1,2,3 Analysis
1) 1 or 2 issues that are personally most vital to me in 2025.
I am personally invested in combatting the attack on DEI that is targeting policies and practices in academia and in the workplace—corporate America and government and the deliberate misrepresentation that DEI and meritocracy are dichotomous. When ERON failed, the right was not blamed for the good old boy, tap on the shoulder, it’s not what you know but who you know selection process. But DEI is blame for a door that fell off a plane and the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
My second issue is the voices on the far right and the far left drowning out the voices of the centrist and moderate on both the left and the right. Both the extremists talk at each other, not with each other. The far right refers to anything left of center as Marxist; and the far left refers to anything right of center as fascist.
2) What would you like to see happen regarding those issues?
Regarding the first issue, I would like CEOs, C-suite executives, academicians, and university Presidents to refute the dichotomous myth of DEI and meritocracy. I would like leaders to demonstrate that diversity is simply stating that those in power can not simply go to their favorite pond to fish for talent, but instead that the best fishing hole meant casting a larger net across various waters. I would like leaders to make it clear that equity is acknowledging that we provide individuals the resources they need to reach their full potential, and we acknowledge that potential is not equal across individuals or disciplines for individuals. I would like leaders to acknowledge that their organizations are striving towards being increasingly inclusive and that the good old boy, tap on the shoulder, who you know… network is still at play as demonstrated by research, such as that by McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org. I would like leaders to talk about the financial success DEI has added to their bottom line and to distinguish between DEI and woke, as woke is commonly defined.
Regarding the second issue, I would like moderate and centrist voices to own their voice and speak up and make their position clear. I would like the far left and the far right to be reflective, own their shortcomings and move towards a more inclusive center rather than vilifying the other side.
3) What will you be doing to reach those goals?
Regarding combatting the attack on DEI, I will be collaborating with leaders in academia and corporate America to preserve diversity, equity, and inclusion in their results. And to quote Shakespeare, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Even the far right uses the term inclusion. The ultimate goal is an inclusive organization in which all are respected, valued, supported, and can contribute to the best of their ability. WE all belong. I will be vocal that many who claim they are anti-DEI are spouting rhetoric that is contrary to the United States Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal” and is more align with Social Darwinism or eugenics.
Social Darwinism would contend that white men were 35% of the entry level employees, but 62% of the C-suite in 2021 because they are inherently more qualify than any other group. Rather, they have traditionally comprised the upper echelon of corporate America and favor their own because of affinity bias. Please note in most cultures the dominant group slips into affinity bias. For example, even though Sony is a global company, except for Howard Stringer (2005–2012), every Sony CEO has had a Japanese surname. This is not to say that those who are selected are not qualified, but to acknowledge that favoritism and nepotism still have undue influence in selection.
Regarding the voices of the centrist and moderate on both the left and the right speaking up and being heard, I will complete my book on inclusion in talent management and be more active as a left of center moderate on social media, such as LinkedIn, and podcasts.
- Inclusion and DEI Trends 2025 – by Dr. Deborah Ashton - January 2, 2025
- Reflection on Women Groundbreakers Storytelling: Serving Diverse Communities – by Dr. Deborah Ashton - April 16, 2024
- DEI, Religion, and Hate Crimes –by Deborah Ashton, Ph.D. - January 16, 2024