In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie are fired up, and for good reason.
It’s time to have a real conversation about what it actually takes to lead DEI in an organization. Spoiler alert: Good intentions and lived experience alone aren’t enough.
We unpack the all-too-common trend of companies placing well-meaning but under-resourced employees, often women of color, into DEI roles with little support, no training, and sky-high expectations. This episode explores why DEI is a business function that deserves the same rigor, expertise, and strategic leadership as finance, sales, or operations.
Here’s what we cover:
• Why lived experience alone doesn’t equal DEI expertise
• The critical skills every DEI leader needs: strategy, collaboration, project management, data fluency, and comms savvy
• The hidden burnout crisis behind “volunteer” DEI committees
• What companies risk by underestimating the role, from stalled progress to real liability
• What to look for when hiring a true DEI quarterback (hint: it’s more than passion)
• Why strong communication and storytelling matter more than ever in advancing the work
Whether you’re in the C-suite or currently serving on a DEI committee with no clear roadmap, this episode is your wake-up call to do better, for the sake of your people and your business.
Follow & 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/.
We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. 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.
