343: Why One-Off DEI Training Backfires with Lily Zheng

About this episode

Erin Diehl and Lily Zheng discuss the shortcomings of traditional DEI efforts and propose a more effective, people-first approach to workplace equity.

In this Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Lily Zheng to unpack why traditional DEI efforts keep falling flat. Lily and Erin discuss what leaders can do instead to create workplaces that are actually fair, inclusive, and built to last. If you’ve ever wondered why diversity trainings, performative culture initiatives, and “quick fix” belonging strategies rarely create real change, this episode is your invitation to rethink workplace equity through a practical, people-first lens. Inside This Episode: Why DEI Efforts Keep Missing the Mark: Despite decades of workplace initiatives, discrimination rates remain shockingly high, and many solutions are still surface-level. The FAIR Framework Changes the Conversation: Lily shares a practical, problem-solving approach to building inclusion that focuses on fixing real workplace barriers. Belonging Is Measurable: Learn how employee experience connects directly to retention, engagement, performance, and long-term business success. Middle Managers Have More Power Than They Think: Practical ways to influence leadership, advocate for change, and create safer workplaces from any level. Human-Centered Leadership Creates Lasting Change: Why…

People in this episode

Host: Erin Diehl

Guest: Lily Zheng

Topics covered

• DEI training
• workplace equity
• inclusion
• leadership
• employee experience
• human-centered leadership

Keywords

• DEI
• diversity training
• workplace culture
• inclusion strategies
• employee retention
• leadership
• psychological safety

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Passion Struck Network

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