In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, hosts Natalie and Shanté cut through the noise around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Despite years of data proving that diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces outperform their peers, many organizations still question the need for DEI or treat it as a short-lived initiative. Natalie and Shanté revisit why DEI isn’t just a feel-good program—it’s a critical business strategy for survival, profitability, and innovation in 2025.Episode HighlightsThe Never-Ending “Why” of DEI: Why we still have to defend the business case in 2025, even though research (McKinsey, Morgan Stanley, Glassdoor) has proven DEI’s positive impact on profits, retention, and market agility.Where DEI Really Belongs: Why folding DEI into HR alone is too narrow and why DEI functions best as a change management framework that touches every corner of an organization—from people processes to product development.Retooling and Upskilling: The importance of training managers and leaders to see employees as whole people and why inclusive leadership is a learned skill, not just an instinct.The Power (and Cost) of Turnover: The true financial impact of losing talent when employees don’t feel valued and how investing in DEI can help employers retain a broader pool of talent, reduce turnover costs, and maintain brand integrity.DEI by the Numbers: A look at real data and hypothetical dollar values that illustrate how top-quartile DEI organizations out-earn and outlast their peers.Takeaways:DEI = Profitability and Innovation: From higher revenue and stronger profit margins to faster economic recoveries, the research is clear that DEI is an essential component of a successful business strategy.It’s Not an Extra Program—It’s How You Operate: DEI should be woven into the fabric of every business process, not relegated to a sideline department.Retooling Everyone, Not Just the “DEI People”: Inclusive leadership and equitable practices are skill sets all managers and employees must learn, practice, and refine.Clarity = Credibility: Companies must define why DEI matters, align it with core values, and consistently communicate that purpose to avoid employee confusion and distrust.Turnover is Costly: People problems—like high attrition—have direct bottom-line impacts, making DEI’s role in retention even more critical.Quote of the Episode“DEI isn’t just a value—it’s a strategy for survival. It’s a mindset shift in how we run our businesses every single day.” — Natalie NorfusFollow & Connect with us:Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/. Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/. Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/. Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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