What Was DEI Actually Meant to Do—and Why Did It Go Off Track?

A Conversation with Joe Santana; a DEI original

Would you agree that most conversations about DEI today sound loud, polarized, and disconnected from the work itself?

In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, I talk with Joe Santana—advisor, author, and long-time DEI consultant—about where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion actually came from and how it was originally practiced inside organizations.

What really is DEI, (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)?

Joe and I have both spent decades doing this work. We've watched DEI evolve, get renamed, repackaged, misunderstood, and in some cases quietly dismantled. What often gets lost is that DEI didn't start as a political position. It started as a business conversation—about how organizations function, how people are evaluated, and how talent is either used or ignored.

What is the business case for DEI? Why are people still talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The early thinking behind DEI and why it mattered to organizational performance How good intentions gave way to vague language and inconsistent practice What happens when leaders avoid difference instead of learning how to work with it Why "treating everyone the same" sounds fair but rarely works How Employee and Business Resource Groups can either matter—or miss the point entirely

This is a grounded conversation between two practitioners reflecting on what we've learned, what we got wrong, and what still holds value—especially for leaders trying to make sense of the current moment.

You'll learn more about the challenges, and strategic importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in organizations. From the historical context provided by pioneers like Roosevelt Thomas to practical advice on optimizing business outcomes, Joe shares a wealth of knowledge on how DEI can drive both social good and financial success in companies. The episode also covers the vital role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and what organizations can do to leverage them effectively. You'll gain valuable insights on turning DEI initiatives into strategic business tools.

If you're looking for clarity instead of slogans, and experience instead of soundbites, you'll find it in this episode.

Guest Bio

Joseph (Joe) Santana is a business strategy coach and futurist specializing in developing CDOs, ERG/BRG leaders, and Executive Sponsors who drive measurable business impact. He is an author, keynote speaker, and member of the Forbes Business Council and the Fast Company Executive Board and a frequent contributor to articles in both organizations' magazines. His insights and ideas have been shared globally in interviews with media outlets such as ABC, PIX, Fox, Ticker News, and The Black List, a streaming business interview show. His two most recent books, "The New DEI and ERG Frontier" and "SuperCharge Your ERGs," are available on Amazon, offering invaluable guidance to those ready to embark on the journey toward 21st-century business-impacting success. As CEO of Joseph Santana, LLC, an Inc Verified company, he leads multiple brands focused on equipping CDOs and ERG/BRG Chairs in national and global enterprises with the skills and strategies needed to enhance organizational performance. Below is a graphic depiction of the brands owned by Joseph Santana, LLC.