In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Kelly Blackmon, founder of BE Consulting, for a powerful and timely conversation about the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s workplace.

With DEI facing public scrutiny, political backlash, and leadership burnout, Kelly challenges the idea that DEI is “dead” and instead explores how it can evolve through emotional intelligence, empathy, and human connection.

Together, Rita and Kelly unpack:

• Why DEI efforts rise and fall in cycles, and how to break the “DEI crisis cycle.”

• The emotional intensity after 2020 and how high emotion can spark change but sabotage sustainability.

• The rise of “reverse racism” and what happens when any group feels “othered.”

• The psychology of victimhood, choice, and empowerment in identity conversations.

• How labeling fuels tribalism, and why connection must come before identity.

• Why the workplace has become the new community, and how leaders can create cultures of belonging and purpose.

💡 Key takeaway: DEI isn’t dying, it’s transforming. Real progress starts when we connect human to human, build common ground, and lead with emotional intelligence instead of ego.

📚 Connect with Kelly Blackmon:

• Book: Future Proofing HR Today (available on Amazon)

• Free Culture Kit: beconsulting.com

• LinkedIn: Kelly Blackmon / CultureEQ

🎧 Listen to The Story I’m Telling Myself on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible for honest conversations that challenge what we believe about leadership, growth, and the stories we tell ourselves.

#DEI #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #FutureOfWork #TheStoryImTellingMyself