Episode 4: Are You a DEI Hire?

Affirmative action, DEI hires, and meritocracy.. oh my!
Who is a DEI hire? Are we all employees hired on merit? Who benefits the most from DEI?

In this episode, we discuss what it means to be a DEI hire, and what role DEI plays in creating a world in which people are hired based on merit. We also dig into how meritocracy is often misdirection. Additionally, we look at how our biases influence our perceptions of who is “qualified”.

Links to Mentions & References:
-Susan Harmeling, “What Might it Mean When Critics Call Someone a DEI Hire?” (2025)
-Helena Liu, Leanne Cutcher, and David Grant, “Doing Authenticity: The Gendered Construction of Authentic Leadership” (2015)
-Melissa Maceyko, “We Didn’t Start the Fire: DEI is not the problem. DEI is the solution.” (2025)
-Willing Observers, Inclusive Culture Strategies Certificate Program (2025)

Adorable wet squirrel, as referenced.