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The Long Game of DEI: A Conversation with Joelle Emerson

Aug 15, 2024

50:38

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Join Joelle Emerson, CEO of Paradigm, as she tackles the slow progress in corporate diversity and the complexities of measuring DEI initiatives. She discusses the importance of long-term strategies and transparency in demonstrating real impact. The conversation dives into the backlash against DEI efforts, especially in the tech industry, and emphasizes the crucial distinction between equity and equality. Joelle also shares insights on hiring practices, advocating for a thoughtful approach to foster genuine inclusivity in the workplace.

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Quick takeaways

Effective DEI initiatives require a long-term focus that balances immediate results with sustainable change across organizational culture.

Organizations must address the backlash against DEI efforts by communicating clearly the systemic benefits of diversity and inclusion.

Engaging in open, constructive dialogues around DEI fosters understanding and collaboration, facilitating meaningful progress and alignment within teams.

Deep dives

Understanding Paradigm's Approach to DEI

Paradigm focuses on enhancing organizational culture to enable all employees to thrive by creating representative teams and fair talent processes. Over a decade, the company has collaborated with over 1,500 organizations, including major tech firms, to implement inclusive practices that foster engagement and retention. Their work not only addresses immediate hiring goals but also emphasizes long-term strategies to develop a more diverse talent pool, notably through investments in historically black colleges and universities and apprenticeship programs for underrepresented groups. By designing more equitable processes, they aim to ensure all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed within their organizations.

Intro

2min

Navigating DEI Challenges in Corporations

13min

Enhancing Workforce Planning and Employee Engagement in a Hybrid World

3min

Evolving DEI: Bridging Equity and Efficiency

10min

Harnessing AI for Enhanced Hiring and Compliance Solutions

2min

Navigating Equity and DEI Challenges

16min

Reassessing Hiring Practices for Diversity and Inclusion

5min

In this episode of HR Heretics, Nolan and Kelli are joined by Joelle Emerson, CEO of Paradigm, to discuss why diversity numbers aren't improving quickly in companies and the challenges in measuring DEI progress.

This episode explores the complexities of measuring impact, discusses the trade-offs of long-term strategies, and offers insights for navigating the current backlash.

*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.co

HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.

Support HR Heretics Sponsors:

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This episode is brought to you by Warp. Don’t let payroll and compliance hold your startup back: visit https://joinwarp.com/peel to get started and receive a $1000 gift card when your first run payroll.

KEEP UP WITH JOELLE, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Joelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelle-emerson-4a24225

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

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LINKS:

Paradigm:

https://www.paradigmiq.com/

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:58) Paradigm's mission and work in diversity and inclusion

(01:55) Discussion on slow progress in diversity representation

(03:48) Long-term investments in diversity initiatives

(06:52) Measuring progress and acknowledging small wins in DEI

(10:47) Adapting DEI work in response to backlash

(14:37) Importance of effective messaging in DEI efforts

(14:48) Sponsors: Planful | Workvivo

(17:26) Distraction from the Backlash

(27:28) Sponsors: Metaview | Warp

(27:55) Legal considerations and challenges in DEI work

(30:51) Discussion on problematic hiring practices in DEI

(34:43) Turning down clients who don't align with DEI values

(36:37) The role of dedicated DEI teams in organizations

(39:29) Echo chambers and polarization in DEI discussions

(44:38) Trade-offs in DEI investments and hiring processes

(47:38) Debate on blind auditions and diversity in hiring

(49:45) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

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