Did diversity ever work ... at work?

This podcast episode explores the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace, interviewing experts to discuss their effectiveness and the recent backlash against them. The discussion traces the historical evolution of DEI from legal compliance to corporate social responsibility, highlighting the shift from initial optimism to current criticisms of performative actions. Experts point out that while some companies are doubling down on DEI, others are scaling back due to political pressure and concerns about effectiveness. The episode concludes by emphasizing the need for structural change and accountability, rather than relying solely on superficial initiatives, to achieve genuine equity. One example given is the ineffectiveness of implicit bias training.