When Diversity Gets Left Behind: DEI Failures in Tech

Episode Title: 

When diversity gets left behind: DEI failures in tech 

👤 Guest: Mahima Sukhdev, Chief Growth Officer, GIST Impact 

Mahima works at the intersection of sustainability, equity, and technology - helping organisations measure their real-world impact through data and analytics.

🧠 Episode summary: In this episode, host Paddy Dhanda explores how the tech industry’s failure to prioritise diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) has led to deeper systemic issues - from biased algorithms to inaccessible products. Mahima help us to shine a light how impact measurement can drive accountability, why DEI is still treated as optional, and what it will take to shift the narrative. 

💡 Key topics: 

- Why DEI is still seen as a “nice to have” in tech 

- The difference between intention metrics and impact metrics 

- How flawed metrics can lead to flawed behaviours 

- Real-world examples of product failures due to lack of diversity 

- The role of ESG frameworks in driving DEI accountability 

- What individuals can do to challenge bias in the workplace 

- How AI is accelerating social impact measurement 

📌 Notable quotes: 

“Until you put the right data into the hands of decision makers, you’re not going to shift the system.” 

“DEI done badly is a reputational risk. Done well, it’s a strategic advantage.” 

“Checking your bias isn’t a burden - it’s a way to be present.”