What’s the DEIL?

Bias happens everywhere, especially at work. And often, it shows up long before anyone realizes there’s a problem. In this episode of What’s the DEIL? , Shanté and Natalie dig into how bias, particularly unconscious or implicit bias, quietly shapes the workplace experience. Whether it’s small assumptions about who takes notes in meetings, who gets certain assignments, or how people’s communication...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie explore the often-overlooked aspects of internal investigations, highlighting why a neutral, trauma-informed third party can significantly impact the process, particularly in cases involving workplace culture, conflict, or DEI concerns. Employee complaints are rarely as simple as they seem on the surface. Behind every formal investigation is...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL? , Shanté and Natalie dig into the real reason culture can’t just live on your company’s “About Us” page. Yes, “culture” is often used as a feel-good concept. But when conflict erupts, or worse, formal complaints arise, what’s beneath the surface usually reveals a pattern, not a one-time issue. And that pattern? It’s shaped by culture. From favoritism to retaliat...

Middle managers are the unsung heroes of the modern workplace. They’re the bridge between vision and execution, strategy and people, senior leadership and front-line teams. But they’re also the most overlooked when it comes to meaningful development and support. In this episode of What’s the DEIL? Shanté and Natalie delve into why middle managers are the culture keepers and why investing in them i...

Preventing Conflict Before It Starts Conflict at work isn’t the enemy—avoiding it is. In this episode of What’s the DEIL? , Shanté and Natalie tackle one of the most misunderstood dynamics in leadership and workplace culture: conflict. Not the explosive kind we all dread but the slow-simmering tension that starts with a side-eye in a Slack message or a disengaged team member and ends in resignatio...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL? Natalie and Shanté dive deep into the true power and misunderstood value of coaching in the workplace. Not performance management coaching. Not “fix your attitude or lose your job” coaching. We’re talking about real , development-focused, coaching-centered leadership that can transform your entire culture from the inside out. Too often, coaching is treated as an...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL? Shanté and Natalie break down the difference between performative DEI and actual, lawful, impactful action. With anti-DEI rhetoric making headlines and fear running high across corporate America, this episode offers a practical, clear-eyed path forward for organizations who are feeling the pressure to “do something” but aren’t quite sure what. Rather than reacti...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Natalie and Shanté are pulling back the curtain on one of the most overlooked but essential tools in your leadership toolbox: the workplace culture assessment. Think employee engagement surveys are enough? Think again. The workplace and the world have shifted dramatically. What worked in 2019 won’t cut it in 2025. Your culture assessment can’t just be a box you...

In this episode, Natalie and Shanté take a hard look at what wellness in the workplace really means in 2025. Spoiler: it’s not bubble baths, yoga sessions, or sporadic wellness emails. It’s about addressing the real stressors employees face daily and rethinking what effective workplace wellness looks like — beyond surface-level perks. Episode Highlights: Wellness Fatigue is Real: Employers rushed...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL? , Natalie and Shanté unpack the evolution of workplace wellness — from the pandemic-fueled rush of 2020 to the complex realities of 2025. Spoiler alert: your occasional meditation webinar or EAP reminder isn’t cutting it. As the weight of today’s world presses harder — with unrelenting news cycles, social tensions, and workplace uncertainty — employees carry mor...

Just keeping it professional doesn’t cut it anymore. In this episode of What’s the DEIL? , Natalie Norfus and Shanté Gordon continue the conversation from their last episode, moving from the “why” to the “how” of handling unavoidable political and sensitive conversations in the workplace. Natalie and Shanté acknowledge the new reality: everything feels political in 2025. Issues of identity, safety...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL? , Natalie Norfus and Shanté Gordon get real about a topic many leaders and organizations are struggling to navigate in 2025: Is it even possible to keep politics out of the workplace anymore? Spoiler: No. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. As our co-hosts unpack the current climate—where headlines change by the hour and virtually every aspect of our identi...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL, the Norfus Firm team gathers to tackle both the tactical and emotional realities of leading DEI work amid today’s shifting political climate. While news headlines create confusion and panic around the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in organizations, this conversation is a reminder that mission-driven work doesn’t stop because the landscape gets bumpy...

This episode zeroes in on the overuse of buzzwords in DEI, particularly focusing on “inclusion.” Shante and Natalie note how terms such as diversity, equity, and inclusion often get reduced to an “alphabet soup” that may lose meaning in translation. Why Inclusion Resonates Inclusion is highlighted as the most universally relatable aspect of DEI—everyone can connect with the idea of having a place...

Hosts Shante Gordon and Natalie Norfus kick off this episode by acknowledging the unprecedented challenges of the past five years—from the pandemic and natural disasters to political drama—and the resulting collective stress in the workplace. The DEI Rollback Debate: The conversation dives into the current hysteria around DEI rollbacks, urging listeners not to subscribe to panic or sensational hea...

In this candid episode of What’s the DEIL? Shante and Natalie pull back the curtain on the whirlwind of headlines, hysteria, and heated debates surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With a fresh, homey setup that reflects both their laid-back vibe and commitment to authenticity, the duo explores how today’s DEI controversies often distract from the real work—caring for people in the...

In this final part of a four-episode series, Natalie and Shanté close the loop on navigating confusing headlines and shifting sentiments about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). They present the LEAD framework—four clear steps to guide leaders in creating inclusive workplaces, even amid legal challenges, market pressures, and internal uncertainty. Episode Highlights DEI Is Not Dead—It’s Evolv...

In this third segment of a four-part series, Natalie and Shanté shine a spotlight on how fluctuating commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) truly affect the people at work. From a heartbreaking quote about a promotion “forced by DEI” to managers who don’t realize how alienating their comments can be, the hosts break down what these missteps cost organizations—both financially and in...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL? , hosts Natalie and Shanté cut through the noise around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Despite years of data proving that diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces outperform their peers, many organizations still question the need for DEI or treat it as a short-lived initiative. Natalie and Shanté revisit why DEI isn’t just a feel-good program—it’s a...

In this episode of What’s the DEIL , hosts Natalie Norfus and Shanté Gordon dive into the complexities and challenges surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2025. As the term continues to face resistance, mischaracterization, and even weaponization, they unpack why DEI remains essential and how organizations can navigate the current landscape. Key Discussion Points: Reflecting on 20...

Conflict in the workplace can be challenging, but a trauma-informed approach can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive into how understanding the impact of trauma can help in resolving conflicts, improving communication, and creating a safer, more supportive work environment for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore how cultural differences can lead to workplace conflict and how conducting workplace culture assessments can help bridge the gap. Learn strategies for identifying and addressing clashes before they escalate into bigger issues, fostering a more harmonious, productive environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of What's The DEIL?, we dive into a growing challenge in the workplace: the rise of conflicts among senior leaders. As competition, high-stakes decision-making, and differing leadership styles escalate, conflicts at the top levels of organizations are becoming more common and complex. But what’s fueling these tensions, and how can organizations address them without compromising pro...

On the latest episode of What's The DEIL?, we had the honor of hosting Amira Alvarez for a powerful discussion on a critical topic: In 2024, senior women continue to be a largely underrepresented group in most organizations. When women rise to senior leadership, they often find themselves as “one of only” or one of very few in the room. This episode dives into how the scarcity of women at the top...

In this episode of What's The DEIL?, we dive into the intersection of election season and workplace dynamics, exploring how the once-taboo topic of politics is now making its way into our professional lives. We’ll discuss the impact of political discussions on workplace relationships and productivity, and why it's crucial to maintain a healthy work environment during these politically charged time...