Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future

by Denise Hamilton

Denise Hamilton helps readers unpack their preconceived notions and reimagine a world that’s better than just “inclusive.” Denise Hamilton has always believed in the power and promise of a word she learned as a “indivisible.” In her groundbreaking debut, she challenges readers to move beyond current notions of diversity and inclusion to build communities, workplaces, and relationships that live up to that word. She urges us to reexamine long-held beliefs and habits and to dismantle hierarchies that shape our current society. If we want to repair the fraying stitches that bind us together, if we want to build a truly close-knit collective, we cannot settle for our present approach. It’s time to recalibrate and identify a goal higher than inclusivity―the goal of indivisibility. As a nationally recognized DEI leader, Hamilton shares accessible, personal stories and offers self-examination questions, intentional action steps, and journal prompts. While the book has a focus on business and leadership, the lessons within can transform our professional and personal lives.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Leadership, Sociology, Business

240 pages, Hardcover

Published February 6, 2024

Reviews

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future" by Denise Hamilton is a compelling exploration of the divisive issues plaguing contemporary society and offers insightful strategies for fostering unity in the face of diversity. Hamilton argues that while differences exist among individuals and communities, they should not be seen as barriers to progress but rather as opportunities for growth and collaboration. Drawing on her experiences as a journalist and community advocate, Hamilton delves into various social, political, and cultural divides, examining their roots and consequences.

One of the key themes in the book is the importance of acknowledging and respecting diversity. Hamilton emphasizes that diversity is not only a fact of life but also a source of strength. By embracing diversity, individuals and societies can tap into a wealth of perspectives, talents, and experiences, leading to innovation and progress. However, Hamilton also recognizes the challenges associated with diversity, including prejudice, discrimination, and inequality. She argues that addressing these challenges requires a collective effort to promote inclusivity and social justice.

Another central theme in "Indivisible" is the power of dialogue and communication. Hamilton contends that meaningful dialogue is essential for bridging divides and building connections across differences. She encourages readers to engage in open and honest conversations with those who hold opposing viewpoints, emphasizing the importance of listening and empathy. Through dialogue, Hamilton believes that individuals can find common ground, build trust, and work together towards shared goals.

Throughout the book, Hamilton provides practical strategies for promoting unity and reconciliation. She highlights the importance of building bridges between different communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting social cohesion. Hamilton also emphasizes the role of leadership in promoting unity, calling on leaders to prioritize inclusivity, fairness, and justice in their decision-making.

In addition to offering insights and strategies, "Indivisible" also features inspiring stories of individuals and communities that have successfully overcome division and adversity. From grassroots activists fighting for racial equality to political leaders championing LGBTQ+ rights, these stories demonstrate the power of collective action and resilience in the face of challenges.

Overall, "Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences Into a Stronger Future" is a timely and thought-provoking book that offers valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of modern society. Through her passionate advocacy for unity and inclusivity, Denise Hamilton inspires readers to embrace diversity, engage in dialogue, and work towards a more equitable and cohesive future.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Idk this book sounds like something summarised by AI

Notes:
- Denise Hamilton’s Indivisible is about reexamining the stories and myths that have shaped our understanding.
- Contrary to popular belief, Washington’s teeth were not made of wood, but were actually constructed from a combination of materials like ivory, human teeth, and metal alloys.
- The dissemination of falsehoods poses challenges not just to individual beliefs but to society itself.
- Consider a non-political example that's still pertinent: Airbnb. This platform has radically altered our approach to travel and lodging. It questioned the fundamental concepts of hospitality and trust among strangers. Previously, the idea of allowing unknown individuals to stay in our homes had been unimaginable. However, Airbnb has not only made this idea a reality but also transformed it into a worldwide sensation. The bottom line is: When we challenge our preconceived notions and embrace fresh perspectives, transformation becomes a reality.

[Sindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Countryman Press for selecting me for this book’s Goodreads giveaway! I really enjoyed this read.

4.5/5 - This was such an educational (but easy-to-consume) guide which made use of real life examples to help the reader understand the effects of various forms of discrimination and the actions that leaders, employees, and people in general, can take to move towards a more “indivisible” world. I believe this book, or at the very least, the book’s toolkits, would be a valuable resource in many corporate and institutional settings.

