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Mind the Inclusion Gap: How allies can bridge the divide between talking diversity and taking action
Diversity programmes are everywhere. But despite all the intention and focus, progress is painfully slow. Homophobia, transphobia, racism and misogyny remain stubbornly pervasive, and unfortunately, many inclusion programmes do more to create negativity toward the diversity agenda than they do to bring about measurable and lasting change. Why isn’t change happening more rapidly? What are we doing wrong? Or better yet, what should we be doing differently if we want to drive different outcomes? Although most of us are curious about diversity, and some would go so far as to call ourselves allies, very few of us are skilled in inclusion. In the absence of knowing what to do, we double down on being nice and hope that will be enough. Unfortunately, this optimistic attitude may harm as much as help. This book is for anyone who wants to dive into the complex task of supporting diversity and increasing inclusion. It’s filled with insight and practical know-how. It will help you navigate the polarised and divisive issues we face, and move beyond just talking about diversity to playing an active role in shaping an inclusive future.
Paperback
Published May 10, 2023
20 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Suzy Levy
1 book1 followerSuzy was born in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. During the formative years of her life, she and her family lived on a farm with no access to running water or electricity. Despite her remote upbringing, Suzy was drawn to travelling and keen to explore the wider world. After university, she joined a global management consulting firm, which broadened her reach and enhanced her understanding of people, culture and change. In 2004, Suzy moved to London, where she currently resides with her partner and two children.
Today, Suzy works with senior leaders across the public, private, education and third sectors to solve some of the most complex social issues of our time. She is a specialist in inclusion and diversity and is widely recognised for her pragmatic and thoughtful approach to what is often emotive and messy.
In addition to her role as Managing Director at The Red Plate, Suzy also holds a variety of board-level roles. She is a trustee at the Women’s Sport Trust and a member of the advisory board at Foundervine and the creative agency Improper. Suzy was also a Non-Executive Director in the UK government for 7 years.
Mind the Inclusion Gap, her first book, summarises decades of learning about inclusion, and is part of her personal mission to create a more equitable and fairer society by helping others gain the confidence and knowledge they need to take impactful action.
Today, Suzy works with senior leaders across the public, private, education and third sectors to solve some of the most complex social issues of our time. She is a specialist in inclusion and diversity and is widely recognised for her pragmatic and thoughtful approach to what is often emotive and messy.
In addition to her role as Managing Director at The Red Plate, Suzy also holds a variety of board-level roles. She is a trustee at the Women’s Sport Trust and a member of the advisory board at Foundervine and the creative agency Improper. Suzy was also a Non-Executive Director in the UK government for 7 years.
Mind the Inclusion Gap, her first book, summarises decades of learning about inclusion, and is part of her personal mission to create a more equitable and fairer society by helping others gain the confidence and knowledge they need to take impactful action.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 30, 2023
Mind the Inclusion Gap is an incredible book (and a great title!) that gets you to think, question your assumptions and motivate you to take action.
It made me reflect on what role I play as a parent, an employee and a friend to create a more inclusive world. As a parent, it's my role to shape the worldview of my children and ensure they are exposed to its beautiful diversity. As an employee aspiring to become a manager, I want to influence our recruitment efforts to create a more diverse team, and ensure that different point of views can be safely expressed. As a friend, I want to be a safe place and an ally brave enough to call out injustice when I encounter it.
I come out with a better understanding of what needs to be done, but also concrete actions I plan to take in order to have a positive influence.
It made me reflect on what role I play as a parent, an employee and a friend to create a more inclusive world. As a parent, it's my role to shape the worldview of my children and ensure they are exposed to its beautiful diversity. As an employee aspiring to become a manager, I want to influence our recruitment efforts to create a more diverse team, and ensure that different point of views can be safely expressed. As a friend, I want to be a safe place and an ally brave enough to call out injustice when I encounter it.
