In this episode of DEI Will Not DIE, Dr Bree Gorman explores how we respond when harmful behaviours show up in our workplaces. From microaggressions and exclusionary comments to ongoing discrimination, Bree unpacks the difference between calling in, calling out, and calling on, and how each approach can support learning without compromising safety or accountability. Drawing on research and real-life moments, Bree explains why shame shuts down growth, why empathy matters even when people "should know better," and how our own power and safety influence how we choose to respond. They share a practical example from community sport that highlights how a grounded, compassionate intervention can shift behaviour far more effectively than blame.

For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this episode of DEI Will Not DIE, Dr Bree Gorman reflects on how transferable skills can shape a meaningful career in DEI. From their beginnings as an analytical chemist to becoming a DEI strategist, Bree shares how critical thinking, stakeholder engagement, and bridging divides all play a role in creating more inclusive workplaces.

They also open up about navigating ADHD, career transitions, and the impact of leadership decisions that focus on outcomes rather than hours. This honest conversation reminds us that the path to DEI isn't linear and that inclusion starts when we remove barriers so everyone can thrive.

For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this episode of DEI Will Not DIE, Dr Bree Gorman and Andrew Fitisemanu explore what it really means to be a DEI consultant in today's world. They unpack the myth of "expertise" in a field that's still growing and discuss why humility, honesty, and collaboration are essential for lasting impact. Drawing on personal experiences and candid reflections, Bree and Andrew share insights on protecting DEI practitioners from burnout, creating genuine partnerships with organisations, and amplifying diverse voices within the consulting space. This conversation challenges the idea that one person can do it all and highlights why DEI work succeeds when it's shared.

For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this episode of DEI Will Not DIE, Dr Bree Gorman explores the role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and how to build inclusion in long-standing organisations. Creating meaningful DEI change isn't straightforward, existing structures, competing priorities, and unclear objectives can all get in the way. Bree shares insights on how to start with a DEI action plan, clarify the purpose of ERGs, and adapt strategies to meet the evolving needs of your organisation. Drawing on real-world experiences, Bree offers practical guidance for setting up ERGs effectively, evaluating their impact, balancing advocacy with social connection, and ensuring they truly support inclusion, helping DEI practitioners make progress without getting stuck in complexity.

For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this episode of DEI Will Not Die, Dr. Bree Gorman is joined by Winitha Bonney OAM for a conversation on how DEI practitioners can influence leaders and organisations. DEI work can be uncomfortable, and resistance from leadership is common. So how do you bring leaders on board, understand what drives them, and know when to push forward or when to pause and re-assess? Drawing on their own experiences, Bree and Winitha share strategies for navigating the balance between nudge and nurture, offering practical insights for anyone working to create meaningful organisational change.

For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this episode of DEI Will Not Die, Dr Bree Gorman unpacks the question: Who does DEI work really belong to? Bree explores why DEI can't be the responsibility of just one person or department. From the challenges of experts being buried under management layers to the importance of valuing DEI as a specialist skill set, this episode highlights what it truly takes to create lasting systems change. For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this episode of DEI Will Not Die, Dr Bree Gorman sits down with DEI leader Teresa Lombardo to unpack the difference between performative and transformative DEI. From rainbow lanyards to LinkedIn posts on days of significance, Bree and Teresa get real about why signs and symbols matter—but only when backed by action. They discuss what true system-level change requires, why leadership accountability is critical, and how to tell if your organisation's DEI efforts are performative gestures or transformative commitments. Listen to this episode so you don't fall into the trap of doing performative DEI rather than transformative, sustainable change making. For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com.

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this episode of DEI Will Not Die, Dr Bree Gorman gets candid about why so many DEI strategies fail, and how to create one that actually sparks change. From shifting the focus from "fixing people" to fixing systems, to avoiding the trap of vague metrics and tokenistic actions, Bree shares practical insights to make your plan both realistic and impactful. They discuss why too many actions can backfire, the importance of organisation-wide ownership, and how good governance keeps a plan alive. Whether you're building a DEI plan from scratch or refreshing an existing one, this episode will challenge the way you think about strategy and help you avoid the pitfalls that keep DEI work from moving forward. For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com.

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

In this debut episode of DEI Will Not Die, Dr Bree Gorman lays the foundation for the podcast with a clear message: while the language and tactics of DEI may change, the need for inclusive, equitable workplaces never goes away. Bree shares the personal and professional journey that led them into diversity, equity and inclusion work—covering everything from higher education to consultancy, ADHD and gender identity. They also reflect on the backlash DEI is facing globally, and why now is the time to double down on real, impactful change. Whether you're leading DEI strategy, part of an Employee Resource Group, managing people and culture, or just passionate about removing barriers in the workplace—this episode offers grounding and solidarity for those doing the work. For tools, coaching, and support: breegorman.com

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.

https://www.breegorman.com/podcast/Is DEI dead? Not even close. DEI Will Not DIE cuts through the noise with sharp, practical insights for DEI practitioners, people leaders and changemakers. Hosted by Bree Gorman, coach, consultant and trusted voice in DEI strategy and inclusive leadership. This podcast dives into the real work behind impactful equity and inclusion. From building DEI plans that don't gather dust to leading with authenticity, this is your space to reflect, learn and lead with purpose.

Show notes and resources: breegorman.com/podcast

Want to learn more from Bree? Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly insights, updates and behind-the-scenes. Subscribe to our newsletter for tools and practical resources delivered to your inbox. Explore more at breegorman.com.