Podcast Episode: Our Obsession with Cultural Fit Will Kill Workplace Diversity

In this thought-provoking episode of C-Level Conversations, Professor Gary Martin, CEO of the Australian Institute of Management WA, unpacks the increasingly controversial concept of "cultural fit" in hiring and why it might be doing more harm than good.

What once began as a way to build cohesive, values-aligned teams has morphed into a gatekeeping tool that reinforces bias, stifles diversity, and limits innovation. Professor Martin explains how the fixation on hiring people we feel comfortable with those who look, think, and act like us can unintentionally shut out difference and dilute workplace potential.

We explore the dangers of “looking glass merit,” the myth of sameness, and how it’s time to replace “fit” with “add.” Learn why embracing cultural add over cultural fit is critical for future-focused organisations committed to inclusion, performance, and growth.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• Why cultural fit is no longer fit-for-purpose
• How to spot hidden biases in recruitment
• The business case for hiring difference
• What leaders can do to foster true inclusion through hiring

This is a must-listen for business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone committed to building workplaces that thrive through diversity.

Connect with - Professor Gary Martin FAIM

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/professorgarymartin/