Navigating Reverse Discrimination: Addressing Concerns of Those Who Feel Diversity Targets are Working Against Them

Following the 6th IFSEA International Conference on Executive & Founder Issues in June 2025, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, ‘Navigating Reverse Discrimination: Addressing Concerns of Those Who Feel Diversity Targets are Working Against Them’. Listen to the recording here and see below for further details. In this brilliant episode, the IFSEA annual conference panellists examine the legal frameworks, workplace practices and cultural contexts that shape evolving debates around equality and inclusion in the UK, Sweden and the US. This is essential listening for senior executives and founders seeking to lead inclusively while mitigating legal and reputational risk. - Carl-Frederik Hedenström, CFH Law (Sweden) (Chair) - Claire Dawson, BDBF (UK) - Camille Olson, Seyfarth Shaw (Chicago & California, USA) In particular, the panel discuss: - What can we understand reverse discrimination to mean? - Different jurisdictional approaches to positive action and affirmative action - The ways in which particular contexts, such as political shifts and systemic bias, can influence leadership and employer policies and best practice - How do these conversations underscore the tension between equality of treatment and actual equity in recruitment and representation? - The importance of balancing legal compliance with cultural and reputational considerations We also thank Regan O’Driscoll of Simmons & Simmons LLP (Ireland), who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights.