Boom to Backlash: George Floyd's Legacy on DEI as a Business Imperative

How the murder of George Floyd transformed the attitude towards and implementation of DEI across the world

Boom to Backlash examines the seismic shift in DEI initiatives following George Floyd's completely preventable death, exploring the initial surge of corporate commitments to DEI, the tangible progress and advancements made, and the subsequent backlash. Through data and case studies, as well as the unparalleled personal experiences of Black executive, global DEI expert, and author DK Bartley, this book illustrates how DEI has evolved from a fringe concept to a crucial element of business strategy, corporate success, and social progress. Some of the topics explored in this book include the mischaracterization of DEI as "new" or "woke" by various platforms; the real impact of DEI on a business's bottom line; the future of DEI with respect to the current political climate and technology's role in implementation strategies; and why George Floyd's murder was a catalyst for change.

By addressing these critical aspects of DEI within the context of recent historical events, Boom to Backlash engages with a growing audience of business and political leaders, social media influencers, HR professionals, and individuals who want to understand and implement effective DEI strategies in a post-2020 world.

© 2025 Ascent Audio (Audiobook): 9781663755285

Release date

Audiobook: 2 September 2025