214 - The anti-DEI push, RTO mandates, and is HR tech losing its way?

We talked about the growing backlash against DEI initiatives and why companies are scaling back their commitment, the potential hidden agendas behind RTO mandates, and the current frustrations with HR tech. ----  Submit the craziest request you’ve ever gotten in HR. Buy tickets for MPL Live Boston. ----  Timestamps: (08:11) The anti-DEI movement (14:23) Did DEI programs scale too quickly post-2020? (18:29) The role of activists in influencing corporate DEI rollbacks (26:07) Are RTO mandates being used to justify workforce reductions? (29:25) The impact of return-to-office policies (36:58) The growing frustration with HR tech—why is it failing? (45:42) Has AI-driven HR tech delivered on its promises? (50:17) Are legacy HR systems holding companies back? (57:00) The college admissions debate and perceptions of fairness in hiring (01:05:44) One-word close ----  📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn