Inclusion: Diversity, the New Workplace & the Will to Change
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PRAISE FOR JENNIFER BROWN & INCLUSION “Inclusion, in the true sense of the word, is no longer a soft issue. It is unequivocally a business imperative. In order for organizations to thrive and be profitable, we must cast the widest net to bring in the best talent from every source around the globe. This means diversity of thought, style, approach, and experience, which if done right and the company culture supports it, allows for better engagement, productivity, innovation, and a direct and proven impact on the bottom line. Given the changing times and the uncertainty we face in the world today around safety, trust in the system, and globalization of the economy, we need to create safe places for everyone to be themselves and bring their authentic selves to work and home. No one should feel unsafe or unprotected or fearful of not being accepted due to any difference they may have. They should feel unique, special, and valued. It is our job as change agents to make this a reality. Jennifer Brown’s book is a real testament to driving change in this new era. It’s a call to action, with a useful and practical set of tools that can be implemented by those who truly care and want to make things happen. Having known Jennifer and her work for some time, I’m a real believer in her passion, talent, and the innovation she brings to the discipline of diversity and inclusion. She truly gets it and is a real role model for many in this field and beyond.” —Patsy Doerr, global head of corporate responsibility and inclusion, Thomson Reuters “Given the current state of events tearing at the diverse fabric of what has made America great, Jennifer Brown and her new book, Inclusion: Diversity, the New Workplace & the Will to Change, is a must for those who want to absorb Jennifer’s thoughts, ideas, concepts, and personal courage. She is a must-follow on social media and a global thought leader on diversity and inclusion. Keep a highlighter handy and readily accessible on your diversity journey with Jennifer. Everyone needs a mentor, advisor, and guide like her that has walked the walk.” —Fields Jackson, Jr., founder and CEO, Racing Toward Diversity “It is my pleasure to begin by saying that Jennifer Brown is a friend. Over the course of almost ten years, we’ve worked together on what matters most to Jennifer: enlightening everyone to the endless possibilities for opportunity and growth in workplaces and as a society. Her passion for seeing the way forward toward equality is energizing. I have drawn from her energy and insight and always look forward to sharing stories with her because in that exchange I always learn and renew my own commitment.” —Dr. Rich Goldberg, Rich Goldberg Consulting LLC; inaugural fellow, Stanford University Distinguished Careers Institute “Most all organizations say they strive to be a meritocracy…one where people get ahead based on talent and effort and where unconscious bias plays little or no part in hiring, promotions, compensation, assignments, and other key career steps. For the leaders that realize that those ideals are so very hard to achieve in reality and understand that much help is needed along the way, Jennifer stands out as a powerful guiding light. She is passionate yet reasoned in her commitment to working with organizations to understand their specific challenges and get them ‘to a better place.’” —Adam Quinton, CEO, Lucas Point Ventures “Jennifer uses cutting-edge data, digital prowess, and a thorough experiential understanding of diversity as it currently stands to present a clearly defined path to compel true change. As the founder of Lesbians Who Tech, I know how crucial it is to have a road map for anyone seeking to understand the objective reality of what diversity in the workplace means and why it matters, with optimism moving forward to elevate us all.” —Leanne Pittsford, founder, Lesbians Who Tech “Diversity is more than who’s in the room, inclusion is more than a box on an organizational chart, and success isn’t holding an annual seminar. Managing change is hard, but failing to change means losing the skills, talents, and insights of today’s workforce. Diversity and inclusion must be part of an organization’s DNA and implicit in each employee’s mission. Jennifer Brown brings fresh insights, girded with real-world examples, to a field in need of reinvigoration.” —Annise Parker, former mayor of Houston; current fellow, Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University “When I am searching for a new perspective, a fresh idea, or a strong voice in diversity, Jennifer is the person I rely upon. She has not only inspired me with my own personal diversity story but to successfully drive culture change as a diversity and inclusion leader in my global organization. As Jennifer says in the book, ‘it’s complex,’ but she has the