Valuing Labor in a World Built on Extraction with Aparna Rae

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Aparna Rae—educator, entrepreneur, writer, and disruptor—who brings clarity, honesty, and depth to our conversation about equity, data, and the future of work. We get into the real talk around corporate DEI, why so many initiatives fall flat, and how data can actually help drive meaningful change when used well (and not just to check a box). Aparna shares insights on how to survive this current moment—marked by authoritarian creep, economic anxiety, and corporate gaslighting—while still building dignity, safety, and care into the workplace. We talk about Costco, AI, bullshit jobs, and how solidarity (not hustle) will get us through. Bring your notebook and maybe a stiff drink if that’s your thing—this one goes deep. Chapters 0:00 – Welcome + Introducing Aparna Rae 1:22 – Aparna’s origin story: from archaeology to pedagogy 3:23 – The pedagogy of work and the role of data 7:40 – Pushback from clients and lessons from failed engagements 8:31 – What data-informed equity really means 12:15 – Do workshops matter? And the difference between tools and the work 14:15 – The current state of DEI: death, evolution, or reckoning? 17:27 – Acting with integrity in authoritarian times 20:58 – Who’s doing it well? Valuing labor and leadership alignment 23:23 – Costco, Patagonia, and building for sustainability 27:03 – The backlash to the Great Resignation 29:05 – Workplace culture as democracy’s front line 32:15 – AI, capitalism, and human value 39:25 – When DEI went wrong: Aparna’s viral Forbes piece 44:52 – Power dynamics, shame, and where we go from here 45:34 – Trends for 2025: solidarity, safety, and protecting trans lives 49:07 – Escaping hustle culture and dreaming of a different way 50:27 – What’s next for Aparna Rae 51:42 – Where to find her (spoiler: not TikTok) 53:34 – Wrap up + outro   Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.