Creating Opportunities for Diverse Talent in Business

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-02-17

Let me tell you about Graci. His story isn't just inspiring—it's a masterclass in spotting potential where others see none. Growing up in Angola, he developed this deep appreciation for creativity and community that would shape everything he did later. It's that foundation, mixed with his natural entrepreneurial spirit, that first pulled him toward music and then toward projects that gave young people real opportunities. From participating in talent competitions to collaborating with major companies like Ubisoft, every step confirmed what Graci already knew: talent exists everywhere, but it doesn't always get noticed. And that's where the real work begins. ### Building Bridges Between Creativity and Business Today, through Kleurrijk Entertainment, Graci is building something special. It's a multicultural platform that connects creative minds with companies that genuinely want fresh ideas and diverse perspectives. Think of it as a bridge—one that doesn't just exist, but actively helps people cross from where they are to where they could be. He talks about what it feels like to constantly have to fight for opportunities. It's exhausting, honestly. But more than that, it's inefficient. When talented people spend their energy just getting in the door, they have less left to actually create something amazing once they're inside. ### Why Trust Changes Everything for Young Talent Here's something Graci emphasizes that really stuck with me: trust isn't just nice to have—it's crucial. For young talent especially, that first show of faith can make all the difference. It's the difference between playing it safe and taking that bold creative risk that might just revolutionize your industry. - Organizations often say they want diversity, but their processes don't support it - Mentorship matters more than most companies realize - Real inclusion means creating space for different approaches, not just different faces "The problem isn't finding talent," Graci explains. "It's creating environments where that talent can actually thrive." ### Where Organizations Get Diversity Wrong This is where things get really interesting. According to Graci, many organizations approach diversity backwards. They focus on checking boxes rather than building genuine connections. They want the benefits of diverse perspectives without doing the work to understand where those perspectives come from. It's like trying to grow a garden without understanding what different plants need to thrive. Some need more sun, others need specific soil conditions. If you treat them all the same, you'll only get a fraction of what's possible. The companies that get it right? They're not just looking for diverse hires—they're building ecosystems where different backgrounds and experiences actually enhance each other. They understand that true innovation happens at the intersections, where different ways of thinking collide and create something entirely new. ### What This Means for Entrepreneurs If you're building something—whether it's a small business or a major corporation—Graci's insights apply directly to you. Creating opportunities isn't just about being nice. It's about being smart. When you open your doors to talent from all backgrounds, you're not just doing good—you're giving your business access to perspectives and ideas you literally couldn't get any other way. Think about your own hiring practices. Are you looking in the same places everyone else is? Are you using the same criteria? Sometimes, the most talented person for the job doesn't look like what you expect. They might not have the traditional background or the expected credentials. But they might bring exactly what your organization needs to break through to the next level. Graci's work reminds us that opportunity creation isn't passive. You don't just announce you're open for business and wait. You build the pathways. You create the connections. You actively look for talent in places others ignore. And when you find it, you invest in it—not just with opportunities, but with the trust and support that lets that talent truly shine. That's how you don't just find diverse talent. That's how you help create the next generation of innovators who will change everything.