Your DEI Minute™

Equity at Work - Expert Insights on DEI Strategies
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Your DEI Minute™ is your go-to podcast for leaders looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Whether you're just starting out with DEI or looking to sustain your long-term successes, each episode will provide you with actions you can take to move Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives forward at your organization, all in 15 minutes or less.

  1. FEB 2

    Bringing DEI to the Hourly Workforce: Creative Solutions for Inclusive Engagement

    In this episode, Michelle discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the hourly workforce. Addressing the common misconception that DEI is only for corporate settings, Michelle advocates for bringing these efforts into field-based environments like retail stores, distribution centers, and call centers. She talks about the tremendous positive impact that thoughtfully implemented DEI programming can have on retention, engagement, and productivity, even among large, dispersed hourly teams. Michelle also shares actionable strategies for leaders looking to embed DEI across their organizations, regardless of employee location or access to technology. She talks about the importance of listening directly to frontline workers, tailoring programming to meet their needs, and finding creative ways to deliver both formal and informal DEI education. Michelle also offers practical tips—like using QR codes, implementing recognition programs, and fostering two-way communication between corporate and the field—to ensure all employees feel valued and included.

    12 min

  2. JAN 15

    Collecting and Using Feedback to Drive DEI Success in Your Organization

    In this episode of DEI Minute, Jamey dives deep into how organizations can effectively gather and operationalize feedback related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. He discusses the crucial role feedback plays in advancing DEI initiatives and shaping decision-making processes that are responsive and inclusive. Jamey offers tactical guidance on determining who to solicit feedback from, crafting the right questions, and incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data for well-rounded insights. He highlights best practices for making feedback a routine part of DEI work, exploring how representation, psychological safety, and transparency can improve response rates and trust. The advice is practical: keep feedback processes brief, use multiple channels, consider confidentiality, and share findings widely to promote organizational accountability and reinforce positive change. To learn more and connect, visit: www.Equity-At-Work.com To grab Michelle's new book, visit: Do DEI Right Key Topics Discussed: The importance of feedback in DEI processesQuantitative vs. qualitative feedback: definitions and usesWho should provide feedback: ensuring broad and representative participationHow to craft broad and specific feedback questionsOperationalizing feedback: best practices for collection and responseMaintaining consistency and psychological safety in feedback methodsThe value of transparency and accountability in sharing feedback resultsTips for maximizing participation and quality of responses

    15 min

  3. JAN 1

    Bridging Generational Gaps: Communication and Inclusion Tips for Today’s Workforce

    In this episode, Michelle walks listeners through the unique perspectives and workplace expectations of five different generations: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. The discussion centers on how generational influences shape attitudes toward loyalty, communication, motivation, and work-life balance. Michelle talks about the importance of understanding these generational dynamics, not for the sake of stereotyping, but for building stronger, more cohesive teams. She discusses why it's important to use tools like empathy mapping and to consider creative approaches like reverse mentoring to bridge generational gaps. The key takeaway is that by being mindful of the diverse expectations and life experiences employees bring to the workplace, leaders can foster more inclusive, supportive environments that benefit everyone. To learn more and connect, visit: www.Equity-At-Work.com To grab Michelle's new book, visit: Do DEI Right List of Key Topics Discussed Overview of five generations in the workplaceKey characteristics and influences for Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen ZDifferences in workplace loyalty and expectationsVariations in communication styles and preferencesThe impact of historical events and technological advancements on generational attitudesApproaches for managing multigenerational teams effectivelyThe rise of reverse mentoring and empathy mappingAligning organizational practices to support all generationsResources for further information and support

    13 min

  4. 12/15/2025

    The DEI Guide to Building Inclusive Employee Benefits

    In this episode, Jamey discusses the importance of making workplace benefits truly inclusive. Addressing the evolving expectations of diverse workforces, Jamey emphasizes that benefits policies must go beyond basic health care and PTO to address the unique needs of all employees—such as those from LGBTQIA+ communities, parents, caregivers, and people with chronic health challenges. The episode provides leaders with concrete actions, caveats, and thoughtful recommendations for evaluating and evolving their benefits programs to foster equity and belonging. Alongside actionable advice, Jamey sheds light on the potential stigmas employees might face when accessing benefits, highlighting the need for leaders to proactively combat these biases. The episode encourages organizations to approach benefits as a strategic tool to support, retain, and empower a truly diverse workforce. It concludes by urging organizations to open conversations about benefits, customize policies to meet specific team needs, and ensure all employees feel safe and supported in utilizing their benefits. To learn more and connect, visit: www.Equity-At-Work.com To grab Michelle's new book, visit: Do DEI Right Key Topics Discussed: The importance of inclusive benefits in today’s workplacesDifferent categories and types of benefits (beyond just pay)Making health care plans more inclusive (LGBTQIA+ needs, family planning, mental health, reproductive care)Flexibility in work location and hours (remote and hybrid work, flexible schedules)Inclusivity in paid time off, floating holidays, and volunteer hoursEquitable parental, bereavement, and family care leave policiesChildcare and eldercare support through workplace benefitsThe stigma associated with using certain benefits—and how to address itPractical steps for organizations to review and enhance their benefits packages

    15 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Integrating DEI into Business Operations, Industry Networks, and Community Engagement

