In a corporate world increasingly defined by its social responsibilities, integrating purpose and social innovation into business strategy has become more than a trend – it’s a necessity. Companies today are judged not only by their profits but also by the impact they have on society. Kim Dabbs, Global Vice President of ESG and Social Innovation at Steelcase, championed the idea of businesses making a social impact long before it became a mainstream expectation. With her experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, Kim brings a unique perspective on how businesses can drive positive change while remaining competitive.

Dabbs’ deep commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, both in the workplace and beyond, is vividly captured in her book, You Belong Here. She explores the critical role that belonging plays in personal and professional environments, advocating for the creation of inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive. Through the exploration of identity and the outsider experience, her work is poignant and personal as much as it is practical and actionable. 

Could you share your journey from starting out in arts programs to your current role in corporate sustainable innovation? I’m curious about the evolution from writing your book to continually finding purpose in your life.

I’ve always believed that topics like equity, education and the environment go beyond just a career – they’re personal. For me, they have been my reason for being long before entering the workforce. As for purpose, I used to think it was one fixed thing. But I’ve realised it evolves over time, shaped by the impact you can have and the scope of what’s possible. During COVID, I had a moment to reflect and ask myself, “What’s my purpose?” When you strip away all the identities we hold, purpose has always centred on belonging. How do we really find that for ourselves? How do we find that for others? How do we design for that? That’s where I’ve chosen to spend my time and my days and years exploring, both personally and professionally.

How do you navigate your values in both your personal and professional spheres, especially when the two seem to collide?

Whilst I keep my personal and professional lives very separate, my values stay the same on both sides. How I achieve those values varies daily depending on the work that I’m doing and the strategies that I’m building.

“Values are not just concepts; they are lived experiences.”

It’s an ongoing process. It’s about understanding that these values are not just concepts; they are lived experiences. Whether I’m working on equity and inclusion at Steelcase or talking to my children about their experiences in the world, my core values remain consistent. They guide my decisions and my actions in both realms. When those values collide, it’s usually a sign that something needs to be realigned, either in my approach or within the systems I’m part of.

How do you maintain a balance between the two, especially given the demands of your role at Steelcase?

Balance is a tricky concept because it suggests that there’s a perfect equilibrium to be achieved, and I don’t think that’s realistic. Instead, I think of it as a constant recalibration. There are times when work takes precedence because the impact we can make is so immediate and urgent. Other times, I need to shift my focus to my personal life, whether that’s for my own well-being or to be present for my family. The key is being mindful and intentional about where my energy goes and recognising when I need to shift focus.

You’ve been involved in a lot of initiatives that focus on equity, education and sustainability. Is there one project that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m really proud of our work with the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT). This initiative is all about creating opportunities for young people from underrepresented communities. We’re not just providing resources; we’re co-creating programs with these communities, which makes the impact so much more meaningful. It’s a great example of how we can align business goals with social impact, and it’s something that continues to inspire me every day.

How do you overcome the challenges of driving social innovation within a large corporation like Steelcase?

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that social innovation isn’t seen as a side project but as an integral part of the business strategy. It’s about embedding these initiatives into the core of what we do, so they become fundamental to our success rather than mere add-ons. This requires a lot of internal advocacy, building partnerships across different teams, and showing the tangible benefits of these efforts – not just in terms of social impact but also in driving business growth.