In this episode of the HR Mixtape podcast hosted by Shari Simpson, Desmond Lomax, a seasoned clinical mental health therapist and senior consultant at the Arbinger Institute, discusses the misconceptions and challenges surrounding DEI programming in organizations. The conversation delves into the importance of authentic engagement, leadership buy-in, and the impact of mindset on behavior in creating inclusive workplaces.

1. DEI efforts should be directly connected to performance, not just seen as a checkbox activity.

2. Leaders need to address their mindset and impact on others to create a psychologically safe environment.

3. Rebranding DEI initiatives as inclusion programs can help overcome political polarization and gain C-suite support.