Unpacking the DEI Backlash: A Real Talk with Cordelia Edaie
Live from the IHR Live Lounge in Manchester, Nitin Sharma sits down with powerhouse keynote speaker and DEI strategist Cordelia Osewa-Edaie for an honest and nuanced conversation about the growing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. This episode goes beyond surface-level buzzwords to confront uncomfortable truths. Cordelia breaks down: Why some feel DEI has “gone too far” and how that narrative gained traction The real meaning behind DEI—beyond race and gender—and how it's really about fair access to opportunity for everyone The difference between positive action and positive discrimination, and why the latter is not only wrong, but illegal How socioeconomic background plays a massive but often overlooked role in opportunity Why inclusive leadership starts with data, empathy, and honest introspection Nitin plays devil’s advocate at times to challenge assumptions, making for a truly thought-provoking dialogue. Cordelia shares practical strategies for making inclusion real—beyond performative hiring targets—like retention planning, leadership development, and how to use your privilege to elevate others. This isn’t a checklist episode. It’s a must-listen if you want to understand how to build sustainable, inclusive workplaces that reflect the diversity of the real world—without falling into tokenism or ideological traps. 🔗 Connect with Cordelia Edaie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-osewa-ediae/ 👤 Connect with Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/ Explore recruitment tech tools at Rectools.io 💡 Who this episode is for: Talent and HR leaders navigating the DEI landscape Business owners unsure how to balance merit with representation Anyone feeling overwhelmed or skeptical about DEI initiatives Those curious about the data, laws, and lived realities behind workplace inclusion :