As a Canadian reader, I recognized that this book heavily relied on examples and anecdotes that were specific to American culture and history, which may not resonate with readers globally. However, I was able to look past this as it did not diminish the reading experience.

[ali ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nationally recognized dei leader challenges readers to examine their biases in order to build healthy and inclusive communities, workplaces, and relationships

likes:
• fast read with accessible language
• easy-to-highlight tips + facts
• useful for those on either political wing

quotes:

"you have received millions of messages throughout the course of your life. part of your personal evolution is to have the courage to discern truth from fiction and to conduct your decision-making based on the truth as much as possible. this is no easy task ... the work before us, as we attempt to bridge differences and exist together, is to reconcile the truth of our stories."

"black doctors matter. black babies die at 3x the rate of white newborns. that number is decreased by 58% when the doctor is black." (!!)

after listing textbooks that revise history to whitewash the slave trade - ex: teaching that the majority of slave owners were kind and generous, and for whom slaves enjoyed their servitude: "you may think some of these books are old, but ... 50% of the senate is age 65 and over. these are the stories that shaped them. they were raised reading these textbooks."

"sometimes people come into a discussion with an angry, escalated tone, but what they really feel is fear. they're afraid you wont hear them, respect them, or address their concerns. they may not trust you. you will not earn that trust by escalating to match their tone. you will earn it by listening deeply and offering solutions for the underlying concern."

"why do we give the rich the perpetual, undeserved benefit of the doubt while micromanaging the poor at every turn?"

"when you find the courage to change, not everyone will come with you ... anger and disillusionment are fertile soil for conspiracy theories and cynicism. uncertainty is uncomfortable. you must learn to differentiate between the sound of your intuition guiding you and your traumas leading you."

"humankind produces more information now in an hour than we once did in a thousand years. as we learn more about our leaders, we are forced to confront hard truths that have been foundational in our development. while there is much to celebrate, there is also much to acknowledge and remediate."

"just because you have an idea, does not mean: it is time for that idea; this is the right context for that idea; you are the right person to execute that idea; the idea has been communicated effectively."

"there is an old message, saying no talking about us, without us. when you include the impacted populations in the decision-making that affects them, you're going to learn things you weren't aware of." reminds me of the ruth bader-ginsberg quote about women belonging in all places where decisions are being made.

"in 1973, the average four-year degree was $503. there were a number of state colleges that were entirely free. in 2021, the average cost of a four-year degree $102,828."

"there are more statues of confederacy figures in public spaces than there are of women." (!!)

"i believe we can come together, but first we must examine the stories through which we see ourselves and and be open to the possibility that they may not be true. when we discover inconsistencies, we must find the courage to let go of our broken stories. we must crave and embrace truth, even when it's uncomfortable."

[Jonathan Gurvey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty disappointing book- and now that I'm seeing other titles with the same name I'm wondering if the book on my list was actually another book entirely.

I was encouraged by the premise that seemed to be there in the first few pages- that we should be more patient with our fellow Americans despite them not sharing our views. Then the author dropped one of the most startling and unsettling admissions that I've ever experienced in literature- that she was initially indifferent upon hearing that men kill themselves at a much higher rate than women. As someone who thinks DEI is important, I couldn't understand how a supposed DEI professional could be indifferent to a statistic like that which is so crucial to perhaps the most important audience of DEI- men. If you don't care about the people who need to hear your message the most, you're gonna have a bad time, and you're probably going to make your message look bad while you're doing it.

The problems didn't end there. The book is structured as one might expect a professional/consultant type would, with 17 ground-breaking moral truth titled chapters such as "Choose Justice over Peace," "Make it Right," and "Process Unresolved Grief." After finishing Part 1, I realized that my previous DEI knowledge was more than enough to understand the main points of this book, which made me then realize that this book probably wasn't written for me, but rather the boomers and high school students who still haven't realized that some people have it easier in life than others based on immutable characteristics. I might encourage those types of people to read this book, but this is my review and I was expecting more.

I was also annoyed at the generalizations the author made that I didn't feel applied to me. She used "we do xyz" too much, which I found to stray into projection.

If you're going to read a book on making society better from an equity perspective, this one will probably only help you if you are being forced to read it.

