The Long Game of DEI: A Conversation with Joelle Emerson

In this episode of HR Heretics, Nolan and Kelli are joined by Joelle Emerson, CEO of Paradigm, to discuss why diversity numbers aren't improving quickly in companies and the challenges in measuring DEI progress.This episode explores the complexities of measuring impact, discusses the trade-offs of long-term strategies, and offers insights for navigating the current backlash.*Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: [email protected] Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Support HR Heretics Sponsors:Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ✍️ Go to http://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/hereticsDiscover Workvivo, Zoom’s employee experience platform, designed to delight your hybrid workforce. With dynamic and intuitive features people actually like using, Workvivo fosters a sense of belonging and boosts retention and productivity. Join Ryanair, Dollar General, and Virgin — head to https://bit.ly/hrhereticsworkvivo to book a demo (tell them Kelli and Nolan sent you).This episode is brought to you by Warp. Don’t let payroll and compliance hold your startup back: visit https://joinwarp.com/peel to get started and receive a $1000 gift card when your first run payroll.KEEP UP WITH JOELLE, NOLAN, + KELLI ON LINKEDINJoelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelle-emerson-4a24225Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/—LINKS:Paradigm:https://www.paradigmiq.com/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:58) Paradigm's mission and work in diversity and inclusion (01:55) Discussion on slow progress in diversity representation (03:48) Long-term investments in diversity initiatives (06:52) Measuring progress and acknowledging small wins in DEI (10:47) Adapting DEI work in response to backlash (14:37) Importance of effective messaging in DEI efforts (14:48) Sponsors: Planful | Workvivo(17:26) Distraction from the Backlash(27:28) Sponsors: Metaview | Warp(27:55) Legal considerations and challenges in DEI work (30:51) Discussion on problematic hiring practices in DEI (34:43) Turning down clients who don't align with DEI values (36:37) The role of dedicated DEI teams in organizations (39:29) Echo chambers and polarization in DEI discussions (44:38) Trade-offs in DEI investments and hiring processes (47:38) Debate on blind auditions and diversity in hiring (49:45) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com