How DEI is Evolving in 2026

Welcome to People Person! In this episode, host and Morning Brew Inc.'s SVP Head of People Operations Kate Noel, speaks with HR Brew Senior Reporter Kristen Parisi about their latest DEI survey. She fills us in how leaders are looking at, implementing, and changing their DEI policies in the workplace. Then Latesha Byrd, CEO of Perfeqta shares how she works with clients to make sure their practices aren’t just performative. Ultimately, we learn that the language on DEI may be changing, but its presence is still felt, despite decisions from the current administration.

00:00: Intro

02:00: HR Brew’s recent survey about DEI

03:27: How the current political landscape is and isn’t affecting DEI policies

09:25: Language being used to represent DEI initiatives

12:00: Trends and practices still in use

16:00: Latesha Bryd on how to put the data into action

21:00: How to do DEI right

24:25: How to make these practices sustainable

28:45: Preventing strategies from being politically reactive

32:20: Red flags to keep an eye on

Read HR Brew's State of the Industry DEI report: https://www.hr-brew.com/resources/state-of-the-industry-dei

Follow Latesha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lateshabyrd/

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People Person is a candid and conversational show where People Professionals can feel seen and heard, and learn from fellow experts in their field. Host and SVP, Head of People Operations at Morning Brew Inc, Kate Noel, brings years of expertise and a healthy sense of humor to discussions about the latest developments and insights that can help others enhance their workplace and their careers.

Biweekly episodes will feature Kate speaking with entertaining and experienced professionals about everything from holidays to healthcare, and AI to onboarding, in compelling episodes available everywhere you get your favorite Morning Brew podcasts.