[Michelle Bell]

This book is a must-read. Why? Because of Hamilton's straightforward and fact-based assertions that challenge our righteous indignation about race, diversity, inclusion, and the economic divide in this country. And as she so eloquently states, “We should be Indivisible…can we learn to turn to each other instead of turning on each other?” Years ago, I read and thoroughly enjoyed the New York Times' award-winning journalist Lena Williams' witty and sassy account about this very topic: 'It's the Little Things: Everyday Interactions That Anger, Annoy, and Divide the Races' as a knee-jerk reaction to dealing with adversity while growing up in the Dallas area and in the workplace (like Hamilton's experiences in commercial real estate and tech, I was met with the same challenges in Dallas in the pharmaceutical sales and construction industries).

Fast-forward 20 years, and with the current landscape of America -- Hamilton's book just hits different. She forces us to examine everything from the false narratives and stories which shaped us growing up to the false narratives we experience in media, slights in our daily interactions with other races, and more. She's correct in her assertion that to move forward, we can't stay stuck on what has happened to us, and that we should all take responsibility. Her words pierced deep: “We all have experienced incidents that separate us. That makes it hard to see, appreciate, and understand each other. Hurt and anger can be powerful barriers to connection.” This book is the next step that Barack Obama could not fully take with 'The Audacity of Hope' and it's a realistic step in the right direction with a pragmatic plan we can adopt today to make a better world for all of us tomorrow... - MLB

[John Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Denise Hamilton‘s “indivisible“ emerges as a beacon of Hope and a strategic manual for those navigating the complex to reign of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the corporate sphere. Hamilton‘s rich personal experiences, and serves not only to enlighten, but also to inspire a radical rethinking of DEI strategies.

Hamilton‘s personal journey of growth and discovery forms, the backbone of “Invisible,“ offering readers are unique blend of vulnerability and insight. Her candid recounting of personal challenges and triumph invites us to a reflective dialogue with our own beliefs and biases. This introspection is the first step towards strategic, DEI, thinking, urging us to consider how personal transformation can fuel organizational change.

“Individual“ stands out as it pragmatic approach to scaling positive growth within companies. Hamilton offers an actual solution, grounded in her own experiences, that resonate with the needs of the modern business. Her strategies are not just theoretical; they are tested and tailored for the impact implementation, making DEI work accessible and actual for all levels of the organization .

What are the most compelling messages is the necessity of confronting and revising our “wrong“ stories. Hamilton adeptly highlights the difficulty of detaching from Long – held truths, especially when they are intertwined with our identity and worldview. Her encouragement to engage in tough conversations, and to be open to narrative shifts is a powerful action for leaders and individuals alike.

Bravo Denise!

JR

[Amy]

I bought this book after listening to Denise Hamilton on a podcast and being really impressed with what she had to say. I found the book less compelling than her interview. In some ways, I agree wholeheartedly with her ideas about finding a path forward; I also am personally/professionally struggling with how to do so without sliding backwards on the significant progress made by DEI efforts, and I didn't feel like Hamilton addressed that nuance. I think the best audience for this book may be non-DEI practitioners who are facing challenges in how to move forward cohesively while considering a DEI lens.

[Tiphany Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise Hamilton has found a way to uncomplicate so many of the things that create disconnect and dysfunction in our culture. She approaches the unspoken with a graceful boldness that invites learning, sharing, healing, and just "doing better". Understanding that we CAN be and SHOULD be INDIVISIBLE will cause a mindshift when addressing our current systems, policies, and approaches to equity and inclusivity.

This book would be great for any orientation... from first-year collegiates to new executives.

[Linda Lorelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page one draws you in. Page two hits you in the gut. By page three, lightbulbs are going off. And this is just the Prologue. Imagine what the meat of the book has to offer. In this age where DEI has become anathema, Denise Hamilton reframes the conversation in a way that respects diverse perspectives, and even more important, our shared humanity. She challenges our institutions and all of us as individuals to rethink, unpack, embrace and act upon what it truly means to be “Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Brava, Denise.

[Alison Sifflet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a day, it was that amazing! ‘Indivisible’ provided me the chills that I’ve needed for a while now. An immense feeling of hope in that there can be change and resolution for the major crises we’re facing globally. I URGE EVERYONE TO BUY THIS BOOK. This is the message we need to absorb and put into practice NOW. I often recite the words of the GOAT, Stevie Wonder, that “love is in need of love today” and Denise’s perspective on how we can create a more loving, connected, and inclusive world is life-giving, and honestly, life-saving. So thankful for this book!

