I Didn’t Need DEI to Be Qualified—But I Needed It to Be Seen | The DEI Hiring Debate

Hire Breakthrough Podcast with Kimone Napier

She’s only here because of DEI.”

I’ve heard it whispered in boardrooms. I’ve seen it in comment sections. And let’s be real—if you’ve ever been a woman, a person of color, LGBTQ+, or from any marginalized background, you’ve probably heard it too.

But here’s the truth: I didn’t need DEI to be qualified. I needed DEI to be SEEN.

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the DEI hiring debate—the myth of “meritocracy,” the reality of hiring bias, and why perception, not qualifications, has always dictated who gets access to leadership and opportunity.

We’ll cover:

• The research-backed truth about bias in hiring and promotions
• The weaponization of DEI backlash in corporate America
• What leaders, HR professionals, and decision-makers can do to level the playing field
• Real comments from my viral LinkedIn post—and my unfiltered responses

📌 If you’ve ever been told you’re only in the room because of DEI, this episode is for you.

LinkedIn Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kimonenapier_dei-deib-activity-7292310205118238721-BWFY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAA5FsA0BeDWD-UVieX08MMcsbHKfcMkGnLg

Ready to take the next step?
Scale Hire is our done-for-you hiring solution, handling the entire process from start to finish. From sourcing and screening to delivering a curated list of top candidates, we take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on scaling your business. 👉 Learn More Here
Looking for Talent & Workforce Development Solutions?
At Hire Breakthrough, we design and deliver workforce development programs that equip professionals and organizations for the future of work. Whether you need customized training, leadership development, or career readiness programs, we create solutions that drive real impact. 👉 Learn More Here
🎤 Need a speaker or trainer? Kimone Napier brings expert insights on hiring, DEI, leadership, talent and workforce trends to organizations looking to elevate their teams. 👉 Learn More Here

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in to The Hire Breakthrough Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, be sure to:

• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

• Leave a review to help more leaders discover the show.

• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to build their dream team.
Connect with me:

• Website: Hire Breakthrough

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Youtube
Let's build the future of work - one breakthrough at a time.