Episode Title:
When diversity gets left behind: DEI failures in tech
👤 Guest: Mahima Sukhdev, Chief Growth Officer, GIST Impact
Mahima works at the intersection of sustainability, equity, and technology - helping organisations measure their real-world impact through data and analytics.
🧠 Episode summary: In this episode, host Paddy Dhanda explores how the tech industry’s failure to prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has led to deeper systemic issues - from biased algorithms to inaccessible products. Mahima help us to shine a light how impact measurement can drive accountability, why DEI is still treated as optional, and what it will take to shift the narrative.
💡 Key topics:
- Why DEI is still seen as a “nice to have” in tech
- The difference between intention metrics and impact metrics
- How flawed metrics can lead to flawed behaviours
- Real-world examples of product failures due to lack of diversity
- The role of ESG frameworks in driving DEI accountability
- What individuals can do to challenge bias in the workplace
- How AI is accelerating social impact measurement
📌 Notable quotes:
“Until you put the right data into the hands of decision makers, you’re not going to shift the system.”
“DEI done badly is a reputational risk. Done well, it’s a strategic advantage.”
“Checking your bias isn’t a burden - it’s a way to be present.”
