Recommended Reading: Page Turners To Add To Your Bookshelf

Learning from DEI experts and others sharing their knowledge for our benefit.

For your consideration, here are some of our wordy suggestions to add to your reading list for National Reading Month and after: from deep dives on diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for the new year and beyond to inspirational journeys and lessons learned from those experiencing adversity. We are sure you will walk away with several golden nuggets of wisdom no matter which author or angle you find worthy of including on your next bookworm binge.

BIRDS OF ALL FEATHERS: DOING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION RIGHT

In the wake of major social and political change, employers large and small are taking steps to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Yet despite growing pressure and awareness, progress is slow, and most industries remain ill-equipped and unsuccessful in their efforts. After nearly two decades in the field of D&I across the globe, award-winning Founder & CEO of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Michael Bach has seen more organizations do diversity poorly than well. In his new book, he shifts the conversation and argues that creating diverse, inclusive workplaces is not just the right thing to do―it is the smart thing to do. He brings fresh clarity and candor to a daunting subject by showing how to get D&I right, with practical solutions and tactical guidance for navigating the constantly evolving landscape. He provides a roadmap for leaders to create breakthrough change and explores meaningful topics.

FIRST AND ONLY: A BLACK WOMAN’S GUIDE TO THRIVING AT WORK AND IN LIFE

Honoring the uniqueness of Black women and speaking to the racism, sexism, classism and homophobia Black women often experience at work and in life, author Jennifer R. Farmer helps readers learn what is required for the long haul of liberation by providing a roadmap to on-the-job success, challenging systemic racism, and seeking inner healing through the sustaining power of faith. She offers practical strategies for Black women to thrive in workplaces that can be ambivalent about their success, as well as tips and stories from psychologists, activists, and organizational experts that equip Black women to lead others and heal past wounds. Farmer is a writer, trainer and activist communicator. She is the founder of the social justice PR firm Spotlight PR LLC and the Center for Social Justice Leadership, a social justice training organization that supports leaders and organizations committed to racial and social justice.

RACE IN AMERICA: A DIALOGUE GUIDE

Last year, millions of people around the globe were moved to demonstrate in the name of racial justice. They marched and organized despite the risk of illness and physical harm. Inspired by their commitment and courage, Essential Partners (EP), an international leader in dialogue across differences, has published this comprehensive guide to help engage in open, courageous, healthy conversations about race in the community. EP’s trademark approach, Reflective Structured Dialogue, has been proven to help people build trust, understanding and relationships across differences of identity, values and beliefs. Over 30 years, Essential Partners has collaborated with community groups, schools, faith institutions, nonprofits, foundations, and organizations across the United States to make new conversations about race possible. Now available for free downloads online.

EXPAND BEYOND YOUR CURRENT CULTURE: DIVERSITY & INCLUSION FOR CEOS & LEADERSHIP

Author Leslie Short examines the continually evolving D&I challenges that organizations face and shows leaders how to ensure that all employees have opportunities to express who they are and are comfortable doing so. In an engaging and conversational style, she offers tips on how to think differently about D&I to achieve a sustainable, diverse and inclusive workplace. Her model is based on four pillars: diversity, inclusion, equity, and authentic company culture. Short encourages companies to view D&I as more than just a trend. Some of the topics covered include opportunities that are currently overlooked and underserved, and how to educate and sensitize not only senior leaders but all employees. Short is founder, president and CEO at The Cavu Group, where she brings four decades of experience to focus on D&I in an effort to facilitate and create new solutions to old and new issues.

HUDDLE: HOW WOMEN UNLOCK THEIR COLLECTIVE POWER

After more than 20 years in a male-dominated industry, often reporting on the world’s most powerful men, veteran journalist and CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin spent two days back-to-back covering the 2017 presidential inauguration and the historic Women’s March in Washington, D.C. The experience changed her perspective and led to the question: what happens when women huddle? Baldwin wanted to learn from women who were forming change movements, or who were supporting each other in the workplace, and she wanted to learn what happens when women harness each other’s’ power by gathering together. Her new book is a blend of journalism and personal narrative examining how women have come together to provide each other with support and strength to enact meaningful change. Baldwin is a Peabody Award finalist and creator and host of CNN’s Digital series American Woman.

PIVOT TO WIN: MAKE THE BIG PLAYS IN LIFE, SPORTS AND BUSINESS

If there’s anything we can count on these days, it’s change. Author Jordan Babineaux helps people embrace change and pivot for growth— using their strengths to overcome adversity, staying motivated for the long run. He shares his insights in his new book where he expands on why you should establish a personal “Ground Zero” with time to reflect on what’s important to you, what to do when you come up against a “no” and how to employ both a growth and service mindset, among other topics. He teaches by example, sharing his personal story to help readers know when it’s time to pivot, use their strengths to overcome adversity, and packs in valuable advice to use to build your own Pivot Playbook. Babineaux transitioned from nearly a decade playing in the NFL to become a sports broadcaster, entrepreneur and business executive. He currently serves as the “voice” of the Seattle Seahawks on both television and radio.