In This Moment - A New Perspective on DEI Episode One: DEI Under Fire - Retreat or Resist?
Jan 15, 2025
Hosts Khalil and Janet dive into the turbulent landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in major corporations. They discuss recent rollbacks by companies like Meta and Amazon, emphasizing the necessity of integrating DEI into core strategies. The conversation categorizes firms into groups based on their DEI journeys and examines the influence of leadership on commitment. Listeners gain actionable advice on advocating for change in their organizations, all while underscoring the business imperative for a diverse and inclusive culture.
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Three Company Types From The 2020 DEI Rush
- Companies that rushed into DEI in 2020 fell into distinct categories: sightseers, wanderers, and journeyers.
- Those categories explain why some organizations now retreat while others persist.
Headlines Skew Perception Of A Retreat
- Negative headlines dominate social media because algorithms amplify outrage, skewing public perception of DEI trends.
- Many companies still commit to DEI, but backlash creates a misleading narrative of widespread retreat.
DEI Failed When Treated Like A Resolution
- Many DEI efforts resembled New Year's resolutions: bold at first but unsustained without structure and resources.
- Organizations abandoned DEI when they realized it requires ongoing investment and operational rigor.