By Staff
With countless lived experiences, why did you write, “Diversity Done Right”?
In the aftermath of tragedies like the murder of George Floyd, the hanging of Sandra Bland, and the shoot-first, ask-questions-later deaths of many black men and women at the hands of officers of the law. Not to exclude or ignore during the same time blacklight matters, The Me-too movement, Asian hate, the attack on the LGBTQA community, the disrespect for those with different abilities, and immigration, were all under attack.
Diversity Done Right is right on time. While it focuses on the impact of issues of diversity primarily in the workplace, when we get to the root of why corporations need DEI experts on the payroll in the 21st century, the reason is not much different than the reason men and women like Floyd, Bland, Breona Taylor, and Philando Castile lost their lives at the hands of police officers who couldn’t see beyond the color of their skin.
In Diversity Done Right, DEI emphatically shows that diversity isn’t just about having a balanced representation of race and gender in the halls of academia, the cubicles of corporate America, or the legislative halls of Congress. An authentic respect and embracing of diversity begin in the heart. It’s something we as leaders strive to have not just to check the box but also because we want our companies, communities, local Schools, colleges, and University’s to accurately reflect the mosaic that is America (and, quite frankly, the kingdom of God). Diversity entails the beautiful conglomeration of voices, experiences, languages, cultures, ethnicities, and genders that represent all of us. “Diversity Done Right” enhances our collective well-being and the greater good.
Tell us about your book.
“Diversity Done Right” is a surprising new look at diversity, equity, and inclusion at contemporary workplaces and beyond.
In my book Diversity Done Right: Navigating Cultural Difference to Create Positive Change in the Workplace. As Senior Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Hyatt Hotel Corporation, a diversity practitioner for the last three decades and a black Men for more the 60 years, I have had the opportunity to drive enlightening and startling look at group dynamics via using case studies and interviews representing a variety of backgrounds. In my book, you’ll learn how to use proven and tested frameworks and tools to assess, develop, and demonstrate cross cultural competence and humility in each chapter.
You’ll also discover:
· Strategies for developing humility and understanding of organizational and societal group dynamics.
· Real-world examples of situations in which individuals were offended or harmed through the misbehavior of others.
· The consequences of the collision of different world views
Perfect for managers, executives, directors, and other business leaders, Diversity Done Right will also prove invaluable to human resources professionals and DEI leaders seeking to make their workplaces more just places.
What do you feel the impact will be if Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is removed from corporate America?
Over 60 years ago, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Part of his dream? That one day, his children would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Our country has made some strides since then, to be sure. However, where legalized barriers once kept marginalized groups on the outskirts of achieving anything remotely close to the American dream, they have been replaced with something much more subtle and dangerous. Implicit bias impacts every facet of life. In this essential book, I have shown, how implicit bias can erode diversity efforts, particularly in corporate America, and how we can overcome it. Diversity Done Right sounds the trumpet on diversity today and is a must-read for leaders and those they lead.
Whether you are leading others in the workplace or you’re a teacher purposed with engaging future leaders in pertinent conversations about the ongoing issues around diversity—what’s working, what’s not working, and what seems irrevocably broken—add this book to your repertoire. It is an engaging, thought-provoking read filled with current stats, real-life situations, and personal experiences showing why learning to be comfortable in a global family is important.
What would you like people to walk away with from reading your book?
Over the years I have come to understand the importance of embracing diversity among leadership within our corporations, communities, churches, Schools, non-for-profit organizations and quite frankly around world. I have not only understood this message, but I have taken it to new heights with my insightful and transformative book. I have had the opportunity to draw from my own 30 years of experiences, expertise as a black Men for 60+ years to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of DEI officers in training, emerging community leaders and activists, and those who have been trying to break their way through that proverbial glass ceiling. My hope for mean would benefit and learn by way of this book. diversity in today’s world and developing a deep understanding of the principles that underpin true inclusion.
Diversity Done Right, which is so needed for our times, stresses that true diversity goes way beyond affirmative action. The purpose of achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in our workplaces, isn’t to pacify those victimized by perpetuated bias but to rectify the sins of America’s founding fathers.
How do you stay motivated knowing that equality is not supported by all?
I am motivated in the same way as Martin Luther King Jr., who strongly believed that racial justice would help everyone achieve their potential. He believed that investments in education are the underpinning of civil rights. King’s dream was that his four children would someday be judged not by the color of their skin but the content of their character, I have the same dream for my daughter Kennedy and her children’s. MLK adhered and I have joined him in Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and began his struggle to persuade the US Government to declare the policy of racial discrimination in the southern states unlawful.
My motivation stemmed from a deep sense of moral duty, a desire to eradicate racial injustice, and a belief in the transformative power of nonviolent activism. My book “Diversity Done Right” will be my legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come to work toward a more just and equitable world.
What can people do to help fight for DEI?
Buy my book, “diversity done right”
learn how to use proven and tested frameworks and tools to assess, develop, and demonstrate cross cultural competence and humility in each chapter.
You’ll also discover:
· Strategies for developing humility and understanding of organizational and societal group dynamics.
· Real-world examples of situations in which individuals were offended or harmed through the misbehavior of others.
· The consequences of the collision of different world views
Perfect for managers, executives, directors, and other business leaders, Diversity Done Right will also prove invaluable to human resources professionals and DEI leaders seeking to make their workplaces more just places.
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