business success. Here, we share lessons and actionable guidance drawn from our own journey, initiatives, and the voices of our people.
At the heart of innovation is diversity—not just of background, but of thought, experience, and perspective. Publicis Sapient’s approach to team building is intentional: we seek out talent with varied skills, life stories, and ways of thinking. This diversity is not incidental; it is essential for solving complex problems and creating solutions that resonate with a broad spectrum of customers and communities.
Our operating model, often referred to as the "pod model," brings together individuals from different functions and disciplines—product, engineering, experience, strategy, and data—into cross-functional teams. These pods are designed to ideate, experiment, and create together, leveraging the creative tension that arises from different viewpoints. This structure not only accelerates innovation but also ensures that every voice is heard and valued.
Psychological safety is the bedrock of high-performing teams. It’s the sense that you can speak up, share ideas, and take risks without fear of ridicule or retribution. At Publicis Sapient, leaders are encouraged to create space for experimentation and learning, where progress is valued over perfection and speed over rigid process. This mindset enables teams to adapt, iterate, and continuously improve—qualities that are vital in digital transformation.
Authentic leadership plays a crucial role here. Our leaders are open about their own journeys, including the risks they’ve taken and the lessons learned from failure. They encourage team members to bring their whole selves to work, recognizing that personal experiences and backgrounds enrich the collective intelligence of the team. As one leader put it, “Be yourself, bring all of you to work. That’s where authentic leadership and true innovation begin.”
Inclusion is more than a policy—it’s a daily practice. Publicis Sapient invests in mentoring and coaching programs that support underrepresented groups and first-generation professionals. For example, our internship program focuses on first-generation college students and those from diverse backgrounds, providing them with guidance, coaching, and opportunities to grow. Senior leaders actively mentor women and other underrepresented groups, recognizing that support is needed at every stage of a career, from entry-level to executive.
Intentional hiring and promotion practices are also central to our approach. We believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of the society we serve. This means being deliberate about who we hire, how we promote, and the opportunities we provide. We continually evaluate our practices to ensure fairness and equity, striving to create a level playing field where everyone can thrive.
Inclusion is not just about inviting people into the room—it’s about ensuring they can participate fully and contribute their best. At Publicis Sapient, we work to create a sense of belonging where people feel safe to express themselves, challenge ideas, and advocate for one another. This is reinforced by a culture that values relationships over hierarchy, encourages vulnerability and authenticity, and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual.
Work-life balance and well-being are also prioritized. Leaders are conscientious about respecting boundaries, encouraging time off, and supporting personal growth. This holistic approach ensures that people can grow their careers without sacrificing their well-being or personal lives.
Transformation is a journey, not a destination. We encourage our people to be curious, to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Whether it’s through cross-functional collaboration, exposure to new industries, or taking on roles outside their comfort zones, growth is a constant. Psychological safety makes this possible—when people feel safe, they are more likely to take on new challenges, share bold ideas, and drive meaningful change.
At Publicis Sapient, we believe that inclusion and psychological safety are not just the right things to do—they are the keys to unlocking the full potential of our people and delivering transformative outcomes for our clients. By sharing our journey, we hope to inspire other organizations to build cultures where everyone can thrive, innovate, and make a lasting impact.