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Synclusiv and With Launch Refraction: A New Innovation Program Built on the Power of Equity

Synclusiv and With Launch Refraction: A New Innovation Program Built on the Power of Equity

Synclusiv and With Launch Refraction: A New Innovation Program Built on the Power of Equity

Jul 22, 2025

3

min read

At a time when DEI is being questioned, defunded, or dismissed, we believe it’s critical to say the quiet part out loud: you can’t build a culture of innovation by sidelining equity.

At a time when DEI is being questioned, defunded, or dismissed, we believe it’s critical to say the quiet part out loud: you can’t build a culture of innovation by sidelining equity.

At a time when DEI is being questioned, defunded, or dismissed, we believe it’s critical to say the quiet part out loud: you can’t build a culture of innovation by sidelining equity.

Today, Synclusiv and With are proud to unveil Refraction—an innovation program designed for organizations that believe in the long-term value of building inclusive workplaces. 

Reveal the Innovation Potential in Equity-focused Organizations

Diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations don’t just support people, they drive better business outcomes, unlock new markets, and spark the kinds of ideas the future demands. The most transformative innovation happens when equity is not an initiative on the side, but embedded at the core. 

Refraction is a unique collaboration between Synclusiv, an inclusion-focused business transformation consultancy, and With, a strategic design studio that co-creates impactful brands and digital experiences. We came together around a shared insight: that when diverse teams are connected to the right practices, structures, and tools, their innovation potential is not just increased—it’s exponential. Across both of our firms, we’ve seen how these conditions spark extraordinary outcomes in the organizations we work with.

“In our experience, we know inclusive teams outperform,” according to With CEO, Derek Vaz. “But building diverse teams is only part of the equation. Innovation only flourishes when employees feel empowered—when they have the tools, frameworks, and support to lead change from wherever they sit in their organization.”

Partnering with Synclusiv, who have helped some of the worlds leading organizations build flourishing team cultures, was a necessary step to bridge the gap between inclusion and innovation.

"Inclusion, in our opinion, is the foundation to creating workplaces where diversity is celebrated, diversity is appreciated, and diversity actually yields the dividends for an organization."

— Nicole Piggot, Founder & President, Synclusiv

Refraction gives teams a guided pathway to co-create bold ideas, solve complex challenges, and contribute to a future that reflects their values. At a time when leading companies like Apple and Costco are standing by their commitments to equity, Refraction offers a tangible way to embed those commitments into strategic innovation.

The program is built for VPs of HR, People & Culture leaders, founders, and internal champions who want to connect inclusion to innovation—not just in theory, but in practice.

For those ready to unlock the creative potential of your people and reimagine what’s possible through the lens of equity, learn more at refractionready.com



About Refraction

Refraction is an innovation program for organisations who champion diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. Developed by co-design studio, With, alongside the workplace transformation consultancy, Synclusiv. Through working group definition, co-creation activities, and executive stakeholder facilitation, Refraction empowers team members from every corner of their organisation to develop innovation practices and concepts for the benefit of all. Learn more at refractionready.com

About Synclusiv

Synclusiv is dedicated to fostering organizations that reflect the communities they serve. Synclusiv Consulting Services are designed to facilitate the translation of identified gaps into concrete actions for a more inclusive workplace. Our approach addresses People, Systems, and Culture with practical solutions. Our goal is to deconstruct systems and norms to create inclusive work environments that will benefit everyone. Learn more at synclusiv.com

About With

With is a co-design studio for better futures. As partners to inspiring organizations, With co-creates digital products, brands, and services alongside the communities they impact. To date this includes work with global impact organisations, non-profits, startups, and even a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Together, our work serves to build equitable, sustainable, and healthier futures for all. Learn more at withcodesign.com

Today, Synclusiv and With are proud to unveil Refraction—an innovation program designed for organizations that believe in the long-term value of building inclusive workplaces. 

Reveal the Innovation Potential in Equity-focused Organizations

Diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations don’t just support people, they drive better business outcomes, unlock new markets, and spark the kinds of ideas the future demands. The most transformative innovation happens when equity is not an initiative on the side, but embedded at the core. 

Refraction is a unique collaboration between Synclusiv, an inclusion-focused business transformation consultancy, and With, a strategic design studio that co-creates impactful brands and digital experiences. We came together around a shared insight: that when diverse teams are connected to the right practices, structures, and tools, their innovation potential is not just increased—it’s exponential. Across both of our firms, we’ve seen how these conditions spark extraordinary outcomes in the organizations we work with.

“In our experience, we know inclusive teams outperform,” according to With CEO, Derek Vaz. “But building diverse teams is only part of the equation. Innovation only flourishes when employees feel empowered—when they have the tools, frameworks, and support to lead change from wherever they sit in their organization.”

