Davos Diversity: Post Trump DEI Changes

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Davos Diversity: Post-Trump DEI Changes – A Look at Shifting Sands

Hey everyone, so I’ve been following the World Economic Forum in Davos for a while now, and honestly, the whole diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversation there is fascinating. Especially the shift post-Trump. It’s been a rollercoaster, lemme tell ya.

I remember back in, like, 2017, the vibe was…different. The sheer lack of diversity was, to put it mildly, glaring. It felt like a boys' club, and not even a cool boys' club. More like a stuffy, old-money boys' club where the only thing diverse was their portfolios. It was a real eye-opener, and honestly, kinda depressing. I mean, you'd expect a global forum discussing the future to, you know, actually reflect the global population. Right?

The Trump Effect: A Backlash or a Catalyst?

Trump's presidency definitely threw a wrench into things. Some argued his administration actively worked against DEI initiatives, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Others felt his election itself was a wake-up call, highlighting the deep divisions and inequalities that needed addressing. Personally, I think it was a bit of both. There was a definite backlash, but it also, paradoxically, forced a reckoning.

A Necessary Reckoning

The subsequent years saw a noticeable, though sometimes slow, shift. Davos started talking more about the importance of diversity, not just in terms of gender, but also race, ethnicity, and other underrepresented groups. It became less of a hushed-up problem and more of a hot topic of discussion. Progress, albeit slow, is progress. I'll give them that.

Measuring the (Slow) Progress

Now, measuring actual progress is tricky. I've seen some reports citing increased female representation on panels and speaking engagements. But numbers alone don't tell the whole story. It's about meaningful inclusion. Are these women and other underrepresented groups actually being heard? Are their perspectives shaping the conversations? These are the questions that truly matter.

I even remember reading about one report that said they found improved representation, but the report itself was primarily written by white men! Kinda ironic, right? It's the small details that expose deeper issues. That's why you have to look past the headline and into the substance of any of the data presented.

Practical Tips for DEI in Any Setting (Learned the Hard Way!)

My biggest takeaway? DEI isn't just about hitting quotas; it's about creating a culture of belonging. And that takes work.

• Start with listening: Really listen to the experiences of those from marginalized communities. Don't just assume you know what they need. Seriously, I messed this up big time once during a presentation where I had some great ideas on inclusivity. I failed to make my words accessible to everyone and only the senior managers understood. It was a huge fail!
• Challenge your biases: We all have them. Be conscious of them. Actively seek out diverse perspectives. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend events that expose you to different viewpoints.
• Hold people accountable: It's not enough to just talk the talk. You gotta walk the walk. Challenge behavior that undermines DEI efforts. This is crucial for success in any business or institution.
• Measure your progress (the right way): Track not just numbers, but the quality of inclusion. Are diverse voices being heard and valued?

The journey towards true diversity and inclusion at Davos, and everywhere else, is ongoing. It's messy, imperfect, and sometimes frustrating. But we have to keep pushing for change. We have to keep demanding better. Because the world deserves better. And honestly, so does Davos.