Désirée Kogevinas, CEO “To stay true to our vision, its essential to stay with what is in our heart, that’s what matters, we can’t go wrong following our hearts— we’re speaking our truth.”

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, encouraging mental health and resilience has become essential for companies seeking to thrive amidst uncertainty. At the forefront of this movement is The DK, a trailblazing business led by CEO Désirée Kogevinas. With a deep belief in the transformative power of trauma-informed approaches, Désirée has reimagined corporate wellness as a dynamic strategy that enhances both individual well-being and organizational strength. Drawing from years of experience from its diverse team of experts made up of therapists and coaches, each with a corporate background, The DK offers a unique, results-driven model that begins with a Resilience Audit. This comprehensive evaluation assesses the mental and emotional readiness of both leadership and employees to navigate crises, identifying areas of vulnerability that could hinder growth and productivity. By addressing employee wellness from a top-down perspective, the company ensures lasting change that permeates every level of the organization.

The DK’s core services are designed to tackle the challenges of modern workplaces, with specialized offerings for employee mental health and wellness. These are tailored for each company’s needs and range from psychoeducation to individual trauma reduction and include emotional intelligence training for leadership. Only then are wellness skills and tools taught, for only then can they be lasting, once dealt with. The DK’s “Happiness in Wellness” program addresses physical, mental, emotional, and environmental wellness and also offers employees’ tools to practice. These programs not only mitigate and prevent the impact of trauma but also empower leaders to promote healthier, more resilient work environments. Companies make an investment with The DK. Because The DK interventions help employees become happier and healthier, the workforce becomes more productive, and profits increase, with financial benefits for the companies. The ripple effect on the workplace environment is considerable. Beyond its immediate corporate impact, The DK’s adaptable economic model underscores its broader mission: creating positive change that extends beyond businesses to communities and individuals. With a clear vision and innovative tools, the company is reshaping the way organizations approach mental health and resilience, ensuring that success is built on a foundation of well-being and strength. For a detailed overview of the services offered, please refer to The DK flyer online.

In conversation with Désirée Kogevinas, CEO of The DK

Q. As a woman leading a global wellness initiative, what unique perspectives or challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your leadership style?

Over the years, I’ve seen a shift in society’s effort to embrace gender equality, though I believe it’s still evolving. Personally, my journey has been complex—I thought looks and charm helped earlier in my career, but it’s our vision and what’s in our hearts that matter. I may be wrong, but I believe─ I have had to work harder than certain male colleagues, but those experiences shaped my leadership style. I firmly believe meaningful change takes time, often spanning generations, and I focus on contributing to that transformation.

Q. How does The DK measure ROI for its wellness programs, and can you share any notable success stories or case studies?

The 4:1 ROI ratio, validated by the World Health Organization, underpins our approach. For every dollar invested in mental health, companies receive $4 in return. This is just the beginning of the value we deliver. We operate on three pillars: addressing trauma, enhancing employee wellness, and building corporate resilience. In times of crisis—think COVID—but also those internal crises that can be demoralizing and draining—we help companies build a graceful flexibility. Examples of internal crises of the retirement of a pillar of the company, be they senior or not, a suicide or a hostile takeover.

We help companies build agility and resilience to be prepared not only for times of obvious global crisis. Our emotional intelligence training equips leaders to make poised decisions during adversity, turning challenges into growth opportunities. A notable example includes a partnership where our interventions led to measurable productivity gains and an adaptive, competitive workforce.

Q. The DK model emphasizes resilience. Why is it vital for modern workplaces, and how do your interventions foster it among employees?

Resilience is critical because workplaces today face an unrelenting wave of crises, from pandemics to geopolitical events. While everyone reels from unexpected shocks, resilience determines how quickly we bounce back. We equip employees with practical tools to enhance their individual resilience, creating a thriving corporate culture. Leaders undergo emotional intelligence training to ensure their decisions are rooted in self-awareness rather than fear. This cultivates corporate resilience, which not only mitigates risks but also presents opportunities for growth.

Q. What role does leadership play in driving sustainable employee wellness, and how do you support leaders in embodying a wellness-first approach?

Leadership is pivotal because employees look up to their leaders, whether they like them or not. That’s why it’s essential for CEOs and leadership teams to adopt and champion wellness-first values. We help leaders build self-awareness and emotional intelligence, enabling them to lead authentically and effectively. Our approach tackles the root causes of employee mental health issues, which often manifest as anxiety, depression, or addiction. By addressing these underlying issues, we help leaders create a culture of genuine and durable wellness. Self-care and consideration for others replace self-sabotage and gossip, as employees get better—the entire company becomes more functional, productive, and profitable.

Q. With your 4:1 ROI approach, how do you communicate the financial and ethical benefits of wellness investments to hesitant decision-makers?

We emphasize the undeniable business case for wellness investments, supported by the 4:1 ROI metric. Beyond financial gains, we highlight the ethical imperative of addressing underlying issues and promoting mental health, as it directly impacts individuals’ well-being and organizational efficiency. Our success stories demonstrate how addressing these issues lead to transformative results for individuals and companies alike.

Q. The DK Wellness Collective Team is diverse. How do their unique skill sets enhance your programs, and what is your vision for the team’s growth?

The DK team is structured yet flexible, comprising therapists, coaches, and specialists brought on for specific missions. This diversity enriches our programs, allowing us to adapt to unique client needs. As a global offering, I foresee growing demand, enabling us to replicate successful teams worldwide. I hope to include even more innovative elements—such as equine therapy for select projects and an EMDR therapist as part of each core team. My vision is to remain adaptable while maintaining the core expertise and values that set us apart.

Q. As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated field, what advice would you give to women aspiring to lead in wellness or corporate strategy?

Know what you want to do and pursue it with clarity and determination. It’s essential to silence any external noise and stay true to your vision. I also believe in a trauma-informed world where children learn about trauma and compassion from an early age. A world like this would not only be an understanding and empathetic world—it would also empower future generations to lead with kindness and purpose.

Meet the leader behind the success of The DK

Désirée Kogevinas, CEO

Désirée Kogevinas is a dynamic leader at the helm of The DK, bringing a nuanced blend of introspection and connectivity to the world of corporate wellness. With a lifelong fascination for exploration and creativity, Désirée balances her natural inclination for meaningful connections with the reflective solitude that fuels her innovative thinking. Her professional motto is rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, nurturing teamwork while recognizing the profound insights that emerge in moments of quiet contemplation. Under her leadership, The DK thrives as a collaborative team committed to transforming corporate environments through tailored wellness strategies.

Désirée’s ability to integrate her personal and professional values allows her to inspire both creativity and connection, driving impactful wellness solutions for organizations and individuals alike.

“Our emotional intelligence training equips leaders to make poised decisions during adversity, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.” 

“While everyone reels from unexpected shocks, resilience determines how quickly we bounce back. We equip employees with practical tools to enhance their individual resilience. They can use these in all areas of their lives – wellness and resilience are closely connected for them.