Your DEI Minute™

In this episode, Jamey tackles the confusion and challenges surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts—particularly in the context of recent executive orders and shifting federal climates. Jamey discusses the impact of these orders on federal agencies and government contractors, noting the chilling effect they've had on DEI programs nationwide. He highlights the widespread uncertainty they've created about which DEI initiatives are legally permissible, pushing many organizations to unnecessarily scale back their efforts out of caution or a perceived desire to comply with the current administration. Despite these challenges, Jamey reassures listeners that DEI programs remain legal and es...

In this episode of the DEI Minute, Jamey addresses the impact of recent executive orders from the Trump administration on employee resource groups (ERGs) in the workplace. The discussion opens with an important legal update—a federal judge's preliminary injunction that temporarily blocks certain aspects of these orders, particularly as they pertain to investigations of organizations running DEI programs. Despite ongoing challenges, Jamey discusses how both DEI initiatives and ERGs remain legal and essential, offering practical advice for organizations striving to maintain these groups amid legal uncertainty.

The episode dives deep into how ERGs support organizational culture an...

In this episode, Michelle discusses what it means to create an inclusive and accessible workplace for everyone—particularly focusing on supporting employees with disabilities. Michelle highlights how organizations often approach disability accommodation from a compliance standpoint, waiting for requests rather than proactively designing accessible environments. She emphasizes the positive impact of being proactive—not only does this prepare the workplace for a diverse talent pool, but it also signals to candidates and current employees that inclusion and belonging are priorities from day one.

Michelle shares practical strategies for establishing accessible spaces, such as configurable workstations, quiet rooms, and...

In this episode, Jamey tackles the crucial question of where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) should sit within an organization’s structure. Drawing on common pitfalls and practical recommendations, Jamey explains why embedding DEI as a secondary or split responsibility—often within HR—is a mistake that can undermine the initiative’s effectiveness. The episode highlights the difference between HR and DEI, emphasizing that DEI is not a compliance exercise but a strategic, culture-shaping function that deserves dedicated staffing and focus.

Jamey offers actionable advice, urging organizations to treat DEI as a core priority by assigning full-time staff an...

In this episode, Michelle covers some of the top ways to drive lasting DEI change in your organization, providing actionable insights for leaders at every stage of their diversity, equity, and inclusion journey. Drawing from extensive experience, Michelle outlines broad, mindset-shaping principles essential to making DEI efforts effective and sustainable, rather than just a box-ticking exercise. She discusses that while tactical tips for program design or policy implementation are important, actual lasting change starts with thoughtful leadership, cultural alignment, and ongoing accountability.

She also talks about the critical importance of leading by listening, being honest about their...

In this episode, Jamey dives into the landscape of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) trainings, focusing on two common pitfalls organizations encounter when implementing DEI education. Jamey emphasizes that while education should be a foundational component of any effective DEI strategy, it is often mistakenly used as a one-size-fits-all solution. The episode highlights the importance of integrating education within a broader strategy that also addresses policies, procedures, and behaviors, rather than relying solely on training sessions to create real change.

Jamey also critiques the common practice of delivering mass, all-staff DEI trainings, arguing that these large group...

In this episode, Michelle covers microaggressions in the workplace, offering a thoughtful exploration of what the term means, how microaggressions manifest, and their profound impact on individuals and organizational culture. Michelle explains that microaggressions are verbal or nonverbal slights, snubs, or insults—whether intentional or not—that communicate negative or hostile messages based on aspects of a person's identity, such as race, gender, age, or ability. She emphasizes that while these actions may seem minor or innocuous on the surface, their cumulative effect can be deeply harmful, eroding individuals’ sense of belonging and engagement at work.

Throughout the ep...

In this episode, Jamey covers the crucial topic of analytics and tracking DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) metrics in the workplace. He addresses common challenges organizations face when attempting to measure the effectiveness of their DEI initiatives, highlighting frequent mistakes like tracking either too many or too few data points, neglecting to set clear goals, and falling prey to confirmation bias. Jamey talks about the importance of finding a balance in data collection—enough to track progress meaningfully, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming and counterproductive.

He also talks about how having the right metrics al...

At a time when it feels like DEI is no longer a priority, does the data share a different story?

In this episode, MIchelle talks about the truth in what employees are look dives into the latest research on employee and employer demand for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace. She highlights compelling data from recent studies, revealing that employee interest in DEI programs is at an all-time high, matching the fervor seen in 2020, despite fluctuating headlines and changes within the federal government. Bogan walks listeners through data from leading organizations like Edelman and...

In this episode, Jamey discusses the importance of knowing how to recruit diverse talent and highlights strategies that organizations typically consider, such as forming partnerships with HBCUs, HSIs, and other underrepresented groups.

Jamey also talks about the critical need to understand and improve the internal environment to support diverse employees. Addressing internal policies and practices is key to retaining and supporting diverse talent long-term, rather than just focusing on recruitment alone. Learn why starting with internal evaluation is essential for sustainable diversity and inclusion in your workplace.

