ESG, DEI & the Post-Election Landscape: Was It Ever More Than a Box to Tick?

Since the US election, there’s been a noticeable shift in how organisations are approaching ESG and DEI. With Trump back in office, federal pressure around climate action and equity is easing, and many companies are already responding.

Budgets are being cut. Benchmarks are being removed. DEI roles and employee groups are being reassessed. And while some companies say these are just small internal changes, the broader message is clear: many are pulling back.

This isn’t just happening in the United States. The ripple effects are global. US policy has a way of shaping how international companies set their priorities. It influences investor expectations, shapes corporate strategy, and shifts public conversations around values and responsibility.

All of this has made me think more deeply about the kind of work I want to do. I’m launching a social impact marketing consultancy at a time when a lot of people are stepping away from these conversations. It might seem like a strange moment to start something like this, but I genuinely believe this is when the work matters most.

Social impact marketing isn’t about pushing out polished campaigns or ticking a box. It’s about helping organisations communicate in a way that reflects who they really are and what they stand for. That means aligning messaging with action, and brand identity with purpose.

The truth is, some companies will quietly retreat from their ESG and DEI commitments now that the political and social pressure has eased. But others will hold steady. These are the organisations that understand this work isn’t performative. It’s part of their long-term mission.

Those are the organisations I want to support.

If you're leading a business and you're choosing to stay committed to your values, even as others shift focus, I see you. This moment will reveal which organisations are truly built on purpose, not just performance.

And for those wondering whether it’s still worth investing in social impact, my answer is simple. Yes. Because the companies that stay true to their values now will be the ones people trust in the future.

Let’s keep building with purpose.