Powering Inclusive Cultures

The book explains how organizations can benefit by employing people with a wide range of backgrounds, including the usual ones, such as age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, and ethnicity. It also addresses one not often covered, employing people with military backgrounds.

~ Paolo Guadiano, Chief Scientist, Aleria Research Corporation

The people who would find the book most helpful are those who govern and manage organizations and are looking to improve their organizations’ DEI efforts. Although from my experiences, having gone through DEI training in nonprofit organizations and academia, many DEI trainers could greatly improve their effectiveness if they took to heart several lessons that Jones has learned over the years.

~ Paolo Guadiano, Chief Scientist, Aleria Research Corporation

Jones is the CEO of Spectra Diversity Inc., a company that helps organizations undertake diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The book is effective in explaining why organizations should undertake those efforts and the best way of going about it. Spectra goes beyond short-term workshops that encourage an organization’s employees to embrace DEI values. Instead, it surveys the organization’s management, workers, customers, and if relevant, board, to identify how they perceive the organization’s current DEI culture. From there, Spectra analyzes the survey results and helps management create effective, measurable strategies for improving it.

~ Paolo Guadiano, Chief Scientist, Aleria Research Corporation

I read a lot of books on DEI.  What I really appreciated about this book are the learning activities which provide some really impactful ahh hah moments.  Spoiler alert…did you know that “without diverse leadership, people of color are 24% less likely than straight white men to win endorsement for their ideas?” I can see using the quizzes in each chapter as a great icebreaker for team meetings!

~ LaJuana Warren, CEO & Founder, Tapestry Solutions for Inclusion

The book is easy to read and practical.  It forces the reader to think about topics in a palatable way while also reassuring them that they are not alone. The stories really give colorful commentary to how organizations are experiencing DEI and seeing their way through.  It has thoughtful insight as to how to approach DEI with the data to back it up!

~ Tawana Bhagwat, CEO, Organization at its Best

Small and medium sized organizations are competing for talent with large organizations. In that competitive world, having an inclusive and welcoming organization is a must have – not a nice to have. Powering Inclusive Cultures is an excellent book to find out what needs doing in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion – and how to do it. Begin with measurement, so you can track your progress. Until then, you don’t know what you don’t know.

~ Julie Kratz, Author, Allyship in Action

Leaders know that before embarking on any change, accessing the current situation is a must. The same is true when engaging in organizational or individual advancement of inclusion, equity and diversity. Chris Jones uses straight forward language, relatable stories and clear research-based recommendations that will help you access and then take actions toward achieving your IED goals.

~ Lenora Billings-Harris, Author, Trailblazers- How Top Business Leaders are Accelerating Results through Inclusion and Diversity

In “Powering Inclusive Cultures: Why Measurement Matters,” author Chris Jones showcases exemplary leadership by emphasizing the crucial role of statistically sound data and analysis as the foundation for effective diversity and inclusion initiatives. With a comprehensive exploration of various dimensions of diversity, this book provides a practical roadmap for organizations striving to build inclusive cultures that truly empower all individuals.

~ Amy C. Waninger, Author, Lead at Any Level