A New Understanding of DEI in the Workplace

Career strategist and diversity consultant Bridget Baggett breaks down what's really happening in DEI beyond the headlines and political talking points.

With recent executive orders, shifting company priorities, and a national conversation that’s as heated as ever, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are evolving in ways that impact every professional, whether they realize it or not.

In this episode of Control Your Career, I sit down with career strategist and diversity consultant Bridget Baggett to break down what’s really happening in the world of DEI, beyond the headlines and political talking points. We approached this conversation with intention, research, and respect, aiming to give listeners across perspectives the facts and nuance needed to make sense of these changes.

DEI Is More Than Hiring

Too often, DEI gets reduced to recruiting quotas or hiring preferences. Bridget makes it clear: DEI is woven into company culture, mission, values, and policies. When it’s removed, it affects more than just the talent pipeline, it shifts how an organization operates and how it’s perceived by employees and customers alike.

Executive Orders and Their Ripple Effect

In January 2025, new executive orders altered federal expectations for DEI initiatives, creating ripple effects across industries. We unpack what these orders actually say, who they impact (and who they don’t), and why some companies chose to pull back DEI programs, only to quietly bring them back months later when they saw hits to hiring and revenue.

Bias Isn’t Always Obvious

We also tackle the myth that “merit-based hiring” solves bias. While it sounds great in theory, both Bridget and I share why bias still creeps in, from the schools candidates attended to the personal connections they have inside the company. We explore how “likability” often outweighs qualifications, and why that’s a bigger factor than most people realize.

DEI Beyond Race

Diversity isn’t just about race. It’s gender, ability, mental health, religion, and other differences that shape how people experience work. Ignoring those dimensions means missing opportunities to create truly inclusive workplaces and companies that understand this are the ones that thrive.

When DEI Misses the Mark

We don’t shy away from the harder truths, including how poorly delivered DEI training can create division instead of understanding. Implementation matters, and so does building trust before asking employees to have vulnerable conversations.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered:

• What the recent DEI policy changes actually mean
• How removing DEI impacts more than just hiring
• Why bias is harder to eliminate than we think
• What companies can do to foster inclusion without performative programs

Whether you’re skeptical about DEI or you’re worried about its future, this conversation will give you a deeper, more balanced understanding of what’s at stake.

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