The Truth About Equity: A Conversation with Celeste Warren

Oct 27, 2025

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🎙 The Truth About Equity: A Conversation with Celeste Warren
Guest: Celeste R. Warren — DEI Consultant, Global HR Leader, Speaker, Author

Today on the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with the incredible Celeste R. Warren, a trailblazing voice in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. With nearly four decades of global HR and DEI leadership under her belt, Celeste brings the kind of insight that moves conversations from theory to transformation.

She’s the author of The Truth About Equity: What It Really Is, What It Isn’t, And Why Everyone Wins When We Get It Right — a powerful guide that unpacks equity with clarity, compassion, and practical action.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ Why equity is misunderstood — and how we can reframe it as a win for all
✅ The “Rocks and Fence” analogy that shifts perspectives in minutes
✅ The real difference between equality and equity — and how fairness bridges the two
✅ Why “meritocracy” doesn’t work unless equity comes first
✅ How Celeste’s bold leadership reshaped Merck’s culture — and inspired global change
✅ Actionable ways leaders and teams can overcome the equity disconnect

We also dive into Celeste’s personal journey — from fighting for equal pay as a young reporter to becoming a respected thought leader in the corporate DEI world.

🎧 Interview Highlights:

How did Celeste go from navigating pay gaps to leading DEI globally?
What keeps people resistant to the idea of equity, and how do we change that?
Why equity isn’t preferential treatment — and how to explain it clearly
What’s one quick, meaningful step any leader can take to bridge the gap?

🔗 Connect with Celeste Warren
🌐 Website: crwdiversity.com
💼 LinkedIn: Celeste Warren
📧 Email: celeste@celestewarrenconsulting.com

📘 Grab her book: The Truth About Equity – available wherever books are sold.

Don't miss this conversation if you're serious about building a workplace where everyone can thrive. Celeste’s practical wisdom will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to lead better.

🎙 Subscribe to the Breakfast Leadership Show for more interviews with today’s top thought leaders in workplace culture, leadership, and purpose-driven performance.