We have to transcend our differences to transform our future.

My Perspective on DEI: Real Inclusion and Responsibility

In light of my recent experiences, I've found myself questioning the practical impact of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in the corporate world. For me, DEI isn’t about checking boxes or adhering to mandates; it’s about creating a workplace environment where everyone—regardless of race, gender, background, or beliefs—is treated with respect and valued for what they bring to the table. Unfortunately, what I’ve observed and experienced is that DEI often misses its mark, either through poor implementation or as a reactionary measure rather than a proactive philosophy. This is what I want to address and explore.

DEI, to me, should be in the very fabric of a company, not just sprinkled on top to meet quotas or to appease external pressures. It should be woven into the values that guide hiring, training, and development and should reflect a commitment to fairness and opportunity for everyone, not just certain groups. This is why I’ve been so deeply impacted by how DEI was handled in my case—where I felt it was used more as a weapon than as a tool for genuine inclusion. This experience has forced me to take a deeper look at how DEI plays out in corporate culture and how, at times, it can harm rather than help.

My hiring philosophy has always been simple: can someone show up on time, ready to work, every day, follow the rules, and do the job well? If so, they’re a fit. I couldn’t care less about someone’s race, religion, gender, or background. Those factors have no place in how I make decisions in the workplace. And because of this, I’d like to think that I’m naturally inclusive. I don’t need to “try” to be diverse or force it; I focus on what people can do rather than who they are outside of work. 

This reflection has also been a personal journey. I’ll admit that, due to my frustration with how DEI was applied in my case, I’ve questioned its effectiveness and, at times, openly criticized it. I’ve said things that, looking back, were insensitive. I regret those comments, and I realize they may be used to cast doubt on my current stance or to question my perspective. But I stand by the fact that my commitment to fair and effective DEI remains genuine. None of my words ever impacted someone’s career or life, but I’m aware of how they could be perceived, and I take responsibility for that.

This page is my attempt to share insights, raise questions, and invite others to reflect on DEI as I have. My experiences, while sometimes difficult, offer lessons about what true inclusion looks like and why it’s essential for DEI to be more than just a policy. Real DEI should reflect a company’s commitment to an inclusive culture, not just a checkbox. This is an invitation to learn, to question, and to build something better.