Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, as she tackles the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's legal climate. Despite changes in affirmative action, DEI remains essential and legally viable with smart, inclusive strategies. Wendy emphasizes the importance of refreshing DEI actions and policies, advising companies to broaden their talent search and maintain civility and respect in the workplace.

Wendy also shares insights from a 2024 podcast interview with the current EEOC Acting Chair, detailing "11 Effective Ways to Diversify Your Workforce Without Unlawful Discrimination". From reviewing job descriptions to expanding leadership development, these strategies aim to create an inclusive and legally sound organizational culture.

Is DEI Still Allowed? Yes! Go here to get multiple handouts and articles from the current EEOC Acting Chair and former EEOC members.

https://thehrlady.com/downloads/

Check out my training on this topic

https://members.thehrlady.com/product/can-dei-still-exist-in-2025/

In this episode, we delve into the surprising reality that a vast majority of managers, as well as HR professionals, in the U.S. are thrust into leadership roles without formal training. We discuss the implications of this 'trial by fire' approach, highlighting its detrimental effects on productivity, employee morale, and company culture.

But there's hope! Learn about the tools and resources available to transform accidental managers into effective leaders. Discover 'Insider Access,' an online management training program designed for efficiency and impact, providing practical courses and resources that can make a real difference in the workplace.

Join us as we explore how you can evolve from winging it to winning it in management, enhancing both your skills and your team's success. If you're in HR, check out "HR Like. Real Boss" which includes everything in the 'Insider Access' learning management system PLUS mentoring from a pro!

In this episode, Wendy Sellers, "The HR Lady," engages with Charlotte Bidgood, co-founder of Inclusive People, to discuss the ever-evolving "new normal" and strategies for keeping employees engaged amidst rapid changes such as AI disruptions. With nearly 20 years of HR experience, Charlotte sheds light on the importance of clear communication, business strategy, and inclusion in fostering a resilient workforce.

The conversation highlights the need for leaders to communicate strategy effectively and embrace vulnerability in times of uncertainty. The episode also delves into the unique challenges and strengths of different generations in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of treating employees as individuals and fostering collaboration across age groups.

Finally, Wendy and Charlotte explore practical steps for cultivating a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, underlining the role of curiosity, flexibility, and technology in preparing employees for future challenges.

Welcome back to another insightful discussion with Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, and co-host JC. In today's episode, they are joined by Melissa Severance, the Chief Dream Officer of Inspire Big Dreams. Melissa shares her unique journey and role in helping individuals achieve their aspirations while aligning with organizational goals. She delves deep into the significance of fostering coaching cultures within organizations and the critical role of mindfulness in enhancing employee well-being and performance.

Discover how Melissa's background in executive coaching and her passion for mindfulness contribute to her holistic approach to leadership development. With a plethora of services ranging from executive leadership coaching to corporate training, Melissa emphasizes the need for individualized employee development plans. Explore the emerging trends in leadership and development that the next generation of leaders must embrace to thrive in a dynamic work environment.

Join the conversation as Wendy, JC, and Melissa navigate through the importance of leadership initiatives such as Disrupt HR events, blending fun and impactful learning experiences for all leaders. Whether you're in HR or any leadership role, gain valuable insights and practical techniques to better engage your teams and elevate your organization to new heights.

Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, and co-host JC (Jim Connors) with special guest Kelly McDonald to explore the dynamic topic of working with and leading diverse teams. Discover how embracing employee differences can enhance organizational performance and learn practical strategies to foster effective communication and collaboration in the workplace.

Kelly, an expert in diversity and inclusion, shares insights from her journey and highlights the importance of transparency and openness in leadership. Through engaging discussions, uncover the power of listening, collaboration, and overcoming the fear of speaking up.

Whether you're a leader or a team member, gain valuable lessons on creating an inclusive and cohesive work environment that thrives on innovation and understanding. Lean into diversity and witness the magic that happens when varied perspectives come together.

Join Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady, as she dives into the challenges of managing selfish leaders with guest Josefine Campbell, an executive coach and founder of Campbell Company.

Discover practical tools and strategies from Josefine's book, "12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader," which is based on real-life experiences.

Learn how to identify the traits of selfish leaders, manage your personal boundaries, and build resilience in the workplace.

Explore valuable insights, including the importance of knowing your triggers and core values, to navigate and transform difficult work relationships. Don't miss this insightful conversation that offers hope and guidance for those facing leadership challenges in their organizations.

https://josefinecampbell.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefinecampbell/

In this podcast episode, Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady® sits down with professional safety expert and Lean specialist Brian Matyjevich to discuss the rapidly evolving topic of marijuana use and its implications in the workplace. As marijuana becomes increasingly popular and legal in various states, it's crucial to understand how it affects workplace safety, especially in safety-sensitive positions.

Brian shares his extensive experience in the manufacturing industry and offers insights into the challenges of maintaining safety standards amidst changing marijuana laws. He emphasizes the need for reasonable suspicion training and the importance of understanding impairment risks to prevent workplace injuries.

Listeners will learn about the latest developments in testing for recent cannabis use, reasonable accommodations, and the impact of marijuana on employment discrimination laws. The episode also delves into the significance of mental health support and employee well-being in promoting a safer work environment.

Wendy Sellers discusses the latest clarifications from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on the legal boundaries surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. As affirmative action ends in early 2025, Wendy elaborates on how to ensure DEI initiatives remain compliant with federal law. Discover the differences between legal and illegal DEI practices, such as making employment decisions based on race or sex, and setting quotas or exclusive programs.

The episode also features insights from Andrea Lucas, acting chair of the EEOC, on 11 ways to diversify workforces without engaging in unlawful discrimination. From adjusting job descriptions and standardizing interviews to auditing privilege and recruiting inclusively, these methods aim to foster equality without breaching Title VII.

Additionally, explore the EEOC's new publications aimed at addressing DEI-related discrimination in the workplace, defining what constitutes unlawful actions, and guiding both employers and employees on how to handle discrimination cases. Stay legally compliant and promote genuine inclusivity in your organization by tuning into this crucial discussion.

A few resources:

EEOC NEW Publication #1 - March 19, 2025

https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-dei-related-discrimination-work

EEOC NEW Publication #2 - March 19, 2025

https://www.eeoc.gov/what-do-if-you-experience-discrimination-related-dei-work

This was the podcast interview with Andrea Lucas in June 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8j1q-paDkQ

Also, on March 17, 2025, there was a Press Release that Andrea Lucas sent letters to 20 law firms requesting information about D E I-related employment practices.

https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-acting-chair-andrea-lucas-sends-letters-20-law-firms-requesting-information-about-dei