Join us for #DIRC25:Merit+Inclusion
on October 30, 2025!

Welcome to DIRC25:M+I
The Merit & Inclusion Research Conference

Now in its eighth year, the DIRC series remains the premier forum for bridging rigorous research and real-world application in the pursuit of more inclusive and successful organizations. DIRC25 marks a bold evolution. In response to today’s increasingly polarized climate, we are reframing the conversation around two universally relevant priorities: Merit and Inclusion.

Merit—when clearly defined and supported by data—ensures that opportunity and advancement are based on capability and contribution, not identity. Inclusion ensures that nothing interferes with an individual’s ability to contribute fully in the workplace. Together, these principles form the foundation of high-performance organizations where everyone can thrive.

Through TED-style talks, disruptive conversations, multidisciplinary panels, and innovative research presentations, DIRC25:M+I brings together thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners from across sectors to explore how organizations can measure and enhance both merit and inclusion in meaningful, actionable ways, to create true meritocracies for all.

AGENDA:

A note for our international attendees: some countries (including most of Europe and Egypt ) switch from daylight saving time before DIRC25, on October 26, but the USA, Canada and other countries switch AFTER DIRC25 on November 2. Please check your time zone carefully as the time differences may be different than usual!

10:00-10:15am Opening Remarks, with Leslie Short & Paolo Gaudiano

10:15-10:45am The Win-Win Workplace, with Angela Jackson

10:45-11:30am Meeting the Needs of Every Patient in a Changing Healthcare Climate, with Cynthia Overton, Erica Taylor, and Ali Ingersoll

11:30-11:50am Inclusive Meritocracy, with Cynthia Overton & Paolo Gaudiano

11:50am-12:00pm Break (recorded content from past DIRC events will play during the breaks)

12:00-12:30pm Let's Talk About Merit (and Ignore Inequality), with Banu Özkazanç-Pan

12:30-1:00pm Analysis of the Business Case for Diversity, with John Hand

1:00-1:30pm The Meritocracy Paradox, with Emilio Castilla

1:30-2:00pm How People with Disabilities Are Really Experiencing Merit and Inclusion, with Kirk Adams

2:00-2:15pm Break (recorded content from past DIRC events will play during the breaks)

2:15-2:45pm Retiring the Lunch Test: From Gut Feel to Evidence in Board Recruitment, with Hugh Molotsi

2:45-3:15pm The Rise and Fall of DEI in Corporate America, with Lisa Simon

3:15-3:45pm Inclusion Removes the Noise That Distorts Meritocracy, with Delia Mensitieri

3:45-4:00pm Closing Remarks, with Leslie Short & Paolo Gaudiano

Meet the DIRC25:M+I  Presenters
We’re excited to share our growing lineup of distinguished presenters who will bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and real-world insights to the conference.

NEW FOR 2025