What’s the DEIL?

About What’s the DEIL?

What’s the DEIL? is a podcast for organizational leaders (and those who support them) who are navigating workplace culture, leadership, and inclusive practices in a rapidly evolving world. We explore how leaders can create space for authentic human connection through the lens of DEI. In this podcast, we discuss real and relevant work issues in a way that centers people and challenges leaders to go above and beyond in their efforts to improve workplace culture. We know you’re busy so we focus on practical strategies and solid practices that improve employee engagement, retention and impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

THE NORFUS FIRM

Category

business · business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Oct 2022

Latest episode

26 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

77 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Sept 2025

   How Bias Sneaks Into Workplaces (And What To Do About It)

   Bias happens everywhere, especially at work. And often, it shows up long before anyone realizes there’s a problem. In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie dig into how bias, particularly unconscious or implicit bias, quietly shapes the workplace experience. Whether it’s small assumptions about who takes notes in meetings, who gets certain assignments, or how people’s communication styles are perceived, these “little” moments can snowball into big workplace issues, complaints, and even legal risk. Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What bias really is (hint: everyone has it—yes, even you) ✔️ The difference between conscious and unconscious bias ✔️ Why our brains build shortcuts and how they can reinforce stereotypes ✔️ How everyday behaviors, like questioning someone’s expertise or making assumptions based on appearance, can erode trust and fuel resentment ✔️ Real-life examples from investigations where unchecked bias created workplace conflict ✔️ The connection between mindfulness and inclusive leadership ✔️ Why curiosity (not defensiveness) is the antidote to bias ✔️ Simple, practical steps for leaders to disrupt bias before it leads to complaints or deeper organizational issues Workplace Bias: More Than Just Hurt Feelings Bias isn’t always about blatant discrimination; it often shows up as: Who gets visible, high-value projects How feedback is given (and to whom) Who feels included versus who feels othered Left unchecked, these moments chip away at morale, damage psychological safety, and, in some cases, open the door to formal complaints or investigations. The Leadership Wake-Up Call The hosts break down how mindful leaders can spot bias patterns early by: ✔️ Paying attention to who speaks, who gets overlooked, and who takes on invisible labor ✔️ Switching up routines to ensure equity in meetings and assignments ✔️ Avoiding lazy connections based on personal identity—build rapport in meaningful ways The Bottom Line? Bias is normal, but ignoring it is where workplaces fall apart. Leaders can’t afford to operate on autopilot. It takes self-awareness, curiosity, and intentional action to prevent small biases from becoming big problems. Whether you’re a new manager, seasoned executive, or DEI champion, this episode offers practical tools to create a more inclusive, equitable workplace before it escalates to formal complaints or investigations. Follow & Connect with us: Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/). Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/). We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/ (https://thenorfusfirm.com/). Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/ (https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/). Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil (https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil). If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   3 Sept 2025

   Why a Neutral, Trauma-Informed Investigator Can Save Your Workplace

   In this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie explore the often-overlooked aspects of internal investigations, highlighting why a neutral, trauma-informed third party can significantly impact the process, particularly in cases involving workplace culture, conflict, or DEI concerns. Employee complaints are rarely as simple as they seem on the surface. Behind every formal investigation is often a tangled web of long-standing frustrations, cultural tensions, and unresolved bias. And yet, too many organizations fumble by either keeping investigations in-house when they shouldn’t or by bringing in external investigators who don’t have the skills or sensitivity to navigate complex people dynamics. Natalie breaks down exactly when leaders should call in outside support, the risks of mishandling investigations, and why neutrality isn’t just about legal compliance; it’s about trust, safety, and protecting your culture. You’ll also hear how trauma-informed approaches can reduce harm, improve participation, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ When to keep an investigation internal and when to bring in a neutral third party ✔️ The biggest red flags in workplace complaints that signal it’s time for outside help ✔️ How bias, culture, and leadership dynamics complicate modern investigations ✔️ Why trauma-informed approaches are essential for fair, respectful processes ✔️ The link between sloppy investigations and employee distrust, turnover, lawsuits, or social media blow-ups ✔️ How proper investigations can actually improve your workplace culture long-term Whether you’re an HR leader, executive, DEI practitioner, or people manager, this episode offers real-world insight into getting investigations right before your culture, reputation, or bottom line pay the price. Key Topics: How investigations intersect with workplace culture and DEI Common investigation missteps that lead to bigger problems What neutrality really looks like in practice How trauma, identity, and bias show up in complaints Building trust through transparent, fair investigation processes The business case for proactive culture assessments before issues escalate Need Help with Workplace Culture or Internal Investigations? The Norfus Firm supports organizations through high-stakes investigations, DEI strategy, and culture audits. Whether you’re in crisis or building preventative systems, our trauma-informed, legally sound approach can help. Reach out to learn more. Follow & Connect with us: Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/). Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/). We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/ (https://thenorfusfirm.com/). Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/ (https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/). Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil (https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil). If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   1 Aug 2025

   Culture Isn’t Just a Buzzword; It’s an Investigation Trigger

   n this episode of What’s the DEIL?, Shanté and Natalie dig into the real reason culture can’t just live on your company’s “About Us” page. Yes, “culture” is often used as a feel-good concept. But when conflict erupts, or worse, formal complaints arise, what’s beneath the surface usually reveals a pattern, not a one-time issue. And that pattern? It’s shaped by culture. From favoritism to retaliation to unchecked leadership behaviors, the hosts explore how your day-to-day practices, or lack thereof, are either reinforcing accountability or brewing your next workplace investigation. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most formal workplace complaints aren’t about just one thing How perceived favoritism, bias, and leader friendships lead to culture decay Why investigations can’t fix culture, but audits can prevent investigations What retaliation looks like (and how to avoid the legal and ethical fallout) How leaders signal what’s “okay” through their everyday choices and why that matters more than your official policy Why a culture audit is proactive, not performative, and how it saves money, time, and morale Whether you lead a team or guide organizational strategy, this episode is a wake-up call: if you’re not looking at how your culture actually works, you’re probably not leading as well as you think. Follow & Connect with us: Follow Natalie Norfus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienorfus/). Follow Shante Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegordon/). We’ve led hundreds of audits, assessments, and people strategy engagements, and we’d love to help your organization. Book a consultation with The Norfus Firm: https://thenorfusfirm.com/ (https://thenorfusfirm.com/). Follow What’s the DEIL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/ (https://www.instagram.com/whatsthedeil/). Follow What’s the DEIL on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil (https://www.tiktok.com/@whatsthedeil). If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

84,351

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

70

Social presence

91

YouTube

76

Engagement

51

Contact What’s the DEIL?

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.