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DEI and ESG Under Fire: Leading When the World Pushes Back

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25 minutes April 9, 2025

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives face increasing scrutiny, and communicators must find ways to uphold the values important to their organization’s purpose against external pressures. The majority of the 50 largest US companies have deemphasized ESG reports and sustainability efforts, or buried their DEI reporting. This session explores strategies to champion DEI initiatives, drawing insights from companies navigating…

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives face increasing scrutiny, and communicators must find ways to uphold the values important to their organization’s purpose against external pressures. The majority of the 50 largest US companies have deemphasized ESG reports and sustainability efforts, or buried their DEI reporting. This session explores strategies to champion DEI initiatives, drawing insights from companies navigating these turbulent waters and case studies of organizations that faced online backlash: 

  • Resilience in adversity: Learn how to integrate principles into the organization’s core business strategy and decision-making process, rather than treating commitments as peripheral initiatives.
  • Leadership under fire: Gain insights into leading teams and promoting company values when facing skepticism or opposition from stakeholders.
  • Cultivating inclusivity: How to empower leaders at all levels by providing low- or no-cost training and resources, which maintains momentum on key initiatives without investment.  
  • Communicating impact: Learn how to measure and articulate the positive effects of your DEI and ESG initiatives to both internal and external audiences.
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