With a legacy shaped by over two decades at The Coca-Cola Company, Ingrid Watkins has long been a leader in championing supplier diversity and advancing inclusive business practices. In 2017, she launched IW Consulting Group to help organizations build and optimize supplier diversity programs that open doors for historically underrepresented communities.

Over the course of her 15-year tenure dedicated to supplier inclusion at Coca-Cola, Ingrid progressed from communications manager to senior sourcing manager. Along the way, she established herself as a trusted expert, known for bridging corporate goals with equitable opportunities.

Outside the boardroom, Ingrid holds her role as a mother and grandmother close to her heart. She beams when speaking of her grown twins and her grandchild, affectionately calling herself “Lovee.” “They are beautiful reflections of who I am, and being with them brings me joy beyond words,” she shares.

Ingrid’s commitment to equity has been consistent throughout her life. As a social advocate for racial justice and fairness, her career has focused on creating access for underrepresented communities across industries.

The Genesis of IW Consulting Group

Reflecting on the early days of IW Consulting Group, Ingrid recalls a pivotal moment during her last role at Coca-Cola. “We went from seven team members down to three, but the expectations didn’t change,” she says. That experience highlighted the lack of external support for supplier diversity professionals. Recognizing this gap, she seized the opportunity to build a firm that could step in with strategic guidance, tools, and expertise. “I wanted to help businesses launch and elevate their supplier diversity programs in a way that was both sustainable and impactful.”

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship came with important realizations. One of the most powerful, Ingrid says, was the value of cultivating your professional brand beyond the job title. “No matter how accomplished you are in your corporate role, your reputation and relationships in the broader industry are what sustain you,” she explains. “Being respected outside your company is vital.”

While Ingrid takes pride in her corporate achievements, she finds even deeper fulfillment in the independence and impact that entrepreneurship brings. “There’s nothing like building something from the ground up, on your own terms,” she reflects.

A Leadership Style That Elevates Others

Ingrid describes her leadership style as hands-on and deeply collaborative. “I lead by educating, mentoring, and investing in my team,” she says. When interns express an interest in pursuing supplier diversity as a career, she takes the opportunity to share insights generously. “I’m not about titles and hierarchy. We work side by side to achieve excellence, and I make sure every person knows their contributions matter.”

That sense of inclusion, paired with high expectations and meaningful rewards, helps foster a motivated and dedicated team. “We’re in a competitive field, but I believe in pushing for results while also valuing and uplifting the people doing the work,” she adds.

What Fuels the Mission

Each day, Ingrid rises with a clear sense of purpose. “There are still communities that face barriers to opportunity, and I know that the work we do helps break down those walls,” she says. From increasing access to corporate contracts for minority-owned businesses to creating spaces for honest conversations around equity, her focus remains on driving real change.

For Ingrid, her motivation is personal and generational. “I want my granddaughter to grow up in a world that treats her fairly, where she doesn’t have to face the same biases I did,” she says. “That’s why I show up every day. Not just for me, but for the next generation.”

Redefining What Success Means

Ingrid takes a day-by-day approach to measuring success. “I believe in setting daily goals and staying adaptable,” she explains. “Success isn’t always about long-term forecasts. It’s about progress no matter how small.”

She also understands that the business landscape can shift overnight. “When George Floyd’s death sparked a corporate reckoning, we quickly pivoted to meet the rising demand for DEI training and consulting. Flexibility keeps us relevant and helps us serve our clients with clarity.”

Looking Ahead

IW Consulting Group continues to stand out for its deep expertise in supplier diversity and its commitment to inclusive business practices. “We remain focused on delivering actionable strategies that reflect both our real-world experience and industry best practices,” Ingrid says.

Her goal for the future is simple: to continue exceeding expectations and becoming a long-term partner for organizations looking to lead with integrity and inclusion. “Our work speaks for itself. That’s what will sustain us.”