    In this episode, Michelle shares practical insights on how organizations can broaden the impact of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles beyond internal practices and into their community outreach efforts. Michelle explains that while most DEI initiatives focus on improving retention, recruitment, and eliminating bias within company operations, it’s equally important to engage with external opportunities—such as partnerships, supplier diversity, and community involvement—to drive lasting change. The episode introduces a three-circle framework for embedding DEI: starting with employee lifecycle processes, moving outward to organizational alignment, and finally reaching external efforts. The discussion highlights actionable approaches, including partnerships with academic institutions, involvement on boards, industry collaborations, intentional supplier spending, and public communications. Whether for small organizations with little staff turnover or larger companies, the episode serves up creative and accessible strategies to integrate DEI principles across a broader ecosystem. To learn more and connect, visit: www.Equity-At-Work.com To grab Michelle's new book, visit: Do DEI Right Key Topics Discussed: Common internal DEI focus areas (recruiting, retention, reducing bias)The three-circle framework for embedding DEIWays to extend DEI principles into community partnershipsSpecific examples: academic outreach, board participation, industry collaboration, philanthropyBest practices for supplier diversity and external communicationsTips for small organizations or those with limited employee churnAdditional resources available through the podcast’s website and blog

    10 min

  6. 11/17/2025

    Navigating Difficult Moments: Upstander Skills for Inclusive Workplaces

    In this episode, Jamey Applegate tackles the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in modern work culture, focusing on practical DEI strategies for workforce development. The conversation centers on how to create workplace equity and workplace inclusion by empowering employees to move from being passive bystanders to active upstanders when addressing workplace challenges. Through frameworks and real-world examples, listeners learn to foster a more supportive and equitable work environment for all. Jamey offers practical guidance on recognizing harm, understanding personal responsibility, and safely intervening. Listeners learn the importance of validating others’ experiences, as well as specific tools—the LIFE acronym and the Four Ds of intervention—to confidently step up and create safer, more supportive workplace environments. To learn more and connect, visit: www.Equity-At-Work.com To grab Michelle's new book, visit: Do DEI Right Key Topics Discussed: The distinction between bystanders and upstanders in workplace incidentsWhy bystanders stay passive and the risks of non-interventionThe impact of identity, bias, and context in interpreting workplace eventsThe LIFE upstander framework (Lead, Identities, Feelings, Evaluation)The Four Ds of intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, DelayPractical scenarios and responses to common workplace harmCommunicating support and validating those affectedEncouragement of culture shifts toward accountability and active supportResources and ways to connect with the DEI Minute team

    13 min

  7. 11/01/2025

    How to Use Empathy Maps for Successful DEI Communication in Your Organization

    In this episode, Michelle discusses the practical steps of building an effective communications plan for workplace DEI initiatives. She first talks about the importance of understanding your audience—not just as a broad organizational segment, but as distinct individuals with unique profiles, needs, and influences. To do this, Michelle recommends using empathy maps and provides actionable guidance on how to create and utilize these maps to tailor communications that truly resonate. She also breaks down the essential elements of a DEI communication plan, from clarifying your message and determining urgency to identifying delivery channels and establishing timing for dissemination. A recurring theme is the necessity of repetition; she notes that messages must often be communicated multiple times across various channels to ensure they stick. She reminds us that communication in the success of DEI programs and offers listeners practical checklists while pointing towards additional resources for deeper support. To learn more and connect, visit: www.Equity-At-Work.com To grab Michelle's new book, visit: Do DEI Right Key Topics Discussed Importance of audience segmentation and empathy mapping for DEI communicationsHow to build and use empathy mapsStructuring a detailed DEI communications planDetermining urgency and appropriate tone for messagesIdentifying and approving communication stakeholdersChoosing the right channels for message deliveryRepetition and reinforcement in DEI messagingResources and templates available for communication planning

    12 min

  8. 10/15/2025

    The Right Way to Open Up Employee Resource Groups in Your Organization

    In this episode, Jamey provides actionable insights for organizations striving to maintain effective Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) amidst evolving regulatory requirements. Building on a previous episode about executive orders and ERG compliance, Jamey recaps six crucial tips for sustaining DEI efforts and dives deeper into strategies for keeping ERGs open to all employees while ensuring compliance and fostering meaningful engagement. He stresses the importance of focusing each ERG on the experiences of a specific group, while promoting inclusive participation and connection among all employees. Jamey outlines clear behavioral expectations for ERG spaces, emphasizing inclusion, respect, accountability, and confidentiality. The discussion highlights the need to articulate these expectations to create safe and productive environments, allowing participants to learn from each other and grow together. By setting firm ground rules and professional standards, organizations can ensure that ERGs remain valuable, transformative spaces that enhance the employee experience and advance DEI goals. To learn more and connect, visit: www.Equity-At-Work.com To grab Michelle's new book, visit: Do DEI Right Key Topics Discussed: Why ERGs should remain in place and open to all employeesHow to keep the focus of ERGs on specific group experiencesDefining ERGs as formal, professionally governed spacesCore behavioral expectations for ERG participantsThe necessity of articulating clear expectations for ERGsThe potential for ERGs to transform company cultureCall to action for organizations needing support with DEI implementation

    10 min
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3.9
out of 5
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About

Your DEI Minute™ is your go-to podcast for leaders looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Whether you're just starting out with DEI or looking to sustain your long-term successes, each episode will provide you with actions you can take to move Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives forward at your organization, all in 15 minutes or less.

Information

  • Creator
    Equity at Work - Expert Insights on DEI Strategies
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Equity at Work - Expert Insights on DEI Strategies
  • Show Website
    Your DEI Minute™