The end of EDI as we know it? Maybe it’s time to go plant based . . .

It’s been seven years since I stood on that red spot all terrified and excited. From the moment I delivered that talk I knew that speaking about (incessantly, perhaps!) equity, diversity and inclusion was where my calling was. I know, I know.

So I'm still at it. But the world is changing and I’m worried that the work that EDI practitioners do all around the world is at risk - not because of the work itself but because of semantics. EDI simply means doing what is fair for all (equity), encouraging a variety of people to work around you (diversity) and making sure they are safe enough to do their best work (inclusion). Far from controversial I feel. But yet . . .

So do we rebrand the work? Do we do what ‘Plant Based’ did for Veganism? Give ourselves a new identity but carry on the same important work? (I still think plant based is one of the smartest rebrands of all time - feel free to ask me about it and I’ll rabbit on for ages.)

Or do we stay the course and commit to something I deeply, and unshakeably believe in. Does a rose by any other name blah blah blah?

What do you think? Stick with EDI or rebrand? What would you call our work if you were in charge?