Karen Brown has been at the forefront of corporate DEI efforts for over two decades, and she's seen firsthand what works and what doesn't.
The article from Forbes, published on March 26, 2025, discusses the ongoing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in business. It highlights that despite some pushback against DEI initiatives, the business case for these programs remains strong. The article points out that companies with diverse teams are shown to be more innovative, make better decisions, and achieve higher financial performance. It also addresses the need for DEI to be integrated into core business strategies rather than treated as a compliance issue or a side project. The piece argues that DEI initiatives help in attracting top talent, enhancing company culture, and meeting the expectations of customers and investors who value social responsibility. Furthermore, it emphasizes that DEI is not just about fairness but also about economic benefits, as diverse teams can better understand and serve a global market. The article concludes by urging businesses to continue investing in DEI, adapting strategies to be more inclusive, and measuring the impact of these initiatives to ensure they contribute positively to both societal good and business success.