Belonging and Intercultural Strategist
Dr. Derrick Gay is a globally recognized Belonging and Intercultural Strategist whose work has informed culture and leadership across more than 800 organizations in 50 countries. Drawing on 30 years of global practice, he translates research into actionable strategies that strengthen dignity, respect, belonging, and organizational effectiveness.
His clients span finance, fashion, law, nonprofits, education, the arts, and media. A frequent keynote speaker, Dr. Gay has addressed the world's leading international education membership organizations, including EARCOS, NESA, AMISA, CEESA, the Tri-Association, EduLearn, and SENIA Japan. He has also taught intercultural competency and inclusive leadership at Columbia Business School, the University of Pennsylvania, and Parsons Paris.
A polyglot who facilitates in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Italian, Dr. Gay trained as a musician and linguist before pursuing advanced study in education, research methodology, organizational development, and change management. Additionally, Dr. Gay is the recipient of the 2020 Dr. Maria Montessori Ambassador Award, served as curriculum advisor on an Emmy Award-winning Sesame Street series and serves on the board of the Merit School of Music.
His practice is grounded in research that finds that psychological safety and belonging are essential to individual and organizational excellence—and that both are strengthened through the intentional development of intercultural competency.
