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How to Evolve with DEI...and Not Get Left Behind

Writer's picture: Dr. Victoria MattinglyDr. Victoria Mattingly

The DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) landscape has shifted dramatically since 2020. In a rapidly changing social and business climate, companies that fail to evolve with DEI will inevitably find themselves behind the curve. So, how can organizations ensure they’re progressing rather than stagnating? Here are some insights to stay ahead of the curve.



DEI No Longer Looks the Way It Did in 2020

The DEI efforts that emerged in 2020, driven by social justice movements, focused heavily on awareness, training, and pledges of commitment. But three years later, the urgency of diversity, equity, and inclusion requires more than just words. It demands action, transparency, and accountability. The world has changed—and so has DEI.


Organizations that rely on their 2020 strategies without evolving will struggle to stay relevant. Companies must recognize that the expectations placed on them have shifted. The question is no longer whether you support DEI, but how you’re actively embedding it in your workplace culture.



Commitments Are Not Enough. Action Is a Must.

It’s no longer sufficient for organizations to release statements or make public commitments to diversity and inclusion. Stakeholders—employees, customers, and investors alike—are demanding to see real action. This means going beyond annual training sessions and talking points.


Taking action requires companies to move beyond surface-level engagement and make meaningful changes within their structures. Consider integrating ongoing DEI coaching, holding one-on-one sessions to foster personal growth, and encouraging open conversations throughout your organization. Leadership should model inclusive behavior and invest in systemic change, such as updating hiring practices and creating equitable pathways for career advancement.




Be Ready to Evolve: DEI Is Changing, and You Should Be Too

The truth is that the DEI space is constantly evolving. What worked in 2020 may no longer be effective in 2024. Organizations need to be prepared to adapt to these shifts. Here's how:


Adapt and Adjust as You Go

No organization has a perfect DEI strategy, and that’s okay. What matters is a willingness to be flexible and adjust when necessary. DEI is not a one-size-fits-all approach—it requires regular reflection and recalibration.


Use Data to Analyze What Needs to Change

Data should drive your decisions when evolving your DEI strategies. Analyze employee feedback, demographic data, and other key metrics to assess where you are making progress and where you need to improve. Pay attention to:

  • Terminology: Language matters. As our understanding of DEI grows, so does the language we use. Stay updated on terminology and be willing to adjust it as societal understanding shifts.

  • More Than Training: DEI is about more than just one-off training sessions. Regular, ongoing conversations should be integrated into the culture. DEI 1:1 coaching can be a great tool for personal and professional growth.



Learn More Every Day

The journey toward diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing process. Every day presents new challenges, new insights, and new opportunities to grow. Companies that are committed to this journey understand that it’s not about perfection but about progress.


Foster More Conversations

Creating an environment where open, honest conversations about DEI are encouraged helps organizations learn from their employees and the world around them. Embrace the uncomfortable moments, and be willing to listen and learn from others’ experiences.


We Don’t Have This All Figured Out (And That’s Okay)

No one has all the answers when it comes to DEI, and that’s perfectly fine. What's important is that you remain committed to learning, growing, and improving along the way. The DEI landscape is complex and requires continuous learning and effort from everyone involved.



Build a Community

Lastly, no organization can do this work in isolation. Building a community, both internally and externally, is essential for success. Partner with like-minded organizations, attend DEI events, and create spaces for your employees to connect and share their experiences.


At Mattingly Solutions, we believe that the only way to keep up with the ever-evolving DEI landscape is by committing to action, adaptability, and continuous learning. Together, we can create inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.



Ready to evolve with DEI? Reach out today to learn how we can help guide your organization through this journey.

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