Most organizations talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion at the executive level — or delegate it to HR.

But that’s not where DEI actually succeeds or fails.

In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel speaks with Jonathan Njus about why middle managers are the real linchpin of DEI efforts — and why so many initiatives stall once they reach the middle of the organization.

Jonathan breaks down:

• Why middle managers quietly shape hiring, performance reviews, and team culture
• How DEI often fails because of language, not values
• Why psychological safety must extend to leaders, not just employees
• What inclusion looks like in everyday decisions, not training sessions
• How reframing DEI as building the best team changes engagement entirely

This conversation moves beyond acronyms and politics and focuses on what actually drives inclusion at work: how leaders show up, how teams experience fairness, and how relationships either build trust — or quietly erode it.

If you’re a middle manager, lead middle managers, or want culture change that actually sticks, this episode is for you.

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