Ripple Effect Leader Spotlight: Detrek Cooper

One thing I love about Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are the opportunities they present for leadership development. Especially for folks who are earlier in their career. These tend to be some of the most promising future leaders in those businesses who bring an infectious amount of passion and commitment to their work.

Detrek Cooper is no exception. To me Detrek is joy, light, laughter, integrity and heart. I had the pleasure getting to know Detrek as he brought me in to speak during SAP’s Global “Path to Allyship” event during Pride month this year. His thoughtful communication style, attention to detail and ability to get stuff done were impressive, which made him a pleasure to work with.

He’s high on my list of people doing amazing work who probably aren’t getting enough recognition. That’s why I’m extra pleased to offer this acknowledgement and spotlight for Detrek Cooper, Customer Success Partner and Pride@SAP Education & Awareness Global Co-Lead.

What would you like our readers to know about you?

With a background in education, I’m an educator in everything that I do. This means that I am a huge advocate for learning and furthering your education. This value has pushed me to become the best version of myself and to continue to grow. It has also helped me become a better leader in the work that I do both as a Customer Success Partner and with Pride@SAP.

I'm also someone who really leads with people-centered interactions. I value how my conversations with people have impacted them whether it’s in the professional or personal context.  

What’s important and meaningful to you about your work?

The most valuable part of the work that I do as the Pride@SAP Education & Awareness Global Co-Lead, is having the opportunity to expand perspectives through education. 

Whether it’s creating learning modules, providing resources, or simply through dialogue, I’m a firm believer of “when you know better, you do better”.

Having the opportunity to identify or define what “better” means and tailoring a multi-sensory learning approach that meets the needs of diverse learners to support their end goal, brings me much joy. 

What does it mean to “bring your authentic self” to work? How do you practice this?

I feel like it's hard to even navigate what your authentic self is. Because I think that as individuals, we're constantly growing. I’d love to speak to some things you need to bring your authentic self to work. I think that is primarily centered around creating a safe space in which multiple perspectives are welcomed. 

To create that space, I try to build connection and rapport, so I’ll ask whoever I'm talking to things like, “Hey, how's your day going?” or “How are you feeling?” or “What support do you need?” I don't think that you will ever really know what someone else may need without asking them.

I practice authenticity by creating an environment in which I can show up as my authentic self and welcome others to do the same. Taking the time to reflect on “Who I am vs. The version I want others to see” – really supports this process for me. 

What is your definition of leadership?

I believe that leadership first requires empathy and identifying the needs of those around you, which can only be done through allowing others the space to advocate for themselves. Then you can work together to identify what resources and support is needed to ensure their success.

I also think it's important to lead by example, especially during a time when our social climate tells us who we “should” become, rather than who we’d “like to” become.

How has your coming out journey and/or identity strengthened who you are as a leader? 

My journey has helped me realize the importance of leading with kindness. In a world in which it’s so incredibly difficult to show up as your best self, I realize that life is a journey that does not come with instructions and “if you want to see people for who they truly are, all you have to do is look.”

Additionally, it has helped me realize the strength needed to walk tall in who you are and what you believe in as an individual. The most important labels that we’ll have in life, are the ones that we decide to give ourselves, which has allowed me to tap into that vulnerability to find the strength needed to work towards growth. 

What is something you still struggle with as a leader who identifies as LGBTQ+?

The challenge that I have as an LGBTQ+ leader is wanting to represent a broader community without invalidating the different lived intersectional experiences of those who are a part of the community. 

My experiences are limited, so I find it extremely important to create platforms to highlight intersectional identities within our own community. 

It’s not necessarily something I struggle with, but something I’m always working on is being an ally to other people within the LGBTQ+ community. We’re stronger together and need to do everything we can to support each other. 

What resources do you tap into for support?

This is an area that I am continuously developing in. For now, mental health check-ins with friends, therapy sessions, and self-appointed mentors are things that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful.=

Most importantly, being coachable and practicing introspection are values that I find to be both meaningful and impactful towards my success. 

Tell us about something you’re especially proud of - work or non-work related.

I’m not a braggadocious person, so this question is a little hard for me. I’m really proud of the event I helped put together for Pride month. There’s a lot of work that goes into this behind the scenes, and it’s all on top of my day job. 

Our theme was “Path to Allyship” and while we have some amazing programs internally at SAP, it’s always great to hear from outside perspectives. Bringing you in to speak added so much value to the work we’re already doing and really helped expand people’s mindsets. 

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For more information about the QueeHR community we’re building, you can visit my community page and request to join our LinkedIn group. Each spotlight recipient is someone who embodies the core Ripple Effect Leadership values of vulnerability, kindness, empathy, curiosity and humility.