Christina Brooks on Diversity, Inclusive Leadership & Revolutionizing Executive Search

In this engaging and insightful conversation, Jeannette Linfoot speaks with Christina Brooks, founder of Ruebik, a B Corp-certified executive search firm on a mission to reshape diversity and inclusion in leadership. Christina shares her personal journey from embracing diversity as a core life mission in 2018 to building Ruebik—a company that challenges traditional recruitment norms by prioritizing values, cultural intelligence, and mentorship. They discuss the pervasive issue of diversity fatigue in organizations, the tangible commercial benefits of diverse leadership, and how innovative approaches to recruitment can foster truly inclusive cultures. The episode also explores how accessibility innovations and technology have connected communities, especially during COVID, and how personal struggles can be reframed as strengths. Christina and Jeannette dive deep into the courage required for bold leadership, the critical role of mentorship, and the vision for a more equitable business world. Top Takeaways• Diversity became Christina's mission in 2018.• Rubik aims to tackle diversity in executive search.• Traditional exec search perpetuates existing power structures.• Rubik is a B Corp focused on profit, people, and planet.• Candidates should be assessed on values, not just skills.• Diversity fatigue remains a real challenge for organizations.• Diverse boards deliver better financial outcomes.• Cultural intelligence is key to understanding community needs.• B Corp certification sharpens societal impact focus.• Creating inclusive cultures enhances experiences for all.• Accessibility innovations benefit broader audiences.• COVID tech connected isolated individuals like Christina’s mother.• Diversity in leadership is essential for community growth.• Entrepreneurship lacks a playbook; each decision is unique.• Mentorship is crucial for overcoming business challenges.• Struggles can be reframed as qualifications for success.• Grace is essential for self-care and leadership.• Bravery involves speaking uncomfortable truths.• Creating opportunities for others is a vital leadership trait. Sound Bites"Diversity became my mission in 2018.""Rubik aims to tackle diversity in executive search.""Diverse boards lead to better financial performance.""A truly inclusive culture is fascinating.""Zoom and Teams connected my 80-year-old mother.""We are all perfectly imperfect.""The best talent is not just in the M25.""The puzzle is solved when all sides are equal.""Your struggles are not your limitations.""Bravery is speaking truth to power.""Don't just climb the ladder, create an elevator.""Embracing failure is a powerful gift." Chapters00:00 – The Mission of Diversity02:56 – Building Rubik: A New Approach to Executive Search06:11 – Disrupting Traditional Recruitment Practices09:03 – Innovative Mentorship Programs12:06 – The Importance of Values in Recruitment14:54 – Addressing Diversity Fatigue17:54 – The Commercial Value of Diversity21:06 – B Corp Certification and Its Impact23:57 – Focusing on Cultural Intelligence26:52 – Future Directions for Diversity and Inclusion31:26 – The Importance of Inclusive Culture34:55 – Innovations Benefiting Diverse Communities36:45 – Global Leadership and Hope41:53 – Challenges of Entrepreneurship46:24 – The Role of Mentorship47:55 – Future Vision for Rubik51:52 – Personal Struggles as Qualifications58:35 – Embracing Grace in Leadership59:59 – Defining Brave Bold Brilliant About the HostJeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global experience across travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Known for her down-to-earth leadership style, Jeannette champions diversity and inclusion and is passionate about nurturing talent to help others reach their full potential. She hosts Brave Bold Brilliant to inspire and equip leaders to drive impactful change. [Follow Jeannette Linfoot]Website: https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfootYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliantInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970 About the Guest – Christina BrooksChristina Brooks is the founder of Ruebik, a B Corp-certified executive search firm dedicated to disrupting traditional recruitment by centering diversity, values, and cultural intelligence. Since making diversity her mission in 2018, Christina has worked to challenge entrenched power structures in executive search and create pathways for more inclusive leadership. She is passionate about mentorship, innovation, and fostering workplaces where diverse voices thrive. Her approach emphasizes the commercial value of diversity alongside its societal importance, blending ...