As the pendulum of progress swings in American workplace culture, many professionals find themselves grappling with mounting uncertainty. The recent executive order targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies has sent ripples through corporate America, with major retailers like Target and Walmart already scaling back their supplier diversity initiatives. For marginalized communities, the current climate might feel like a significant setback. However, this moment can be an opportunity to reconnect with purpose and forge new paths forward.
"This is not unexpected, and it's not new. This is history repeating itself," says Laurel Rutledge, a business consultant who previously led global HR strategy and analytics for a billion-dollar chemical company. "Many people got comfortable. Those of us of a certain background knew better."
For Millette Granville, DEI expert and consultant whose work over the past two decades includes leading DEI initiatives for a global organization of 75,000, the writing has been on the wall for some time. "I read a book called The Browning of America [and the Evasion of Social Justice] over 10 years ago, and that book describes almost verbatim what is happening right now," she reflects. "For people who have done this work for so long, we [are] not shocked or surprised."
Whether you feel blindsided or you saw rollbacks coming a mile away, the question now becomes: how do professionals adapt to this shifting landscape while maintaining their values and advancing their careers?
Navigating Corporate Spaces
For those choosing to remain in corporate environments, consider a measured approach. "The challenge in corporate is to remember that it's not new,” Rutledge notes. “It just feels new because it's so blatant now outside of your corporate arena." Her advice carries particular weight: "If you decide to stay in corporate, you must spend time being politically savvy. Stop being in your feelings and get strategic,” she says. “Get clear about what the business sees as valuable and connect your receipts to those values.”
Building Beyond Barriers
Granville notes that “Corporate America has long leveraged DEI programs to expand its customer base, increase profits, prevent discrimination lawsuits, and improve employee retention." These same principles can guide independent ventures and consulting practices. Many professionals can successfully translate their corporate expertise into thriving businesses, using their understanding of organizational needs to create valuable services.
Take HR consultant, Shanieka Coleman, for example. After being passed over for a promotion, then tasked with training her male replacement, and finally resigning after facing retaliation for setting boundaries with her new manager—she channeled her expertise into entrepreneurship. "Don't wait until you're mistreated to go," Coleman advises. "It doesn't hurt to venture out on your own."
As you’re navigating this shifting landscape, our experts recommend these key strategies:
1. Stay Informed and Prepared
Granville expresses the importance of understanding the broader context of your work. Keep abreast of industry trends, policy changes, and their potential impact on your sector. Then prepare your business for that potential impact. “Invest in your business structure first,” she suggests. “So if things go awry or take off, your business can handle that.”
2. Choose Your Environment Strategically
"Know the temperature of your company," Coleman advises, explaining that not all companies are doing away with prioritizing diversity and inclusion. "Know if you're safe, if you should be looking for a job, or if you should go ahead and retire." Be selective about where you invest your talent, seeking organizations that demonstrate genuine commitment to inclusive values through actions, not just words.
3. Document Your Impact
"You must spend time understanding the business strategy," Rutledge emphasizes again. "What do they value? How does what you do drive that value?" Keep detailed records of your contributions and connect them directly to business outcomes. This documentation serves both as protection and as proof of your value.
For entrepreneurs, “it might be time to double down on your receipts too,” she says. Your detailed records should include projects you’ve worked on, the returns on those projects, and client testimonials.
4. Bet on Yourself
“Don’t give up,” Coleman encourages. She recommends doubling down on networking and continuous learning. Join professional organizations, chambers of commerce, and industry groups that align with your goals. Also consider taking courses to strengthen your expertise and expand your professional toolkit. “Just because it looks one way on this side doesn't mean that it will always be that way,” she says.
Moving Forward with Purpose
The path forward calls for both resilience and strategic thinking. "We cannot be fearful," Rutledge advises. "Our ancestors did well with much less." Her message resonates clearly: learn from those who've been through similar challenges, then make your strategic plan. “Now is not the time to just pat-a-cake it,” Granville adds.
So as you navigate the current climate in our economy and workforce, whether in corporate environments or entrepreneurial ventures — ground yourself in purpose, act strategically, and claim your space.
---
Want more insights on building a purpose-driven career in changing times? Subscribe to The Purpose Post for weekly inspiration to help you redefine success on your own terms, plus actionable insight to build your own path, too. You'll join a community of 1000+ pros building businesses with purpose and leaving their mark on the world.
