# Why this DEI recession could lead to positive change | Katherine Longhi | TEDxSt Albans Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_43RzsSKAfk Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/_43RzsSKAfk Generated: 2026-03-07T15:02:28.71+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The speaker argues that the current "DEI recession," marked by DEI program cuts and increased backlash against diversity efforts, presents an opportunity for genuine, lasting progress by shifting focus from superficial metrics to deeply ingrained belonging and self-respect, which she advocates for by sharing her personal experience of firing people for prioritizing DEI over performance. **Key Points:** - The speaker frames the current environment as a "DEI recession," citing statistics that 1 in 8 US companies reduced DEI programs in 2024, which she views as a backlash against dominant group privilege. - She recounts firing her boss, Aiden, after he told her to fire women who were successful but not demonstrating requisite respect for human resources, illustrating the conflict between prescribed DEI behavior and necessary performance standards. - The speaker suggests that historical movements like the abolition and suffrage movements met fierce resistance, indicating that progress often involves pushback, but societies adapt and grow stronger. - She challenges the audience to examine their own unconscious bias, asking if they are actively ignoring unfairness or actively resisting change, and if they are advocating for DEI or enabling the oppression of others. - She advocates for a shift from mere counting of differences (Diversity) to ensuring equitable opportunity (Equity) and fostering true inclusion (Inclusion), emphasizing that true change requires action, not just talk. - The speaker concludes by asserting that we all possess unconscious bias, and the solution is not to stop action but to remember that the solution comes from within, by embodying respect and self-worth. ![Screenshot at 00:10: The speaker, dressed in a bright lime green suit, stands center stage on a red circle rug, gesturing emphatically with both arms wide open, setting the dynamic, personal tone for her talk about fitting in versus belonging.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/_43RzsSKAfk/00-00-10.jpg) **Context:** This TEDxSt Albans talk is delivered by Katherine Longhi, who discusses the current societal and corporate pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, often termed a "DEI recession." She uses historical context and a personal anecdote about firing a leader who favored superficial DEI compliance over merit to argue that true progress in equality requires moving beyond performative actions to address underlying issues of belonging and self-respect, suggesting that backlash is a natural part of social change. ## Detailed Analysis Katherine Longhi delivers an energetic talk arguing that the current climate of "DEI recession," where DEI programs face cuts and backlash, is actually an opportunity for positive, fundamental change. She begins by contrasting the desire to fit in with the visceral need to belong, suggesting that if we walk into a room and feel we don't fit, we are experiencing exclusion. She notes that historical movements for equality, like abolition and women's suffrage, always met fierce resistance, but ultimately led to societal growth. The speaker shares a personal story from her time working in a fast-growing restaurant group on Wall Street after the 2008 financial crisis, where she was tasked with firing people who wanted their colleagues (specifically citing senior white women) gone, but she chose to fire her boss, Aiden, instead, because he wanted to fire high-performing women who were not adhering to specific DEI mandates. She contrasts DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) counting with true belonging, noting that 56% of hiring managers say DEI is just PR, not real change. She challenges the audience: are they advocating for DEI, or are they part of the structures defending the status quo? She concludes that everyone has unconscious bias and that the solution is not inaction but actively seeking to live authentically and support others, which fosters resilience in communities. ### The Need for Belonging - We all have a visceral need to belong and feel safe and included; we must stop letting exclusion and rejection stop us from taking action for change. ### Historical Context of Change - Social progress, like the abolition or suffrage movements, always faces backlash and resistance from established power structures, but societies adapt and grow stronger through these cycles. ### Personal Anecdote of Action - The speaker recounts being asked to fire successful women in a Wall Street firm but instead fired her boss, Aiden, who was prioritizing superficial DEI compliance over merit, illustrating the cost of standing up for what is right. ### Critique of Current DEI Efforts - The speaker questions if current DEI efforts are merely 'bean counting' or political weapons, pointing out that 56% of hiring managers say DEI is PR, not real change, and that progress cycles are often met with regression. ### Call to Action - The audience must stop ignoring their own unconscious bias and actively work to support others experiencing unfairness, remembering that true change comes from within by advocating for equity and inclusion through genuine action. ![Screenshot at 00:13: The speaker dramatically acts out the feeling of not fitting in, using hand gestures and facial expressions to convey discomfort and exclusion.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/_43RzsSKAfk/00-00-13.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:55: The speaker uses hand gestures to frame a rhetorical question to the audience about flipping negative feelings into opportunities for positive change.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/_43RzsSKAfk/00-00-55.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:43: The speaker stands with her hands out in a gesture of exasperation while discussing the rollback of DEI protections and historical resistance to civil rights movements.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/_43RzsSKAfk/00-02-43.jpg) ![Screenshot at 09:09: The speaker strikes a triumphant pose with both fists raised, celebrating her decision to fire her boss for prioritizing compliance over merit.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/_43RzsSKAfk/00-09-09.jpg)