The Brand of DEI Has Changed - Now What?

Branding Room Only with Paula T. Edgar

In this solo episode, I’m diving into something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart—the changing brand of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and what that means for all of us right now. As someone who lives at the intersection of branding and the law, I’ve been watching closely as DEI has been politicized, rebranded, and in some cases, erased.

I break down what’s really happening beneath the surface, why the work still matters even if the terminology shifts, and how we can—and must—stay rooted in our values. This is not just a professional conversation; it’s personal. I’m sharing my reflections, my frustrations, and most importantly, my call to action.

This episode is for anyone who cares about equity, leadership, and integrity—and who refuses to let fear or politics dictate how they show up in the world. We need to keep showing up, keep saying the words, and keep doing the work.

The responsibility is still real. And silence isn’t a strategy.

1:30 – What the targeted attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion is really about
2:49 – The disturbing and dangerous narrative shift that’s occurred (despite the proven benefits of DEI)
4:03 – How the scope of DEI has been intentionally narrowed and what worries me most about the current public discourse
5:16 – A counter-narrative to reclaim the truth of what diversity, equity, and inclusion is
6:32 – A few questions to reflect on (as an individual or organization)

Mentioned In The Brand of DEI Has Changed - Now What?

Personal Branding Strategy Sessions

Subscribe to The Branding Room Only on YouTube

From Acronyms to Action: Leading and Thriving Through DEI Challenges with Michelle Silverthorn

How Intersecting Identities Shape Your Personal Brand

How Unlearning Silence Saves Your Brand from Sabotage with Elaine Lin Hering

Building Brands with Integrity: A Conversation with DEI Pioneer Vernā Myers

Building a Legacy: Insights on Leadership and Diversity in the Law with Robert J. Grey Jr.

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.

PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.

Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.

To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

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Chapters

1. The Brand of DEI Has Changed - Now What? (00:00:00)

2. What the targeted attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion is really about (00:01:30)

3. The disturbing and dangerous narrative shift that’s occurred (despite the proven benefits of DEI) (00:02:49)

4. How the scope of DEI has been intentionally narrowed and what worries me most about the current public discourse (00:04:03)

5. A counter-narrative to reclaim the truth of what diversity, equity, and inclusion is (00:05:16)

6. A few questions to reflect on (as an individual or organization) (00:06:32)