I come out with a better understanding of what needs to be done, but also concrete actions I plan to take in order to have a positive influence.
May 27, 2023
As someone who’s work philosophy has always been : keep your head down, work hard and don’t rock the boat and you will be fine, I have come to realise this ethos does not help to build an inclusive work environment .
I wanted to do more but didn’t know where to start and the fear of getting it wrong held me back.
Mind the Inclusion Gap has helped me to see how my actions can make a difference and given me the confidence to make positive changes.
The book deals with weighty topics but in an accessible, non-judgmental way. The well researched statistics and incredibly moving personal stories bring the narrative to life.
I wanted to do more but didn’t know where to start and the fear of getting it wrong held me back.
Mind the Inclusion Gap has helped me to see how my actions can make a difference and given me the confidence to make positive changes.
The book deals with weighty topics but in an accessible, non-judgmental way. The well researched statistics and incredibly moving personal stories bring the narrative to life.
July 5, 2023
A couple of weeks ago I finished reading what feels like the most important book of the year so far. It seems an age ago when I saw the call out on Unbound for supporters to help it reach actual shelves, but (sadly unsurprisingly) it has only become more relevant and needed in the intervening time.
In the creative business things always take longer than expected (as I know from personal experience) however The Inclusion Gap by Suzy Levy was completely worth every day spent waiting for the manuscript to hit the printing press and then finally the doormat.
What was I expecting from the book? I think I was looking for guidance and enlightenment to support a more active self-positioning around diversity and inclusion topics. It certainly delivered with thoughtful and considered summary of where we find ourselves today and what we can do to move towards redressing some of the imbalances and divisions that happen around us everyday.
The one thing I wasn’t expecting though was to be tearing up halfway through as I hit words that resonated on such a very personal level.
For anyone wanting to explore where they sit on the inclusion activism scale, along with what considerations and framing need to be in place to support you on a journey to start moving closer to the activist end of the spectrum, I urge you to get hold a copy any way you can (short of stealing one from Waterstones!). Then take yourself off somewhere quiet to go cover to cover. Whoever you are, and whatever makes you who you are, you will be a more informed and enabled individual for it.
And the exact words that brought unexpected tears? DM me a photo of you with a copy of the book in hand and I’ll tell you the page number….
#inclusionanddiversity #goodreads #inclusion #alwayslearning
In the creative business things always take longer than expected (as I know from personal experience) however The Inclusion Gap by Suzy Levy was completely worth every day spent waiting for the manuscript to hit the printing press and then finally the doormat.
What was I expecting from the book? I think I was looking for guidance and enlightenment to support a more active self-positioning around diversity and inclusion topics. It certainly delivered with thoughtful and considered summary of where we find ourselves today and what we can do to move towards redressing some of the imbalances and divisions that happen around us everyday.
The one thing I wasn’t expecting though was to be tearing up halfway through as I hit words that resonated on such a very personal level.
For anyone wanting to explore where they sit on the inclusion activism scale, along with what considerations and framing need to be in place to support you on a journey to start moving closer to the activist end of the spectrum, I urge you to get hold a copy any way you can (short of stealing one from Waterstones!). Then take yourself off somewhere quiet to go cover to cover. Whoever you are, and whatever makes you who you are, you will be a more informed and enabled individual for it.
And the exact words that brought unexpected tears? DM me a photo of you with a copy of the book in hand and I’ll tell you the page number….
#inclusionanddiversity #goodreads #inclusion #alwayslearning
June 5, 2023
I enjoyed the author’s writing style which was engaging, conversational, and backed by extensive research, expertise and personal experience. It was an easy read as each chapter is thoughtfully organized, with clear headings and practical tips.
The book provides real-life examples, anecdotes and a comprehensive and practical guide to bridging the inclusion gap in various aspects of life. A lot of perspectives and topics are covered in the book. While I was reading the book I frequently thought ‘this could have been included here’ and sure enough, few pages later, it was.
