What’s the DEIL?

What’s the DEIL?

By THE NORFUS FIRMSociety & CultureBusinessCareers
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What’s the DEIL? episodes

  • Defining allyship
    In the first episode of our “Allyship” series, Shanté and Natalie discuss what allyship is, what it isn’t, and how it applies to the workplace.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  • Recession & Retention
    Natalie and Shanté talk recession fears, retention anxieties, and building the resilience needed to weather it all.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 min
  • Neurodiversity in the workplace
    Natalie and Shanté talk with Strategist & Equity Advocate Diti Bhasin about neurodiversity's place in the DEI world.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  • Problematizing "professionalism"
    In the latest episode of “What’s the DEIL?”, Shanté and Natalie discuss the complicated concept of “professionalism”, and how it can be made more inclusive.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  • How is DEI Connected to Mindfulness?

    Mindfulness isn’t just a personal wellness practice—it’s a leadership skill that can transform how you approach DEI. In this episode of What’s the Deal?, Shanté and Natalie explore how being present, self-aware, and intentional helps leaders navigate sensitive moments with empathy and clarity. Drawing on recent experiences at a DEI conference, they talk about the overwhelming scope of topics leaders face and why you don’t have to be an expert in every aspect to lead inclusively.


    From everyday workplace scenarios—like navigating comments about hair or pregnancy—to broader cultural awareness, they unpack the difference between reacting and responding, and how a simple pause can prevent harm. You’ll hear practical tips on building rapport before diving into personal questions, and how to recover with sincerity when you get it wrong.


    If you’re a leader striving to create inclusive spaces, this conversation will help you slow down, center others, and choose actions that foster trust and belonging.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  • The Mid-Level Manager Problem

    Middle managers often sit at the heart of your company’s culture, but are they equipped to lead on DEI? In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie dig into why middle managers are the “linchpin” for turning DEI strategies into real, lasting change.


    Drawing from research and real-world experience, they explore how these leaders juggle managing up and down, navigate fear and uncertainty around DEI, and balance competing priorities in high-pressure environments. You’ll learn why even the best-written DEI plans can stall at this level and what organizations can do to operationalize DEI so it becomes part of everyday work, not an afterthought.


    From identifying skill gaps to creating tailored training and building space for practice, the conversation offers practical steps for empowering managers to lead with clarity and purpose. If you’re serious about strengthening workplace culture and making DEI stick, this episode will show you where the real change begins.


    Follow & Connect with us:

    Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/.

    Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/.

    We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/.

    Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/.

    Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil.


    If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  • Why Don't They Trust Me?

    In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie tackle one of the most underestimated elements of leadership—trust.


    Through real-world data from senior leader assessments, they reveal an uncomfortable truth: even leaders often lack confidence in their ability to deliver on DEI commitments. And when words and actions don’t align, the ripple effect erodes morale, engagement, and long-term credibility.


    They unpack why “open door policies” rarely work without consistent relationship-building, why the gap between leadership perception and employee experience matters, and how trust is built through repeated, intentional actions, not one-time gestures.


    You’ll learn:

    • The four elements of trust and how leaders can act on them daily

    • Why “safe spaces” aren’t the same as “trusted spaces” and how to create the latter

    • How to spot everyday behaviors that unintentionally undermine trust

    • Practical ways to weave trust-building into your schedule and performance goals


    Whether you lead a small team or an entire organization, this episode is a reminder: trust isn’t just a value—it’s a practice. And without it, even the best strategies fall flat.


    Follow & Connect with us:


    Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/.

    Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/.

    We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/.

    Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/.

    Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil.


    If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  • Everybody Isn't Meant to Lead DEI

    In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie are fired up, and for good reason.


    It’s time to have a real conversation about what it actually takes to lead DEI in an organization. Spoiler alert: Good intentions and lived experience alone aren’t enough.


    We unpack the all-too-common trend of companies placing well-meaning but under-resourced employees, often women of color, into DEI roles with little support, no training, and sky-high expectations. This episode explores why DEI is a business function that deserves the same rigor, expertise, and strategic leadership as finance, sales, or operations.


    Here’s what we cover:

    • Why lived experience alone doesn’t equal DEI expertise

    • The critical skills every DEI leader needs: strategy, collaboration, project management, data fluency, and comms savvy

    • The hidden burnout crisis behind “volunteer” DEI committees

    • What companies risk by underestimating the role, from stalled progress to real liability

    • What to look for when hiring a true DEI quarterback (hint: it’s more than passion)

    • Why strong communication and storytelling matter more than ever in advancing the work


    Whether you’re in the C-suite or currently serving on a DEI committee with no clear roadmap, this episode is your wake-up call to do better, for the sake of your people and your business.


    Follow & Connect with us:

    Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/.

    Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/.

    We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/.

    Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/.

    Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil.


    If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min

About What’s the DEIL?

From the publisher's feed

What’s the DEIL? is a podcast for organizational leaders (and those who support them) who are navigating workplace culture, leadership, and inclusive practices in a rapidly evolving…