Partnering with Synclusiv, who have helped some of the worlds leading organizations build flourishing team cultures, was a necessary step to bridge the gap between inclusion and innovation.

"Inclusion, in our opinion, is the foundation to creating workplaces where diversity is celebrated, diversity is appreciated, and diversity actually yields the dividends for an organization."

— Nicole Piggot, Founder & President, Synclusiv

Refraction gives teams a guided pathway to co-create bold ideas, solve complex challenges, and contribute to a future that reflects their values. At a time when leading companies like Apple and Costco are standing by their commitments to equity, Refraction offers a tangible way to embed those commitments into strategic innovation.

The program is built for VPs of HR, People & Culture leaders, founders, and internal champions who want to connect inclusion to innovation—not just in theory, but in practice.

For those ready to unlock the creative potential of your people and reimagine what’s possible through the lens of equity, learn more at refractionready.com



About Refraction

Refraction is an innovation program for organisations who champion diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. Developed by co-design studio, With, alongside the workplace transformation consultancy, Synclusiv. Through working group definition, co-creation activities, and executive stakeholder facilitation, Refraction empowers team members from every corner of their organisation to develop innovation practices and concepts for the benefit of all. Learn more at refractionready.com

About Synclusiv

Synclusiv is dedicated to fostering organizations that reflect the communities they serve. Synclusiv Consulting Services are designed to facilitate the translation of identified gaps into concrete actions for a more inclusive workplace. Our approach addresses People, Systems, and Culture with practical solutions. Our goal is to deconstruct systems and norms to create inclusive work environments that will benefit everyone. Learn more at synclusiv.com

About With

With is a co-design studio for better futures. As partners to inspiring organizations, With co-creates digital products, brands, and services alongside the communities they impact. To date this includes work with global impact organisations, non-profits, startups, and even a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Together, our work serves to build equitable, sustainable, and healthier futures for all. Learn more at withcodesign.com

Today, Synclusiv and With are proud to unveil Refraction—an innovation program designed for organizations that believe in the long-term value of building inclusive workplaces. 

Reveal the Innovation Potential in Equity-focused Organizations

Diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations don’t just support people, they drive better business outcomes, unlock new markets, and spark the kinds of ideas the future demands. The most transformative innovation happens when equity is not an initiative on the side, but embedded at the core. 

Refraction is a unique collaboration between Synclusiv, an inclusion-focused business transformation consultancy, and With, a strategic design studio that co-creates impactful brands and digital experiences. We came together around a shared insight: that when diverse teams are connected to the right practices, structures, and tools, their innovation potential is not just increased—it’s exponential. Across both of our firms, we’ve seen how these conditions spark extraordinary outcomes in the organizations we work with.

“In our experience, we know inclusive teams outperform,” according to With CEO, Derek Vaz. “But building diverse teams is only part of the equation. Innovation only flourishes when employees feel empowered—when they have the tools, frameworks, and support to lead change from wherever they sit in their organization.”

Partnering with Synclusiv, who have helped some of the worlds leading organizations build flourishing team cultures, was a necessary step to bridge the gap between inclusion and innovation.

"Inclusion, in our opinion, is the foundation to creating workplaces where diversity is celebrated, diversity is appreciated, and diversity actually yields the dividends for an organization."

— Nicole Piggot, Founder & President, Synclusiv

Refraction gives teams a guided pathway to co-create bold ideas, solve complex challenges, and contribute to a future that reflects their values. At a time when leading companies like Apple and Costco are standing by their commitments to equity, Refraction offers a tangible way to embed those commitments into strategic innovation.

The program is built for VPs of HR, People & Culture leaders, founders, and internal champions who want to connect inclusion to innovation—not just in theory, but in practice.

For those ready to unlock the creative potential of your people and reimagine what’s possible through the lens of equity, learn more at refractionready.com



About Refraction

Refraction is an innovation program for organisations who champion diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces. Developed by co-design studio, With, alongside the workplace transformation consultancy, Synclusiv. Through working group definition, co-creation activities, and executive stakeholder facilitation, Refraction empowers team members from every corner of their organisation to develop innovation practices and concepts for the benefit of all. Learn more at refractionready.com

About Synclusiv

Synclusiv is dedicated to fostering organizations that reflect the communities they serve. Synclusiv Consulting Services are designed to facilitate the translation of identified gaps into concrete actions for a more inclusive workplace. Our approach addresses People, Systems, and Culture with practical solutions. Our goal is to deconstruct systems and norms to create inclusive work environments that will benefit everyone. Learn more at synclusiv.com

About With

With is a co-design studio for better futures. As partners to inspiring organizations, With co-creates digital products, brands, and services alongside the communities they impact. To date this includes work with global impact organisations, non-profits, startups, and even a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Together, our work serves to build equitable, sustainable, and healthier futures for all. Learn more at withcodesign.com

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