[Anton J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be the most well timed and well thought out narrative of the 21st century. At a time when we have been taught to fear people different than we are, Denise gives us a whole new paradigm of what we should be thinking and doing. I encourage anyone that believes themselves to be a leader to read this book and make it a part of how you build teams at work and how you engage with your fellow citizens.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW… “The only people who can change the world are the ones that think they can.” - Denise Hamilton. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book this fast. Indivisible is exactly what we need right now. If only the Bill Ackman’s of the world would read this book before they crusade (it’s not too late), we’d actually get to being indivisible. :)

This book reminds me the importance love and our oneness. BRAVO!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one night. I absolutely could not put it down. What an incredible new perspective. Denise does an amazing job of highlighting the issues we’re all facing as leaders, while giving actionable tips and tools we can use to make real change happen. What a masterpiece. Recommending to all of my colleagues and friends.

[Chris & · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes into great detail about how we can come together and grow. Very thought-provoking in how she makes complex topics easy to understand with good research and sources for her points. I highly recommend this to leaders and others wanting to know how to build connections among teams and people.

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Denise Hamilton’s Indivisible is about reexamining the stories and myths that have shaped our understanding. By questioning these narratives, we not only challenge our own biases but also open ourselves up to embracing a more truthful perspective of the world. For society as a whole, this journey towards truth is not easy, but it’s a critical step towards becoming truly “indivisible".

[Maxine Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise Hamilton’s Indivisible is about reexamining the stories and myths that have shaped our understanding. By questioning these narratives, we not only challenge our own biases but also open ourselves up to embracing a more truthful perspective of the world. For society as a whole, this journey towards truth is not easy, but it’s a critical step towards becoming truly “indivisible.”

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of insightful anecdotes that opens your eyes to all types of discrimination around you. I appreciated her approach in that she recommends small steps and mistake making. Her optimism is infectious throughout the book.

My one wish is that she’d spend a bit more time with examples of next steps - she only devoted a few pages to this at the end of her book. Perhaps a book number 2???

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite takeaway from so many great ideas is her suggested four parts of a meaningful and effective apology:
1. Acknowledge the harm – Take responsibility and validate the other person’s feelings.
2. Express genuine remorse – Show sincere regret and empathy.
3. Make amends – Take action to repair the damage.
4. Commit to change – Show how you’ll prevent it from happening again.

[James Toran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise Hamilton’s perspective about the state of our humanity is mind blowing and awe inspiring. This book is an extraordinary read delivered for this time in our nation and world. Run do not walk to purchase.

Dorothy Toran

[Sara S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, we all need to take a breathe and think differently. This is a book that may help bring some much needed sanity and optimism into the world that some believe is divided beyond repair. Denise speaks the words the majority of people know to be true.

[Reda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a breath of fresh air! With so much tension and division all around, it was wonderful to read about unity in a tangible, actionable way. This book is a tool for organizations, communities, and even families searching for ways to thrive across difference.

[Amy Abdelsayed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Denise Hamilton’s clear communication of such complicated topics. I recommend checking out her interview with Mike Pesca on The Gist podcast (Feb 8 and 9 episodes). It’s excellent! Just a great conversation. That’s what inspired me to check out her book.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides guidance and motivation for how we have the power and the tools to build the future we believe in. It’s accessible with tons of data as well as stories that will inspire you to see equity and our path to it in a new light.

[Grant Hohlbein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most fascinating thing to me about this book is that the author cribs some ideas straight from the Holy Bible, eg, the “we are a body made up of members, is the foot more important than the hand?” paragraph. I just imagine Paul the Apostle reading this like, “yoooooooo ok.”

[Allira]

Adam Grant rec

[Tracey Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Denise's pespectives are always so fresh and forward. A must-read

[Jenna Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank god this book arrived right now. Denise is the voice we need right now. Her insight might just be the thing to build and rebuild us. Buy this book for everyone you know

[Cee Lei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. It's a thought-provoking timely examination of the current state of our country.

[Misty Starks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. It's obvious that Denise is a critical thinker, who knows how to get readers to see the other side of things. I encourage everyone to get a copy of this book.