The book challenged me to confront my own biases and recognize the impact that inclusive practices can have on other individuals. It made me think about my own actions and behaviours and highlighted areas where I need to make changes.
What I also loved is that the author wasn’t afraid to include her own mistakes she made during her extensive work in diversity and inclusion world. It made the stories more real and authentic.
I would say this book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to build a more diverse, inclusive, and compassionate world.
The book provides real-life examples, anecdotes and a comprehensive and practical guide to bridging the inclusion gap in various aspects of life. A lot of perspectives and topics are covered in the book. While I was reading the book I frequently thought ‘this could have been included here’ and sure enough, few pages later, it was.
The book challenged me to confront my own biases and recognize the impact that inclusive practices can have on other individuals. It made me think about my own actions and behaviours and highlighted areas where I need to make changes.
What I also loved is that the author wasn’t afraid to include her own mistakes she made during her extensive work in diversity and inclusion world. It made the stories more real and authentic.
I would say this book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to build a more diverse, inclusive, and compassionate world.
June 14, 2023
This book reminded me that we have never had greater means to communicate with each other yet our ability to discuss, and more importantly listen, has become inverted.
I have been inspired by her ability to ask important ‘why’s’ often in awkward moments.
Suzy’s research gives confidence and credibility to her thoughts and opinions. A must for anyone wanting to or even unsure of how to tackle important social issues of our time.
I have been inspired by her ability to ask important ‘why’s’ often in awkward moments.
Suzy’s research gives confidence and credibility to her thoughts and opinions. A must for anyone wanting to or even unsure of how to tackle important social issues of our time.
November 1, 2024
We had the pleasure of having Suzy come speak in our workplace about her experience in diversity and inclusion. She was so inspiring and thought provoking - pushing us to challenge our assumptions and preconceptions and get uncomfortable. This book shares the experiences of individuals who live their lives by editing part of themselves to present a more acceptable version to the world. When you don’t live your own life in this way, you have no idea it even happens or the profound impact on people who cannot be their authentic selves due to fear of discrimination due to who they love, the colour of their skin or the gender they ascribe to. I loved the practical suggestions to become an ally and make a difference in this world.
June 5, 2023
I enjoyed the author’s writing style which was engaging, conversational, and backed by extensive research, expertise and personal experience. It was an easy read as each chapter is thoughtfully organized, with clear headings and practical tips.
The book provides real-life examples, anecdotes and a comprehensive and practical guide to bridging the inclusion gap in various aspects of life. A lot of perspectives and topics are covered in the book. While I was reading the book I frequently thought ‘this could have been included here’ and sure enough, few pages later, it was.
The book challenged me to confront my own biases and recognize the impact that inclusive practices can have on other individuals. It made me think about my own actions and behaviours and highlighted areas where I need to make changes.
What I also loved is that the author wasn’t afraid to include her own mistakes she made during her extensive work in diversity and inclusion world. It made the stories more real and authentic.
I would say this book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to build a more diverse, inclusive, and compassionate world.
The book provides real-life examples, anecdotes and a comprehensive and practical guide to bridging the inclusion gap in various aspects of life. A lot of perspectives and topics are covered in the book. While I was reading the book I frequently thought ‘this could have been included here’ and sure enough, few pages later, it was.
The book challenged me to confront my own biases and recognize the impact that inclusive practices can have on other individuals. It made me think about my own actions and behaviours and highlighted areas where I need to make changes.
What I also loved is that the author wasn’t afraid to include her own mistakes she made during her extensive work in diversity and inclusion world. It made the stories more real and authentic.
I would say this book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to build a more diverse, inclusive, and compassionate world.
February 22, 2024
Extremely insightful.
November 18, 2023
If you think you’re going to pick up this book and stop putting your foot in your mouth, think again. We are all about to make mistakes. We are about to make more mistakes than before. Don’t worry, Suzy will be there with you, telling you about times when she got it wrong; we are all in this together.