ability to shine a bright light on the most critical issues.” —Jim Rottman, global head of diversity and inclusion, Roche Pharmaceuticals “Jennifer Brown’s position working with leaders from across multiple industry sectors allows her to see trends and observe needed change from a unique vantage point. And with that advantage, she hits the nail on the head about what is needed in our organizations: change on a vast scale—and not limited to just the internal workplace environment, but most critically, the external, social environment of our world. As evidenced by recent turbulent events, we are at a crossroads in America. Our future as a unified, prosperous country depends on the directions we take now. Jennifer’s guidance comes at that tipping point, and I hope her readers will take her advice and tip us in the right direction.” —Steve Humerickhouse, executive director, The Forum on Workplace Inclusion, University of St. Thomas “Long overdue—practical and in-your-face truths for a more inclusive work environment.” —Patricia A. David, managing director and the global head of diversity, JP Morgan Chase “The ever-growing research on the business value of an inclusive workplace is overwhelming. The hard job is no longer making that argument. The hard job is grounding these aspirations in actual decisions and behaviors in the workplace. Jennifer Brown is a leader of this focus on data- and outcomes-driven change. This book is an exceptional opportunity to learn how to build a better company.” —Dr. Vivienne Ming, neuroscientist and entrepreneur, researching the future of human capital “Change is hard. And if you are serious about truly creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, there is no better source of tough love coupled with pragmatic solutions than Jennifer Brown. I have had the privilege of working closely with Jennifer on multiple projects that create lasting change even in the most rigid of companies. The tremendous respect I have seen her command in a room is earned by demonstrating a passion for helping others presented through practical, tangible shifts in both practice and thinking. You owe it to yourself and to your business to take Jennifer’s nuanced and experienced advice to heart. Diversity is good for business, and few are better for expanding diversity than Jennifer Brown.” —Jonathan D. Lovitz, vice president of external affairs, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC); director, NGLCCNY “Jennifer understands the importance of relationship building in challenging microinequities and creating change. She has a genuine appreciation for the need to step out of one’s comfort zone when expanding one’s circle in order to truly live as an agent of change.” —Carmelyn P. Malalis, commissioner and chair, New York City Commission on Human Rights “Any organization, big or small, could consider making diversity and inclusiveness a part of its culture. The business value is proven—organizations generate more revenue, innovate more, and attract and retain high performers as a result of it. To reap the benefits, D&I needs to be factored into all key business processes and day-to-day decision making. Jennifer Brown’s book offers organizations practical advice for building a workplace that represents the needs and best interests of everyone. It provides readers with fresh insights and a straightforward framework for companies that are seeking to enact true progress and ensure that both diversity and inclusion are top of mind for their leadership.” —Karyn Twaronite, diversity and inclusiveness officer, EY Global “Jennifer Brown brings a unique voice and a powerful perspective to shine a spotlight on the importance of what really matters when it comes to diversity in the twenty- first century. Her insights shatter barriers that reveal opportunities to guide companies to secure a bigger return to the bottom line. Period.” —Leo Preziosi, Jr., executive director and founder, Live Out Loud “Inclusion: Diversity, the New Workplace & the Will to Change is a conversation with Jennifer Brown. Her voice is clear, and her perspective blends experience, research, and current events, which tell a story that cannot be denied. It is compelling. Jennifer’s thought leadership in the field of diversity and inclusion will undoubtedly help shape a larger vision for what is possible and inform the questions we should all be asking ourselves and one another. This book will inspire all of those who have felt disengaged and disconnected, who struggle to find their unique voice—their truth—and bring their fuller selves to any part of life.” —Dr. Shelton Goode, director of diversity and inclusion, Oshkosh Corporation; author, Diversity Managers: Angels of Mercy or Barbarians at the Gate “Jennifer Brown is a leading global authority on diversity and inclusion, helping senior leaders from companies large and small achieve higher profitability through equality for all employees.