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John Mattone Global
Mainline Executive Coaching ACT Podcast
Episode 321January 25, 2025

321: DEI is DOA

Rich BaronMaikel Bailey
Rich Baron & Maikel Bailey

Episode Notes

A few years back, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) were championed as the remedy for workplace inequities. It aimed to create a future where marginalized voices, justice-impacted individuals, and underrepresented communities could achieve equitable standing in a corporate world historically defined by systemic bias.

It did not work that way, not even close.

Mandatory diversity training became platforms for personal agendas, and terms like 'equity' became buzzwords used without clear definitions, which made them easy targets for criticism and left employees feeling confused or alienated rather than inspired.

CEOs are now halting their DEI initiatives due to years of 'guilt hiring' individuals with civil rights backgrounds instead of those with corporate expertise. The once hottest position in America, Chief Diversity Officer, is now viewed as nothing more than a token position with no real power to make effective organizational change.

In short, DEI turned into a barrage of unmet promises, poor communication, and the manipulative weaponization of what was intended to be a unifying concept. So why is DEI now DOA?

Join Rich and Maikel as we tackle DEI on this episode of Mainline Executive Coaching ACT.

Leaders, Lead Well!

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About the Hosts

Rich Baron

Rich Baron

Chief Operating Officer & Master Certified IL Coach

Master Certified IL Executive Coach, Lean Six Sigma, 100% Customer Retention (2006-2019)

As JMG's Chief Operating Officer and a Master Certified Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach, Rich brings diverse expertise in cultural transformation, operational leadership, and coaching leaders from emerging talent to CEOs.

Maikel Bailey

Maikel Bailey

Master Certified IL Executive Coach

Master Certified IL Executive Coach

Maikel Bailey is a Master Certified Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach with extensive experience in executive leadership, cultural transformation, and emerging leader development.

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