Charlie Gasparino's Book on Corporate Wokeness

In a recent investigation into the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Fox Business journalist Charles Gasparino uncovered a broader narrative regarding the transformation of American business practices. Initially focusing on the bank's inadequate risk management, Gasparino's research revealed a concerning trend: an overemphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, which he argues contributed significantly to the bank's downfall. Gasparino's findings suggest that Silicon Valley Bank is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern affecting major corporations across the country. He highlights examples such as Disney's controversial policies under former CEO Bob Chapek and BlackRock's Larry Fink, who has been a vocal advocate for ESG standards. This infiltration of "wokeness" into corporate boardrooms appears to have intensified following the George Floyd protests in 2020, with leaders like J.P. Morgan's Jamie Dimon publicly demonstrating support for social justice movements. Through extensive interviews and research, Gasparino illustrates how many corporations adopted these progressive ideals, often at the expense of financial stability. His new book, “Go Woke, Go Broke: The Inside Story of the Radicalization of Corporate America,” serves as a cautionary tale for CEOs, warning them of the potential repercussions of prioritizing social agendas over sound business practices. The narrative raises critical questions about the future direction of corporate governance in America.