Recommended Books

The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table

by Minda Harts

Book cover for The Memo

This book gives readers a first-hand, in-depth look at racism and sexism in the workplace, along with strategies women of color can employ to get the careers they deserve. It also provides useful tips for manager and leaders who employ women of color, so they are active allies. 

Inclusify

by Stefanie Johnson

Book cover for Inclusify

Employees have two basic desires: to fit into a group and to stand out as individuals. The author outlines the transformative leadership skill of tomorrow that is essential in making it possible to build truly diverse and inclusive teams which value employees’ need to belong while being themselves.

Subtle Acts of Exclusion

by Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran

Book cover for Subtle Acts of Inclusion

Sometimes bias comes out in the form of microaggressions, or indirect, often unintentional expressions of racism, sexism, ageism, or ableism. In this useful guide, Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran go through what to avoid saying and how to address microaggressions if you witness or experience them.

#MeToo in the Corporate World

by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

Book cover for #MeToo in the Corporate World

The #MeToo movement has changed nearly every industry in the US. Now, it is time for the movement to become more inclusive, economist and author Sylvia Ann Hewlett argues in her latest work. The book provides context for corporate leaders, reveals new data on sexual harassment in the workplace, and gives advice on how to make environments safer for marginalized people.

The Power of Disability

by Al Etmanski

Book cover for The Power of Disability

One in four Americans has a disability, yet representation of their stories is largely underrepresented. Al Etmanski, disability activist, community organizer, and author, seeks to change that in "The Power of Disability." His book offers 10 lessons everyone can learn from notable figures with disabilities including Greta Thunberg, Stephen Hawking, and more.

Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People

By Mahzarin R. Banaji

Book cover for Blind Spot

If you think you are free of biases, you are probably wrong. The fact is, you can be a good, moral human being and still have underlying and subconscious bias. From the moment you enter the world, you are exposed to endless cultural and societal attitudes, which results in hidden biases (or blind spots). These biases affect how we interact with others, including how we lead. Banaji will help you identify your own biases and how to overcome them. 

Diversity, Inc.: The Fight for Racial Equality in the Workplace 

By Pamela Newkirt

Book cover for Diversity, Inc.

Just because an organization invests money or creates a department dedicated to it does not mean there are tangible outcomes. Award-winning journalist Newkirk explores the efficacy of multiple diversity and inclusion initiatives. Turns out, most results are not so hot. However, she does include some success stories that leaders can learn from to back up those big words and fancy titles with meaningful actions and positive change.

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

by Robin DiAngelo

Book cover for White Fragility

Here is an inarguable truth: White people have a certain privilege just because they are white. This does not mean that they do not struggle in other ways, but it does mean that they benefit from advantages that people of color are not privy to. Yet, it can be very hard for white people to acknowledge this. When white people claim to not be part of the problem, that just further contributes to injustice. An antiracist educator, DiAngelo explores the phenomenon of white fragility and challenges people of his race to finally admit we are part of the problem and figure out how to be a part of the solution, instead.

Diversity in the Workplace: Eye-Opening Interviews to Jumpstart Conversations about Identity, Privilege, and Bias

by Bärí A. Williams

Book cover for Diversity in the Workplace

Unfortunately, workplace discrimination is still rampant. In her book, Williams shares 25 eye-opening interviews with people who have experienced and fought against inequality: diving into race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, religion, culture, and more. As a leader, these personal accounts are important for you to read, as they will help you better understand the challenges that some of your team members face on a regular basis.

How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone Can Thrive

by Jennifer Brown

Book cover for How to Be an Inclusive Leader

Talent pool diversity is increasing across many fields. And as recruiting and hiring practices slowly but surely start to keep up, leadership must do the same. Individuals in roles of authority must understand how to make everyone feel like they belong. Brown introduces the audience to the Inclusive Leader Continuum, which consists of four stages: unaware, aware, active, and advocate. Find out where you fall on the continuum and how you can keep progressing forward.