We talked about the growing backlash against DEI initiatives and why companies are scaling back their commitment, the potential hidden agendas behind RTO mandates, and the current frustrations with HR tech. ---- Submit the craziest request you’ve ever gotten in HR. Buy tickets for MPL Live Boston. ---- Timestamps: (08:11) The anti-DEI movement (14:23) Did DEI programs scale too quickly post-2020? (18:29) The role of activists in influencing corporate DEI rollbacks (26:07) Are RTO mandates being used to justify workforce reductions? (29:25) The impact of return-to-office policies (36:58) The growing frustration with HR tech—why is it failing? (45:42) Has AI-driven HR tech delivered on its promises? (50:17) Are legacy HR systems holding companies back? (57:00) The college admissions debate and perceptions of fairness in hiring (01:05:44) One-word close ---- 📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get episode recaps 💡 Follow The Modern People Leader on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Daniel Huerta on LinkedIn 😊 Follow Stephen Huerta on LinkedIn

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.