Enter the Boardroom 148. Professor Doyin Atewologun: Should boards ditch DEI?
Nov 12, 2025
Professor Doyin Atewologun, Founder and CEO of Delta and former Dean of the Rhodes Scholarship, dives deep into the nuances of DEI in corporate boards. She critiques the Parker Review's effectiveness and explores the correlation between diversity and performance, arguing that inclusion is the key factor. Doyin clarifies the difference between equity and equality, stressing the importance of actively fostering inclusion beyond token hires. She also shares practical steps for board members to enhance inclusion and discusses common pitfalls in DEI implementation.
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Equality Versus Equity In Practice
- Equality treats everyone the same; equity adjusts treatment to achieve comparable outcomes.
- Boards must decide case-by-case whether equal processes or tailored adjustments better serve organizational goals.
Choose Processes Based On Outcomes Needed
- Decide what outcomes you need and tailor processes accordingly rather than defaulting to historical norms.
- Accept short-term costs for long-term inclusion benefits when diverse skills are strategically necessary.
Define Inclusion Before Acting
- Clarify what you mean by DEI and recognise inclusion is not the same as hiring more diverse faces.
- Define shared vision and how difference will be celebrated so people feel both belonging and uniqueness.
