Our Approach
At Nikeya Consulting, we provide innovative, human-centered solutions designed to help organizations, entrepreneurs, and communities thrive in a rapidly evolving world. We understand that success today requires more than just overcoming challenges—it’s about empowering stakeholders to be agile, adapt, and create sustainable growth. Our services help clients navigate an era shaped by technological disruption, AI, and evolving changing demographics.
We work with a wide range of clients—from entrepreneurs and small businesses to established companies, nonprofits, and government agencies—to create strategies that are not only effective but also inclusive and human-centered. We believe every organization and community has the potential for transformation when given the right tools and support.
Our expertise spans entrepreneurial coaching, leadership alignment, human capital management, inclusive cultures, community development, and economic inclusion. We help clients build high-performing teams by upskilling and reskilling their workforce, ensuring that leaders and teams are equipped to succeed in an era of rapid technological change.
Beyond business growth, we are committed to building inclusive, welcoming communities—where people choose to live, work, and play. In today’s diverse world, communities must enhance the quality of life and foster welcoming environments that attract both individuals and businesses. By doing so, they can retain a diverse workforce, strengthen their tax base, and ensure sustainable growth.
Empower Teams. Transform Communities. Fuel Growth.
Workplace Outcomes:
- fosters dynamic, diverse, open and positive workplace cultures
- enhances talent attraction/retention strategies; decreases attrition rates and turnover costs
- empowers talent to drive creativity, invention and innovation
- increases ROI: profit, growth/expansion, market penetration, customer satisfaction
- creates high performance teams utilizing strengths of diverse backgrounds, leadership/management styles, cultures, perspectives, skills, experiences, etc.
- increases team morale and productivity
- increases brand, public relations and corporate/organizational image
- reduces litigation costs
Community/Regional/State Outcomes:
- creates a diverse, safe and welcoming place enhancing overall quality of life
- aid in the attraction and retention efforts of diverse populations to assist with workforce talent issues
- increases community/economic development aiding in attraction of diverse industries
- increases tax base
- fosters sustainable population growth
- increases brand, public relations and image impacting position of rankings in various categories they are measured in
- reduces litigation costs
Our Story
The journey of Nikeya Consulting began with a deeply personal realization: leadership isn’t just about driving results at any cost—it’s about strategically creating environments where people feel empowered to bring their authentic selves forward. After leaving a toxic work environment where results were prioritized over people’s well-being, Sarika Bhakta, our founder and president, reflected on a pivotal question: “What could I have done differently?” The organization achieved strong performance, but high turnover and declining morale revealed the unsustainability of toxic leadership practices and culture. This introspection sparked a new purpose: to empower people to live and lead authentically, inspiring global change while fostering psychologically safe environments—in workplaces and communities alike.
With over two decades of experience in leadership, community building, and advancing inclusive practices, Sarika founded Nikeya Consulting to meet the growing demand for human-centered solutions that align vision, strategy, and action in today’s diverse global workforce and marketplace. What began as a personal mission has grown into a firm dedicated to transforming organizations and communities by cultivating cultures of trust, innovation, and meaningful impact.
Nikeya Consulting was founded on a belief: true leadership transforms organizations and communities to enrich the diverse lives of all stakeholders they touch.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: To empower individuals to authentically champion inclusive environments, fostering innovative cultures for global excellence.
Vision: A world where differences are embraced fueling success and innovation, inspiring positive change in communities and industries worldwide.
Meet the Founder & President
Sarika Bhakta, CDE, SHRM-SCP
Founder & President
Sarika Bhakta is a visionary leader with a fierce passion for empowering individuals. She was born in Gujarat, India and raised in the American Midwest. Adjusting to the American culture was extremely challenging for Sarika. This inspired her life’s legacy to empower people to live and lead authentically by leveraging their unique diversity, as a value differentiator, to deliver innovative results. Sarika has dedicated her career to equipping people with the tools and mindset to live and lead authentically to impact their workplace and communities.
She has over 25 years of experience empowering diverse talent and population groups to maximize their leadership potential while increasing their cultural competency and global perspective. Sarika has expertise working with diverse industry sectors ranging from the government, private, academia to non-profit. She applies her expertise in leadership management, strategic planning, talent management, resource acquisition, business development, learning and development, program design/delivery, community/economic development, and philanthropy.
Her work as Founder & President of Nikeya Consulting has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and engagement. She focuses on bringing the diversity pendulum back into balance and transforming the way companies approach diversity, leveraging her expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive impact.
Sarika’s work extends far beyond her consulting firm, as she is a sought-after speaker, coach, author, and podcast host. She co-authored the anthology book “Power Up, Super Women” which is a powerful testament to her commitment to women’s empowerment, She’s also the host of Diversity Straight Up podcast which brings together executives to discuss the importance of diversity in the workplace.
With her fearless spirit and relentless drive, Sarika is making waves as a true disruptor in making this world a better place by giving back. She serves on the board of several non-profits and foundations: Zach Johnson Foundation, Forever Welcome Foundation, Iowa Asian Alliance (AsianFEST) and regional United Way chapter.
Her astrological sign is a a Taurus and her name Sarika in Hindi means hummingbird, hence her mantra in life is “Hear you roar, see you soar!”
Let’s Make An Impact Now…
Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement. Nikeya Consulting delivers customized and effective solutions that deliver sustainable outcomes. Invest in your organization and tap into the power of collaborating with a reputable global firm whose values align with yours.
Iowa Targeted Small Business
SBA Women Owned Small Business
National Minority Supplier Diversity Council