In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Katee Van Horn and Jackye Clayton. Katee and Jackye host their own podcast: Inclusive AF about DEI in the workplace. 

The conversation dives into the complex and crucial role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today’s society and particularly in the workplace. They explore the traditional definition of merit and how DEI challenges this concept, highlighting systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. 

True merit encompasses outcomes and collaborative achievements, not just effort or perceived intelligence. Organizations can move beyond performative DEI efforts to cultivate genuine inclusion, belonging, and better business outcomes, especially when trying to navigate current sociopolitical challenges. 

Key takeaways: 

• The traditional definition of merit as solely based on natural ability and effort (M = I + E) is inadequate in today’s world. It’s not just about effort or perceived intelligence, but also about the impact and the way work is one, including teamwork. 
• Meritocracy often fails in the real world due to implicit biases related to factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status. 
• DEI challenges these traditional views by recognizing the systemic barriers that prevent  many individuals from demonstrating their merit.   
• There is a strong business case for DEI. Diverse mindsets lead to better outcomes, innovation, and a deeper understanding of diverse customer bases. 
• Cultural fluency is extremely important for authentic representation; a lack of diverse voices can lead to inauthentic portrayals and missed opportunities. 
• Reconciling merit and DEI involves valuing diverse skills, perspectives, and lived experiences. This can lead to better problem-solving and innovation within organizations.