The Grow Up Episode: DEI’s Coming of Age

The Speakeasier podcast is back, kicking off an exciting new series. After a year-long break, Asad, CEO of The Unmistakables, sits down with Eli, inclusion executive at The Unmistakables, to explore the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Fresh off the launch of The Grow Up report, which captures the views of 2,400 people across the UK and offers a clear picture of what’s really happening with DEI today, Eli shares insights on the profound changes and new challenges shaping this critical business agenda.

The Landscape of DEI: What’s Changed?

Over the past year, the DEI landscape has undergone significant shifts and challenges. Political backlash, particularly in the US, has triggered high-profile rollbacks and increased scrutiny. Corporate responses have varied widely. Some companies, like Target, have scaled back their DEI efforts, drawing public criticism, while others, such as Deloitte, are adopting region-specific approaches that reflect a more fragmented and complex global DEI environment.

Navigating the Complexities

DEI remains an inherently complex field, with organisations struggling to find their footing amidst a myriad of cultural, social, and political influences. Eli points out how many companies and individuals are still trying to understand where they fit in the broader DEI conversation. The complexity is heightened by ongoing generational and societal shifts.

During the episode, the layered nature of identity, privilege, and meritocracy are discussed with Asad and Eli sharing personal anecdotes that illuminate how these factors shape experiences and perceptions. They explore how these aspects intersect and influence interactions both within organisations and across society. 

Findings from "The Grow Up" Report

Eli and Asad unpack some of the most compelling insights from The Grow Up report, which surveyed over 2,400 people across the UK. They highlight that more than half of the British public believe companies prioritising DEI are more likely to grow and succeed. However, they also explore the nuances behind this perception, noting that organisations must carefully navigate challenges such as concerns about tokenism while striving for genuine representation.

The Road Ahead: From Fear to Growth

As organisations strive to integrate DEI into their core strategies, the report emphasises the need for transparency and understanding. Eli encourages leaders to ask critical questions about their organisation's DEI practices and who they serve, both internally and externally. The aim is to shift the narrative from DEI as an 'add-on' to an embedded business imperative that drives growth and relevance.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Speakeasier podcast episode serves as both a reflection and a call to action. By fostering a deeper understanding and opening lines of communication, organisations can move beyond fear and leverage DEI for the betterment of more people and society and growth. 

The Grow Up report offers a practical guide for businesses to reassess and refine their DEI approaches in an ever-changing landscape.

For those interested in further insights, the full report is available for download here from The Unmistakables website. Eli concludes the episode with a reminder that understanding, growth, and relevance in the DEI space begins by asking the right questions and listening to the voices that often go unheard.