In this timely and crucial episode, Lindsay Waugh and Sean Patrick of The Two Marketeers confront a troubling trend: companies halting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives during challenging times.
The headlines are disheartening-DEI departments dismantled, Chief Diversity Officers let go-and it’s impossible not to feel the weight of what this means for the individuals and communities most impacted. Lindsay shares her frustration and concern as years of hard-fought progress are at risk of being rolled back, leaving many wondering: what happens to the people these initiatives were designed to support?
Lindsay and Sean dig into the long-term consequences of these short-sighted decisions. For brands that once stood proudly for inclusion and social impact, pulling back now sends a devastating message-not just about priorities but about authenticity. They unpack why this isn’t just a “bad look” but a betrayal of trust that affects employees, customers, and communities alike.
While they highlight brands like Ben & Jerry’s as examples of staying true to purpose even in tough times, they also acknowledge the challenges companies face in maintaining commitments to DEI. But ultimately, this is a call to action: CSR and DEI aren’t just business strategies-they’re human commitments that must be kept.
Tune in for an unflinching, heartfelt conversation about why keeping these promises isn’t just critical for companies-it’s essential for creating a more just and equitable society.