You know that person in your office who you wish success for but don’t understand fully or know anything about outside of work? You don’t share a common [fill in the blank: ethnicity, religion, upbringing, disability, sexual orientation], and you’re not sure how to reach out. Chances are you’re not inviting them out for coffee, hesitating before you give constructive feedback at work for fear of how it will be received, not chatting with them about their weekend, not connecting on a human level. Chances are you are holding them back by being nice but standoffish.
Well, that is all that is about to change – you are about to put yourself out there, get it wrong sometimes, get it right sometimes, but engage fully and personally. It will be hard and take conscious effort, but it will bring more richness into your life, more dynamic engagement at work, and in 6 months, you’ll wonder what was so hard.
That is until the next time you need to cross that divide and reach out to the next person or situation that is not in your comfort zone.
You know that person in your office who you wish success for but don’t understand fully or know anything about outside of work? You don’t share a common [fill in the blank: ethnicity, religion, upbringing, disability, sexual orientation], and you’re not sure how to reach out. Chances are you’re not inviting them out for coffee, hesitating before you give constructive feedback at work for fear of how it will be received, not chatting with them about their weekend, not connecting on a human level. Chances are you are holding them back by being nice but standoffish.
Well, that is all that is about to change – you are about to put yourself out there, get it wrong sometimes, get it right sometimes, but engage fully and personally. It will be hard and take conscious effort, but it will bring more richness into your life, more dynamic engagement at work, and in 6 months, you’ll wonder what was so hard.
That is until the next time you need to cross that divide and reach out to the next person or situation that is not in your comfort zone.
June 27, 2023
A great book to read to better understand the issues some people face in life that you were not aware of. It has taught me how to approach different situations, to be mindful of the language I use and to change the people I’d invite to my dinner table! Thoroughly recommend this book to anyone that is keen to understand wider D&I challenges that they are totally unaware of.
August 5, 2025
Mind the Gap by Suzy Levy is a powerful and thought provoking read that I genuinely enjoyed from start to finish. It tackles complex topics around diversity, inclusion, and workplace culture with clarity, honesty, and real world insight. What I appreciated most was how Levy encourages reflection without blame, offering practical ways to bridge the gap between intention and action. It is an important book that challenges assumptions and inspires meaningful change — a must read for anyone who wants to better understand how to create more inclusive spaces, both professionally and personally.
July 18, 2023
A brilliant, thought-provoking and insightful book.
Beautifully written, this book highlights that while progress has been made there is still much more to be done, and then provides you with the actions you can take towards a better future. Thought-provoking and sensitive. An important book and essential reading for anyone wanting to make a difference.
Beautifully written, this book highlights that while progress has been made there is still much more to be done, and then provides you with the actions you can take towards a better future. Thought-provoking and sensitive. An important book and essential reading for anyone wanting to make a difference.
July 30, 2025
A timely, thoughtful, and essential read. This book doesn’t just inform — it engages, challenges, and equips. With a blend of rigorous research, real stories, and practical guidance, it helps the reader navigate complex conversations with clarity and compassion. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to move beyond awareness into meaningful action.
January 4, 2026
one of the more balanced books I've read on similar which was great. the structure felt very considerate and I liked the anecdotal quotes alongside data. I'd say it was perhaps a little repetitive and too rooted in workplace allyship specifically at times but considering the author's (other) job it makes sense. will be recommending this to others
April 20, 2024
Great introduction.
December 18, 2024
Broaden my thinking
My blind spots are now known to me. I am more aware of my biases from reading this book. Thanks
My blind spots are now known to me. I am more aware of my biases from reading this book. Thanks
March 21, 2025
i’m sorry i couldn’t get down with this one. the style of writing was just so all over the place i felt like i was ping ponging back and forth between topics, hard to keep up with
August 11, 2025
Interesting, but sometimes I feel it misses a fair bit.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews