Welcome to Transform’s People-First Leader Spotlight Series, an exciting journey into the minds of innovative people leaders who are disrupting the now and next of work.
In each Q&A-style article, we’ll introduce you to people-first leaders like Torin Ellis, who are redefining the boundaries of their industries with forward-thinking ideas and transformative approaches.
About Torin
Torin Ellis is a seasoned diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategist with over 25 years of experience as an analyst, coach, consultant, and advisor. He has worked with high-profile companies like Cielo, Gresham Smith, Nike, and UCI Irvine to optimize DEIB efforts, driving positive impact and business outcomes. Torin is a sought-after speaker, delivering keynotes, panels, and podcast appearances across North America, Europe, and Canada in 2024.
As the Principal Strategist // Human of The Torin Ellis Brand, he leads a progressive consultancy that focuses on creating bespoke, data-driven talent management strategies that align with today’s business challenges. His approach combines business methodology with social imperatives to drive lasting change. Torin has made a significant impact through his career-focused content on SiriusXM, reaching nearly six million listeners weekly and through his 120+ conference appearances and 75+ podcast exchanges.
Known for his thought leadership, Torin is trusted by global companies to design inclusive organizational strategies. He is also a former executive producer and host of Career Mix on SiriusXM and has been recognized by Technical.ly as one of the top leaders who inspire change. His candidacy for Baltimore’s mayor in 2019 highlights his community-centered activism. His book, Rip The Resume, was released in 2016.
Torin also served as the Emcee and Speaker for Transform 2025, further showcasing his expertise in engaging audiences and driving impactful conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Leadership and Influence:
Transform: What is the journey that led you to focus on people-first leadership?
Torin: Having spent brief periods in the military and corporate America, watching the process of leadership and team building, it was glaringly obvious that relationships mattered. How you treat people, at their best and during their worst, is equally as important. In the process, I became measured, more patient, and an excellent communicator. It has served me well.
Transform: Why did you choose to work in this industry?
Torin: I enjoy the thrill of accomplishing, setting, and surpassing goals. I also learn from my (others’) shortcomings in an effort to be/do better. Consulting and speaking situate me in a position that allows the best of me to flow.
Transform: What was your first job, and how did it shape your perspective on work?
Torin: It was either my paper route or mowing lawns in the Quad Cities. I can’t remember which was the first. What I recall is that my father put a sign up in the break room at his job (Sears & Roebuck) that said his son would cut any yard in the city for $7. I would wrap a clothesline around my torso, tie the ends to the lawn mower handle, and pull it around the neighborhood. Most of the time, while on my bicycle, I navigated block after block hustling because my father ensured I knew the importance of earning my keep.
Transform: How have your leadership methods evolved over the years?
Torin: I listen even more. As a consultant in the D&I space, I’ve been introduced to a myriad of conversations and situations that require confidentiality and often a pause before arriving at a conclusion or taking action. This has sharpened my listening and processing skills immensely.
Transform: What main areas have you chosen to focus your leadership on?
Torin: Asking one question: Who is missing from this (fill in the blank)? Be it a discussion, direction or process change, or introduction of a new product or service, I attempt to model the essence of inclusion as much as the situation allows.
Vision and Impact:
Transform: What motivates you to prioritize people over processes?
Torin: Humanity
Transform: Can you share a significant initiative you’ve led that focuses on enhancing employee wellbeing or engagement?
Torin: Convincing HR professionals to ask each employee one question within their organization: What did you do to support our D&I efforts over the past year?
The responses will range in content while also revealing who your ambassadors and evangelists are. This helps create cultures of belonging and inclusion. Responses also reveal who is resistant and maybe why, which allows leaders to develop accordingly. I could go on, but you get the point.
Strategies for Change:
Transform: How do you create a culture of openness and innovation within your team or organization?
Torin: Small team. It’s much easier for me to do.
Transform: What leadership lessons have you learned that are unique to managing people?
Torin: Not sure how to answer this. I don’t see the lessons as unique as much as I see them as unfamiliar. Leaders at all levels are grappling with the nuance of people – fluid in every way. I think the lesson is adaptability.
Engagement and Influence:
Transform: How do you engage and inspire your team to adopt people-first practices?
Torin: Again, small team. It’s much easier for me to do.
Transform: Can you describe a moment when you realized the true impact of your people-first approach?
Torin: Most recently, as Emcee of Transform 2025, the number of emails, LinkedIn messages, and other nudges that included the tone, “Thanks for seeing me,” was humbling and inspiring at the same time. One share regarding an attendee: I learned they were without lodging on Wednesday, the last night while standing on the exhibition floor. I had never met the person and offered for them to sleep on the couch in my room. They were deeply appreciative and without words for my simply being a better or available human. I had the ability to say yes, and I did.
Looking Forward:
Transform: What future trends do you believe will further shape leadership and workplace dynamics?
Torin: Our incessant focus on the people as we introduce and deploy artificial intelligence. I don’t believe we’ve given enough thought to what happens when millions are unable to be reskilled and/or secure employment.
Transform: What’s next on your agenda for fostering a more people-centered workplace?
Torin: Building Ngoma.io, a Manager Intelligence Platform.
Personal Reflections:
Transform: What is a specific project, initiative, or career highlight you are most proud of?
Torin: I have been an entrepreneur for nearly 30 years. When leaders in the past decided that I didn’t deserve promotions because I wore a beard or was outspoken, despite my top-level sales performance, I took control of my destiny.
Transform: Who do you go to for advice and inspiration?
Torin: I have a friend group of trusted advisors that keep me grounded and tell me what I need to hear. They will check me if I get out of pocket, and they know who they are. A few will read this. The others don’t care what stage I am on or the client I am supporting; they just know Torin.
Transform: What methods do you employ to stay current on leadership and management trends?
Torin: Read. Read. Read.
Transform: How do you balance the demands of leading with personal wellbeing?
Torin: It’s not easy, but I disconnect when I feel the burden of the work. That might include not posting on social media or turning off my mobile device, or if the weather is right, sitting on my deck listening to music and enjoying a cigar.
Transform: What is one piece of advice you would offer to future leaders aiming to prioritize people in their leadership style?
Torin: Listen to your people.
Transform: How do you create work-life balance in your own life?
Torin: Is that really possible?!
Transform: What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Torin: I’m still young…
Transform: If someone wanted to get into contact with you, how would they go about that?
Torin: People can easily reach out by using my QR Code.
Check out other insightful Transform Spotlights and thought leadership articles on the Transform Blog.