If you're interested in the resources that Michelle...

In this episode, Jamey focuses on navigating religious diversity in the workplace by highlighting the integral role that religious beliefs and practices play in many people's lives and how these elements are naturally brought into work environments. The episode also discusses the challenges organizations face, from dress codes conflicting with religious attire to dietary requirements during work events. Jamey talks about the importance of creating inclusive and respectful workspaces that accommodate religious practices, such as prayer times and religious holidays, while also considering legal implications under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which mandates accommodations for religious...

In this episode, Michelle covers the recent updates by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) concerning harassment and discrimination in the workplace. After noting an increase in allegations over the past five years, the EEOC has consolidated its guidelines to clearly define what constitutes harassment based on various facets, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The episode provides a detailed breakdown of each category, explaining what behaviors and characteristics could potentially lead to harassment or discrimination claims. Michelle emphasizes the importance of these guidelines being an integral part of HR compliance policies...

In this episode, the conversation centers around the recent executive orders under the new administration that are related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, and their impact on organizations. Michelle provides an overview of who is affected by these orders, focusing on federal agencies, contractors, and organizations receiving federal funding. She emphasizes the importance for leaders to stay informed, consulting employment attorneys to understand the implications for their specific organizations. Michelle highlights key takeaways, and how companies can begin to navigate these new orders.

The episode also covers additional mandates specific to federal agencies...

In this episode of DEI Minute, host Jamey Applegate, senior director of DEI at Equity at Work, delves into the significance of supporting transgender individuals in the workplace. The episode begins by establishing foundational definitions related to gender identity, gender expression, and the gender transition process. Applegate underscores the importance of understanding these terms to foster a supportive environment where everyone can truly be themselves and thrive professionally. Acknowledging the political and controversial nature of the topic, Applegate emphasizes the core aim of ensuring success and authenticity for all employees.

Providing practical guidance, Applegate outlines five ways...

In this episode, Michelle continues discussing the top 15 myths about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), focusing on the last seven. Michelle begins by addressing the misconception that small companies can't implement DEI initiatives. She emphasizes that regardless of size, companies can engage in cultural observances, re-evaluate inclusive policies, and establish external partnerships to enhance diversity efforts. She clarifies that DEI does not pertain to politics; rather, it focuses on putting people first and fostering an inclusive environment.

She also dismisses the notion that merely having diverse individuals on leadership teams signifies a job done in DEI, stressing...

In this episode, Michelle dives into some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. This episode kicks off a two-part series. In the first part, Michelle debunks seven common myths that organizations often encounter. These include the misconceptions that merely recruiting differently will solve DEI issues, that changing review and promotion formulas will harm business, and that DEI initiatives conflict with meritocracy. She also addresses the fears that DEI compromises employee quality or negatively targets white men, the idea that DEI is about setting quotas, and the belief that focusing on...

In this episode, Jamey talks about creating trauma-informed workplaces. He highlights the significant shift in organizational culture over recent years, emphasizing the need for companies to allow employees to bring their whole selves to work, including any trauma they've experienced. He outlines the urgency of developing a trauma-informed workplace as a key component of a prosperous, inclusive, and supportive work environment.

He also breaks down the steps to establish a trauma-informed workplace, starting with understanding trauma and its long-term impacts. He stresses the importance of empowering employees to be authentic and developing supportive policies and practices. He...

In this episode, Michelle discusses the intricacies of how organizations can determine which social issues to weigh in on, especially given the highly charged nature of today's social environment. Michelle provides a detailed framework used to help organizations navigate this complex landscape. The framework includes key questions that companies should ask themselves to ensure that their responses align with their core values, business strategy, employee promise, and stakeholder interests. Additionally, Michelle emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency between internal and external communications to avoid presenting a contradictory image to the world.

The episode serves as a practical...

In this episode, Jamey discusses the distinction between focusing on beliefs and behaviors within the context of DEI initiatives in the workplace. He talks about why DEI can be a polarizing topic, with some detractors questioning its value. Instead of getting bogged down by changing beliefs, Jamey argues for a focus on observable behaviors that can drive meaningful change. He outlines the various pitfalls of focusing on beliefs, such as inefficient use of time, allowing resistance to dictate the environment, centering the wrong aspect of workplace dynamics, and contradicting the inclusive goals of DEI.

Jamey emphasizes the...

In this episode, Michelle discusses the crucial topic of supplier diversity as an effective way to extend DEI principles beyond the internal workings of an organization and into the community. Michelle outlines six key areas to consider when developing a supplier diversity program: mission and principles, KPIs and spending, sourcing and onboarding, support and development, tier 2 suppliers, and governance. By focusing on these areas, organizations can better align their supplier diversity efforts with their overarching DEI goals, ensuring meaningful and measurable impact.

Michelle also highlights the importance of aligning with suppliers who share similar values and encourages...

In this episode, Jamey continues to talk about setting DEI goals using the SMART Plus framework. He discusses a real-world example of working with a large organization to implement unconscious bias training. By breaking down the goal into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound components, Jamey showcases how to develop and implement DEI initiatives successfully. He also emphasizes the importance of additional elements, such as accountability and DEI alignment, to ensure that goals are clearly defined and achievable within a set timeframe.

