In a thought-provoking conversation on transforming workplace culture, Ankit Jhamb, Chief Learning Officer at Grant Thornton Bharat, and Sheetal Sharma, Associate Director, People and Culture, reflect on what it takes to unfreeze legacy mindsets and build an inclusive, high-performing organization. With Sheetal’s hands-on experience in shaping DEI-led engagement and Ankit’s cross-industry cultural exposure, the dialogue offers both strategy and soul.
The Culture Journey: From Leadership to Everyone
Ankit’s culture journey at Grant Thorntoon began in 2018, with values like CARE (Collaboration, Authenticity, Respect, and Excellence). Reinforcing the importance of values beyond leadership, Sheetal says, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” What began as leadership workshops, today, has become a cross-functional movement across the organization. In Ankit’s words, “If you don’t draft out the rules consciously – if cause and effect is not clear – then culture remains unconscious.” He explains that growth only comes when organizations begin measuring culture, not just practicing it in silos.
The Lifecycle of Culture: A Balance of Intent and Letting Go
According to Ankit, “Culture is not a checklist, it’s a delicate balance. If you obsessively hold on to one definition, it stops people from contributing freely.” As companies evolve, culture must also make room for individual and organizational growth. It takes personal sacrifice and the unlearning of ingrained behaviors to create a safe and inclusive environment. “Unconscious culture development can be unsafe,” he warns. “Raising difficult questions is key to an organization’s success.”
Low-Cost Inclusion: Innovation Over Investment
Sheetal explains how Grant Thornton began its DEI journey with zero budget, through accessible and gamified formats. “We started small—crosswords, jumble games, and later developed a DEI toolkit and a physical board game. These formats make learning fun and behavior-focused.” This low-cost, high-engagement approach ensured buy-in across levels, proving that transformation doesn’t always require heavy investments—just intentionality and creativity.
Tech Is a Tool, Not a Crutch
“Tech is an enabler, not the answer,” Ankit states firmly. While technology can assist in designing frameworks, real culture change stems from behavior. “I must understand psychological safety and diversity; tech can’t do that for me.”
Making DEI Work for Small Businesses
Sheetal’s advice to smaller organizations on inclusion is to make it feel personal. “Show them how it impacts them at the base level. Build a network of allies who believe in the concept, that they become your extended arm in driving the culture.”
As this conversation shows, unfreezing culture is not a one-time effort but a continuous journey. It starts with empathy, thrives on inclusivity, and succeeds through intentional action – big or small.
Unfreeze. Rethink. Rebuild. This episode explores what it takes to shift culture meaningfully. Tune in now. Click here
