Is Everyone in the Room?

Episode 26 - Navigating the Shifting Tides—What’s Next?

As the landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) continues to shift, we find ourselves at a crossroads. With increasing resistance, funding cuts, and political backpedaling, what does the future of DEI in workplaces and society look like? How do we move forward strategically while staying true to the principles of equity and justice? Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session on Navigating the Shifting Tides—What’s Next?, where we will explore: * Understanding the global shifts impacting DEI in workplaces and beyond * Strategies for sustaining equity work amidst political and corporate resistance * Navigating the tension between moral integrity and financial realities * How we organize and communicate effectively in this climate Our speakers, Jeff Kwasi Klein [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-kwasi-klein-128020138/] & Chisom Udeze [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chisomudeze/] will explore the complexities of the current climate, the evolving language of DEI, and practical strategies for resilience, adaptation, and collective action. This conversation will not shy away from the hard truths—it will be a space to grapple with the challenges, reflect on what’s at stake, and chart a path forward.

Episode 25 - Bridging the Generational Gap

In today’s evolving workplace, five generations are working side by side—each shaped by different historical, social, and technological contexts. While generational diversity can be a source of innovation and strength, it can also lead to misunderstandings, biases, microaggressions and communication gaps that hinder collaboration. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session on Bridging the Generational Gap, where we will explore: Intergenerational Dynamics: How different generations perceive work, leadership, and inclusion—and how these perspectives shape workplace culture. 🔹 Challenging Assumptions: The pitfalls of generational labeling and how to foster dialogue that respects lived experiences rather than reinforcing biases. 🔹 Bridging the Divide: Practical strategies for building workplaces where knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and psychological safety allow individuals across generations to thrive. 🔹 The Future of Work: How organizations can create inclusive policies and cultures that respond to shifting generational expectations, from career development to flexibility and purpose-driven work. Join us for this discussion featuring Chisom Udeze, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chisomudeze/] Charlie Fonda and Sarah Campbell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahccampbell/].

Episode 23 - Is DEI dead? Rationale For and Against

Our 'Is Everyone in the Room?' podcast is a global platform dedicated to fostering open conversations and learning around equity, and inclusion in workplaces and communities worldwide.  Since 2020, these monthly sessions have brought together professionals, leaders, and advocates from across the globe to explore best practices, share personal experiences, and discuss actionable strategies for creating more inclusive environments. These sessions serve as a space for collective growth, critical reflection, and meaningful dialogue in society.  We are beginning 2025 with a topic that is more relevant than ever: Is DEI Dead? Rationale For and Against  As organizations across industries grapple with changing societal expectations, economic pressures, and political polarization, the relevance and future of DEI initiatives are under scrutiny on a global scale. In this climate of increasing pushback against DEI initiatives, from budget cuts to critiques of their effectiveness, the question looms large: is DEI as a framework for change still relevant?  Critics argue that DEI has become a checkbox exercise, stripped of its transformative potential, while advocates contend that it’s more critical than ever as organizations navigate systemic inequities and social tensions.  This month, we confront the hard truths and polarizing opinions around DEI:  ✔ Is DEI failing, or are we failing DEI?  ✔ How do organizations strike a balance between accountability and impact?  ✔ What does the future of workplace equity look like in the face of resistance and fatigue?  This session is designed to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and inspire action.  Join our speakers Chisom Udeze and Dr. Poornima Luthra as they tackle these critical issues head-on, offering space for constructive debate and shared learning.

Episode 22 - Intersectionality & Privilege

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team. This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. Intersectionality is a term coined by Professor Kimberley Crenshaw. It is an analytical framework for understanding how a person’s social or political identity such as ethnicity, race, social class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other facets of social stratification combine to create different modes of privilege and discrimination.  Speakers: Chisom Udeze (she/her) and Miguel A. Leyva S. (He/him)

Episode 21 - Anti-racism

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is imperative for a sustainable, competitive and innovative company and society at large. Diversity also goes beyond the outward perception of a company – it includes how the internal structures work and signal the value systems of an organization’s management or leadership team.  This series is designed by Diversify to centre Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace.  In honour of Black History Month, our topic for discussion in February is Anti-Racism with Rahwa Tilahun Yohaness (founder of Manifold, activist and campaign strategist) and Chisom Udeze (founder of Diversify and HerSpace, DEIB strategist and economist)