With some organizations pulling back from their inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) commitments amid political pressures, Michael Bach — a globally renowned IDEA thought leader — sees this moment as an opportunity for true leaders to distinguish themselves.

Michael has spent nearly two decades helping organizations build inclusive cultures that drive business results. The founding CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), he has advised thousands of clients on creating equitable workplaces across every industry, bringing both strategic expertise and lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ2+ community and as a person with a disability. In 2023, he was named one of the “10 Most Influential DE&I Leaders Revamping the Future” by CIO Views Magazine.

Michael’s message to Canadian executives is clear: smart leaders double down when others retreat. The data doesn’t lie — companies with diverse leadership teams are 36% more likely to outperform on profitability, while inclusive cultures deliver measurably higher engagement, innovation, and talent retention. Organizations that maintain their IDEA commitments during challenging times won’t just survive the current turbulence — they’ll emerge with significant competitive advantages.

DEI Initiatives Under Attack

Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, he has signed multiple executive orders that terminated DEI programs in the federal government, revoked a decades-old federal mandate on affirmative action for federal contractors, and directed federal agencies to investigate and combat private sector DEI initiatives they deem “illegal discrimination.”

In Canada, we’re seeing a trickle up effect, with Michael sharing three distinct responses among Canadian employers: a small number are backing away from IDEA entirely, a larger number are keeping quiet about their work and pulling back from external commitments, and an even more significant number are doubling down on their IDEA commitment.

What we’re experiencing today isn’t fundamentally different from historical patterns of resistance to social progress. “IDEA initiatives are constantly under attack, and have been for hundreds of years,” Michael said. “Whenever we see progress, there is a countermove that objects to it.” The resistance stems from fear, ignorance, and entitlement — people believing that if certain groups gain opportunities, they’re somehow losing out.

The Unshakeable Business Case for DEI

Despite political noise, the business case for IDEA is undeniable, with Michael saying that leaders who abandon IDEA efforts due to political pressure are making shortsighted decisions that will hurt their bottom line. Here’s why:

• Diverse leadership drives profitability: McKinsey’s 2023 study found companies in the top quartile for diversity on executive teams are 36% more likely to outperform on profitability.
• Inclusive companies attract top talent: A Glassdoor survey revealed that 76% of job seekers consider a diverse workforce a key factor when evaluating companies — a figure that rises dramatically among younger workers.
• Diversity fuels innovation: Boston Consulting Group research shows companies with above-average diversity on management teams had 19% higher innovation revenues.
• IDEA enhances employee engagement: Gallup’s research reported that inclusive cultures foster higher engagement and lower turnover, translating to millions in retained talent value.

The Talent Risk of Stepping Back

The risk of abandoning IDEA is most apparent in talent acquisition and retention. 56% of Gen Z workers say they wouldn’t accept a job without diverse leadership, Michael said, while 68% believe their employers aren’t doing enough to build diverse workplaces. Millennials share similar sentiments.

“If you abandon your commitment to IDEA, you’re potentially going to alienate more than 50% of your potential workforce,” Michael said. These job seekers actively research companies’ leadership composition and public IDEA activities before deciding where to apply.

Getting Back on Track: Practical Steps Forward

Success in IDEA isn’t about meeting quotas, Michael said, it’s about improving business outcomes. For organizations looking to recommit or strengthen their IDEA efforts, Michael recommends moving beyond performative activities toward substantial change. While celebrations like International Women’s Day and Pride Month have value as visible indicators, they don’t address underlying barriers.

The path forward involves three critical steps:

1. Revisit Your Business Case

If you don’t have an IDEA business case or haven’t reviewed it recently, start there. This document should clearly answer why IDEA matters to your specific organization. Without understanding the “why,” you’re lost before you begin.

2. Identify What Needs Fixing

If the only answer is “we don’t have enough X people,” dig deeper. Why don’t people from equity-deserving groups see your organization as a place where they can succeed? There’s always a reason, and it’s usually findable and fixable.

3. Approach it as Change Management

IDEA work is fundamentally about taking an organization from one place to another. You need to identify the specific problem to determine the appropriate solution.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

For leader facing resistance, Michael recommends a five-step approach for turning difficult conversations into a productive dialogue.

1. Lead with Curiosity, Not Judgment

Start by listening and asking open-ended questions like “Can you tell me more about what concerns you?” This defuses defensiveness and provides insight into underlying issues, which often stem from misinformation.’

2. Find Common Ground

Many team members — even those skeptical of IDEA — want fairness, opportunity, and respect in the workplace. Leaders can frame IDEA in those shared values. This grounds the conversation in organizational values and purpose, not politics.

3. Use Facts Wisely

Share evidence-based examples of IDEA’s business benefits, but facts alone won’t win hearts — they need to be paired with empathy and understanding.

4. Acknowledge Complexity

It’s okay to admit that IDEA work isn’t perfect or easy. What matters is staying committed to organizational values while remaining open to different perspectives on implementation.

5. Set Clear Behavioural Expectations

Leaders should distinguish between personal opinions and professional conduct. Everyone is entitled to their viewpoint, but behavior that undermines inclusion, equity, or respect is not acceptable in the workplace.

How organizations talk about their IDEA efforts matters more than ever. Michael advises staying away from language that sounds like “social justice” or phrases like “it’s the right thing to do.” Instead, focus on your business case and concrete facts about IDEA’s positive impact.

The Long View: Staying Grounded

Political landscapes shift, but business fundamentals endure. Michael’s advice to Canadian business leaders is straightforward: “Take a deep breath and trust that a focus on IDEA is good for your business. Don’t pay attention to all the noise that is going on in the world. Focus on the data that clearly shows how a focus on IDEA will positively impact your top and bottom line. Nothing else matters.”

This isn’t about politics or social justice — it’s about sound business strategy. Organizations that maintain their IDEA commitment during challenging times will emerge stronger and better positioned for long-term success.

Hire Michael Bach to Speak at Your Organization

The bestselling author of Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right and Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion, Michael holds the Cornell Certified Diversity Professional, Advanced Practitioner (CCDP/AP) designation and has received numerous awards for his work, including being named a Catalyst Canada Honours Human Resources/Diversity Leader.

Aa a keynote speaker, he delivers powerful presentations that equip leaders with data-driven strategies and practical tools to build inclusive cultures that drive business results.

Contact us today to learn more about Michael Bach and how he can help your organization turn current IDEA challenges into sustainable competitive advantages.