A Defining Moment for Inclusion

The momentum behind diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) came to an abrupt halt at the start of the year. DE&I initiatives once championed as a force for workplace equity and growth are now being condemned, sidelined, and stripped of their visibility—at least until political winds shift again. But at what cost?

We invited Margaret Spence, an expert and advocate for transformative and inclusive change, to discuss the cost of these reduced investments and what organizations can do to respond. Margaret motivates leaders to not focus on the term “DE&I,” but on what inclusion truly means for a culture, a workplace, and our collective future. Companies must shift from performative actions to unshakable and deeply embedded commitments that are designed to withstand political and economic turbulence.

Margaret reminds us that the next generation deserves better than what we are willing to give it today. It is up to all of us—companies, employees, and communities—to ensure that the workplaces of tomorrow do not regress but instead rise to meet the promise of true inclusion. The question is not whether DE&I will survive, but whether we are willing to fight for the future it represents.

Listen for key insights on:

• Shifting language away from traditional DEI terms
• How individuals—and not just corporations—can advance inclusion
• The threat of AI to workplace equity 

Resources + Links:

• Margaret Spence’s LinkedIn
• Margaret Spence on Episode 165 of Purpose 360
• Margaret Spence’s Website
• New York Times: These Words Are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration

• (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360
• (00:13) - Margaret Spence on DEI
• (02:40) - Margaret’s Background
• (04:31) - Her Purpose
• (05:55) - Passion, Purpose, and Value
• (07:30) - Challenges in Diversity
• (10:48) - Fad with Shallow Roots
• (12:13) - Current Landscape
• (14:18) - Major Impacts
• (15:24) - 25%
• (17:22) - NYT Report
• (19:34) - What Language to Use
• (23:22) - What You Can Do
• (24:53) - Those Standing Up
• (26:42) - Dismantling Contracts
• (27:16) - Last Thoughts
• (30:46) - Wrap Up