Samet Akti

DEI, Learning & Culture Leader | Driving global learning, inclusion & AI-enabled transformation | Keynote Speaker | LinkedIn Top Voice

Germany

About

DEI, Learning, People & Culture leader with 8+ years of experience driving inclusion at scale across global organizations. I design programs that shift leadership behavior, embed inclusion into culture, and deliver measurable business impact. Currently Senior Expert for DEI at Zalando, where I design and deliver company-wide diversity, inclusion, and learning programs for 15,000+ employees in 26 diverse markets. Trusted advisor to senior leaders on inclusion and culture. Most recently, I led the DEI workstream for Adaptive Fashion, launching 800+ inclusive products for disabled customers, generating €35m GMV, and driving 750+ positive media features. This positioned Zalando as a European leader in disability-inclusive commerce. Founder of AKTIVISM, a DEI and Learning consultancy. Over the past 9 years, I have worked with 80+ global organizations as a facilitator and keynote speaker, helping them turn DEI ambition into action. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for DEI. Top 5% Master degree graduate in business communication management.

Experience

  • Zalando (Full-time · 4 yrs 8 mos)
    • Senior Expert, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Strategy
      Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

      Designed, implemented and steered a company-wide DEI strategy with measurable KPIs for 15k+ employees, embedding inclusion into core business operations.

    • Diversity and Inclusion Manager
      Nov 2021 - Apr 2022 · 6 mos

  • Founder & Principal: DEI, Learning & Leadership Enablement at AKTIVISM
    Jun 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 1 mo

    Designed & delivered 80+ DEI programs for global enterprises (e.g. Google, Coca-Cola, Deloitte). Translating complex DEI concepts into actionable frameworks that embed inclusive practices into leadership, team collaboration, and employee experience. Consulted across global teams and cultural contexts, driving measurable outcomes in engagement, inclusive behaviors, and organizational culture.

  • Diversity & Inclusion Manager at IBM iX
    Jun 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    - Designed and launched an ERG governance framework and toolkit to strengthen strategy, leadership accountability, and alignment with business priorities, enabling ERGs to scale initiatives and contribute to company-wide inclusion goals. - Designed and delivered a 5-session inclusive leadership program, enabling leaders to strengthen inclusive practices and foster a culture of belonging. NPS: 97%.

  • Google (Internship · 7 mos)
    • Co-Lead, Pride@Google
      Mar 2018 - Sep 2018 · 7 mos

      Organized internal Pride learning event with 95% NPS score. Resulted in the highest-attended internal event of 2018 at the Hamburg office. Achieved 100%+ budget increase for next year. Delivered an educational speech and panel talk with NGOs. Cross-collaborated with HR to align with DEI goals.

    • Business Intern
      Mar 2018 - Aug 2018 · 6 mos

      At Google, I cross-collaborated with many internal and external teams, managing 150+ stakeholders. I increased YouTube Premium subscriptions by 3% by leading a 3-person cross-functional team to develop a YouTube Originals marketing campaign. Managed an agency team to create 125+ assets.

  • Business Intern Marketing Communications at The Coca-Cola Company
    Sep 2016 - Feb 2018 · 1 yr 6 mos

    I worked across 14 Western European markets, navigating a fast-paced, culturally diverse environment to drive creative output and successful agency partnerships. I led initiatives to raise LGBT+ awareness through both internal and external D&I communications efforts.