The discussion covers setting specific and measurable targets, ensuring achievable and relevant goals, and determining...

In this episode, Jamey discusses the crucial topic of setting DEI goals within organizations. He first talks about the common misstep organizations make by jumping directly into DEI programs without evaluating their current standing or readiness, and without setting clear goals to track the success of these initiatives. The episode also talks about the importance of establishing DEI goals that align with other organizational objectives and are monitored and adjusted regularly to ensure effectiveness.

Jamey introduces the SMART Plus framework for setting DEI goals, explaining the traditional SMART criteria— Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and adding elem...

In this episode, Michelle dives into the critical role of empathy within the framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She highlights the shift from traditional workplace norms that once favored emotional detachment towards a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent approach. Michelle discusses how empathy serves as a fundamental pillar for creating a psychologically safe and inclusive work environment. By understanding and sharing the feelings, experiences, and perspectives of others, leaders can foster trust and a strong sense of belonging among employees.

Michelle also outlines the different types of empathy: behavioral, cognitive, and emotional, emphasizing how each...

In this episode, Jamey dives into the concept of DEI readiness, discussing how organizations often rush into implementing flashy DEI initiatives without a deeper, data-driven strategy, which can lead to superficial changes that don't address underlying issues. Jamey outlines the importance of assessing an organization's current state before rolling out DEI programs and introduces three critical steps for achieving DEI readiness.

These steps are:

Jamey also discusses best practices for evaluating an organization's foundational culture and DEI landscape...

In our previous episode, we discussed making a business case for DEI. In this episode, we cover some metrics and examples that you can apply to your own company.

Recognizing the intricacies in articulating the benefits of DEI initiatives, Michelle outlines actionable steps to illustrate the diverse and far-reaching impacts of inclusion on your organization’s bottom line. From evaluating internal metrics like engagement and turnover rates to tracking external community involvement and volunteering efforts, Michelle provides a comprehensive guide on how exactly to measure success and areas for improvement.

Michelle also discusses how to al...

You know you need a solid DEI strategy within your company, but how do you justify the cost of adding or cultivating one?

In this episode, Michelle discusses the crucial task of building a business case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Recognizing the challenges that many organizations face in justifying and proving the value of DEI initiatives, Michelle outlines a structured approach to demonstrate the tangible benefits. She shares important metrics and examples, explaining how even small changes in gender diversity can significantly boost revenue and the performance of companies on various financial...

In this episode, Jamey dives in to the critical topic of ownership of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within an organization. Jamey talks about how everyone in the organization should feel a sense of ownership and engagement in DEI efforts, creating a collective and inclusive environment. Jamey provides a comprehensive overview of the different roles and responsibilities essential for successful DEI implementation, focusing particularly on the DEI leader, senior leadership, human resources, and compliance functions.

Jamey also stresses the importance of having a dedicated DEI leader who is part of the senior leadership team, enabling them to...

In this episode of Your DEI Minute™, host Jamey Applegate discusses the critical topic of psychological safety in the workplace. Psychological safety is the belief that one won't be punished or humiliated for speaking up, asking questions, or making mistakes. Jamey emphasizes that this concept is foundational for creating an organizational culture where employees feel secure and valued. When psychological safety is present, it can dramatically enhance innovation, productivity, and employee engagement.

Jamey also covers what it feels like to be in a psychologically safe environment, highlighting the significance of support from team members, valuing integrity and ho...

In today's episode, Michelle introduces a comprehensive DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) maturity model designed to guide organizations through DEI initiatives' systematic implementation and evolution. The model is divided into three primary stages: setting the foundation, operationalizing DEI, and expanding and enhancing DEI. Michelle discusses the importance of each stage, detailing the essential actions and cultural dependencies required to succeed. For instance, setting the foundation entails compliance-related tasks, defining DEI objectives, and establishing psychological safety, while operationalizing DEI involves integrating DEI into daily operations, policies, and communication strategies. Finally, the expansion stage focuses on continuous learning, mentorship, community outreach...

In this episode of Your DEI Minute™, Michelle Bogan, founder and CEO of Equity at Work™, discusses the fundamental components of DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—in the workplace. Michelle breaks down each element, starting with the broad and nuanced concept of diversity, which encompasses not just race, gender, and sexual orientation but also age, ethnicity, disability status, communication styles, and more. She highlights how diversity can change depending on the setting and emphasizes the importance of understanding these variations to foster a truly inclusive environment.

Moving on to equity, Michelle clarifies the often-confused terms of equity and equa...

In this first episode of Your DEI Minute™, host Michelle Bogan, founder and CEO of Equity at Work™, details a practical, five-step framework for setting up an organization's successful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program. She discusses why crucial steps must be taken to establish a solid foundation no matter where an organization is on its DEI journey.

These steps include:

Welcome to Your DEI Minute™, your go-to podcast for leaders looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace