Nancy Levine Stearns: Debunking DEI Backlash: What Companies Are Really Doing

Nonprofit and philanthropic leaders dedicate themselves to service, but navigating corporate responsibility, social justice, and DEI backlash can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Kristine Michie sits down with ESG expert, corporate recruiter, and media professional Nancy Levine Stearns to discuss the current landscape of corporate DEI. In spite of mounting pressure—from activist shareholders to government intervention—many companies are actually doubling down on their commitments, proving that the business case for diversity remains strong. Through humor, advocacy, and a “DEI Job of the Day” website, Nancy sheds light on who’s standing firm and why language matters more than ever.

Key Takeaways:

• The list of companies standing strong on DEI is long and needs to be reported. Costco is a prime example, but they are by no means the only!
• Data-driven metrics show that DEI programs positively impact a company’s bottom line, reinforcing the undeniable business case for maintaining them.
• A small but vocal group of shareholder activists is targeting DEI initiatives, but corporate boards and shareholders overwhelmingly reject their proposals.
• Nancy’s approach to DEI advocacy—highlighting a “DEI Job of the Day” and “DEI Employer of the Day”—injects a level of positivity and engagement into a serious issue.
• Referencing On Tyranny—“Don’t obey in advance”—highlights the need for individuals and organizations to resist authoritarian pressures against DEI.
• Despite pressure from 19 state attorneys general, Costco remains committed to DEI, backed by a 98% shareholder vote. Stories like this are abundant.
• Play is always in fashion and companies have long incorporated it into their culture (e.g., team-building exercises and humor), reinforcing the importance of joy in serious work.

"DEI is anything but on the ropes—it's in the center of the ring throwing counter punches." — Nancy Levine Stearns

"At the corporate level, at the board and shareholder level, there really is not much support for these anti-DEI initiatives. And the reason there isn’t much support is because the metrics do show that DEI initiatives are good for the bottom line, and that’s largely how they make their decisions." — Nancy Levine Stearns

"There is data. There are metrics driven. There is data that DEI programs enhance bottom-line metrics, absolutely." — Nancy Levine Stearns

Episode References: 

On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twenti