DE Talk | Merit, Myths, and Measurement: Navigating the New ROI of Workplace Diversity
Season 7 • Episode 7
What happens to workplace diversity when the regulatory landscape shifts overnight? In this episode, compliance consultant Alicia Wallace and former Fortune 500 Chief Diversity Officer David Casey move beyond theory to discuss the reality of leading through change.
Drawing on their history of managing hundreds of successful audits for some of the most recognizable brands, Alicia and David offer a masterclass in practitioner-level strategy. They pull back the curtain on what it really takes to bridge the gap between strict EEO compliance and meaningful culture, including how to go beyond “table stakes” as compliance is just the starting point, lessons from both sides of the OFCCP desk as the auditor and audited, and finally, a candid look at why merit-based hiring isn’t a threat to diversity, but a tool for data-grounded decisions.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
DE Talk Unplugged | 2026 Expert Compliance Insights: New Rules, Changed Government Enforcement & How Employers Can Respond
In the latest episode of the DE Talk podcast, DirectEmployers Executive Director Jeff Gill sat down with employment law attorneys Mickey Silberman and Michelle Duncan of Silberman Law PC. With nearly 60 years of combined experience in EEO and OFCCP compliance, Mickey...
“Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast”: ERGs Remain a Valuable Asset in Post EO 14173 Regulatory Environment
When the long-standing Executive Order 11246 was rescinded on January 21, 2025, and Executive Order 14173, titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity was introduced, contractors were left confused and unsure how to proceed. With no...
Maryland Judge Halts Enforcement of Trump’s Anti-DEI Executive Orders
A Baltimore judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on Friday, February 21, that halted the enforcement of President Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders (EOs). Earlier this month, the city of Baltimore and higher education groups sued the Trump administration...
DE Talk | Merit is Not the Opposite of Diversity: Removing Barriers to Employment
Season 6 • Episode 6
While employers unpack new regulatory direction regarding DEI efforts, many are left wondering how to lawfully maintain their recruitment activities and stay true to their organizational values. Tune in as we chat with Dr. Courtney Bryant Shelby, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, international speaker, & Founder of Simply You Solutions as she explains the evolution of inclusionary efforts from past to present. She also shares why diversity is essential to merit-based hiring (the larger the talent pool, the greater the chance of finding the most qualified candidate!), metrics employers should be looking at, where she sees the workplace equity landscape heading in the future, and tips for fostering authenticity and belonging in your workforce.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
States Take Action Against DEI: Missouri v. Starbucks
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the State of Missouri sued Starbucks for violations of federal and state laws prohibiting race discrimination. In a statement regarding the lawsuit, Attorney General Andrew Bailey said, “[r]acism has no place in Missouri. [The State]...
Executive Order 11246 Has Been Rescinded: How Does This Affect My DirectEmployers Membership?
On January 21, 2025, President Trump rescinded Executive Order (EO) 11246, signing into law a new Order, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” which terminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) discrimination in federal...
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 2025, we reflect on Dr. King’s mark on history. His life’s work was a tireless pursuit of justice, equality, and unity. And it continues to inspire individuals and organizations around the globe....