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DEI: Pushback or Paradigm Shift? With Vijay Pendakur
Aug 29, 2024
Vijay Pendakur, a DEI expert and founder of Vijay Pendakur Consulting, shares insights on the current pushback against diversity initiatives. He tackles the challenge of maintaining inclusion without divisiveness and emphasizes the need for measurable ROI in DEI efforts. The conversation explores the evolving corporate responsibility towards DEI, particularly in a hybrid workforce, and the tension between AI integration and commitment to diversity in hiring practices. Vijay's candid discussion reveals a call for courageous leadership and a paradigm shift in approach.
58:56
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Quick takeaways
- Vijay Pendakur discusses the growing pushback against DEI initiatives, influenced by political pressures and shifting funding commitments, highlighting the need for sustained investment despite challenges.
- Emphasizing equity as a critical component of DEI, Pendakur advocates for its inclusion in discussions to effectively address systemic disparities within organizations.
Deep dives
Vijay Penderkor's DEI Journey
Vijay Penderkor has a rich background in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), starting his journey in 2002 in higher education. He held key positions, including Dean of Students and Presidential Advisor for Diversity at Cornell University, before transitioning into corporate roles at prominent companies like Zynga, VMware, and Salesforce. Currently, he focuses on consultancy and keynote speaking, emphasizing employee experience and teamwork. His experience has positioned him to analyze the evolving landscape of DEI, particularly in response to recent pushbacks across various sectors.
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