Diversifying Diversity: Your Guide to Being an Active Ally of Inclusion in the Workplace

by Poornima Luthra

Is your workplace truly diverse? In this gem amongst diversity, equity and inclusion books, Dr. Poornima Luthra challenges us to address the inequality in the 21st Century that exists by expanding the dimensions of diversity in the workplace we address; to define diversity in the workplace in a way that truly represents our whole diverse selves. When you think of diversity, what comes to mind? Gender? Ethnicity? Age? Sexual orientation? How about physical abilities or neurodiversity? What about educational background, experiences, personality, beliefs, socio-economic background, ways of working or parenthood choices? These are all dimensions of diversity that make up our diversity thumbprint. The questions we need to be asking ourselves are we embracing this level of diversity and inclusion in the workplace? how do we make this a reality? and what does this inclusion in action look like? This book contains everything you need to develop a solid understanding of the various dimensions of diversity and the biases that arise from them. Poornima provides us with the tools needed to address our biases, have inclusive conversations and be an active ally of inclusion. Whether you are an individual employee, team manager, or CEO, Diversifying Diversity is your guide to active allyship in the workplace. If you are wondering what this inclusion in action looks like, case studies from Maersk Tankers, Carlsberg Group, IKEA Retail, Telia Company, Be My Eyes, Project Access International, Stack Recruitment, and Kromann Reumert provide inspiration, and a blueprint for inclusion in the workplace is included.
Dr. Poornima Luthra is the founder and CEO of TalentED Consultancy ApS, a TEDx Speaker and external Faculty at the Copenhagen Business School. She has spent over a decade in academia and, in recent years, further expanded her efforts towards the vision of making workplaces inclusive for all. Poornima works with individuals, teams and leaders in organisations and institutions on nurturing inclusive mindsets while expanding the dimensions of diversity we look at. She believes that with greater know-how and the right attitude, we can all be active allies of inclusion to make our workplaces - and society - truly inclusive for all.

474 pages, Hardcover

Published May 23, 2021

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compiled view od 12 dimensions of diversity

The author does an admirable job of compiling current thought around 12 dimensions of diversity. Some dimensions are covered in more depth than others but each has sufficient detail to spark self-reflection. As someone who has read many books on diversity and who has been involved in DEI work for 20+ years, I still found value in the content within and had little objection to how diversity dimensions were presented. Poornima tackles difficult, emotional, and potentially divisive topics with grace. The book does not come off as preachy, judgmental, or condemning. The realities of the world in which we live and work, and the challenges that we have to navigate as leaders are presented matter-of-factly.

[Chisom Udeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book - seasoned practitioners, leaders, allies interested in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), those just at the beginning of their DEI journey, people in academia and more - everyone! Another thing that sets this book apart is that it also employs a Nordic lens and utilizes case studies to further illustrate the different dimensions of diversity and how these experiences unfold in real life and the workplace. Having read many books on DEIB, I still found this book incredibly insightful! I highly recommend.

[Filippo Iguera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well-written book which highlights the often-ignored truth that everybody is biased. The author's intention is to uncover the everyday cognitively biased decisions that we make, particularly within a business environment. The book is rich in statistics, data and anecdotes, which make the concepts pass through even more vigorously. In my opinion, a must-read for everyone who works (or lives) in a multi-national environment.

[Zuza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but 90% of it was nothing new to me. I wish the author would get more into depth of things.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent starting point for anybody trying to become a more active person in DEI issues.