The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence

by Tara Jaye Frank

What really drives workplace equity and inclusion—beyond strategies and systems?

The truth is, all historically excluded persons who have broken through to greater levels of professional belonging and achievement have succeeded not by policy and systems change alone, but because of leaders who chose to remove barriers, open doors, and guide them toward their goals. The bottom line? Someone made a way for them.

Using case studies, data, and candid storytelling, Tara Jaye Frank outlines how leaders with power and position can clear the path to workplace equity by

discovering where you are on your equity journey today;embracing the steps required to achieve true equity;understanding what your employees really want from you;developing a lens for the big barriers and intervention opportunities;connecting the dots between meeting talent needs and unlocking company value;recognizing when Waymaking matters most; andshowing up—every day—as a leader who makes a way.The Waymakers not only makes a compelling case for change. It also teaches you how to facilitate that change. Once you’ve read it, you’ll understand why the question is not “what” drives equity and inclusion, but “who.”

And the answer is you.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2022

Reviews

[Jesse Ofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be recommended reading for any and all leaders who want to make their DEI&B initiatives work. Filled with ideas and content that leaders and aspiring leaders can act on to do more, this book provides a well from which one can continue to drink and refill their tanks.

No this isn’t easy, creating equitable experiences inside organizations large and small but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it.

Add this book to your library now.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An invitation to every leader, at every level, who is willing to make a way through the wilderness for people who, historically, have not been given the tools, resources, or guidance to do it for themselves or others like them. The success of those who need Waymakers relies on the unwritten being written and the unspoken being spoken.... When we fix our systems and invite the most disadvantaged onto the playing field, we fix the systems for and invite everyone."

- Tara Jaye Frank

[Karen Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a desire to use your position of power, privilege, and talent to make your workplace better than when you joined it (or formed it)? This is the book for you. It's both inspirational and practical, and I know I'll be referring to it often. --Karen Catlin, author of "Better Allies"

[Tara Cloud Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe People of Color that workplace inequities exist, but aren’t really sure what that means or what you, personally, can do about it, this is the book for you. If you don’t believe PoC, this book will probably make you angry, and you need to sit with that and figure things out.

In Waymakers, Tara Jaye Frank eloquently and gently provides some hard truths and perspectives many white people have not considered before. In many cases, many white people, especially white men, haven’t considered how the nuances of their daily interactions, workplace culture, and institutionalized industry standards effect personal lives and even organizational health. But if you’re in that category and you’re reading this review, know that if you don’t get this book and you continue to remain ignorant, willful ignorance of workplace inequities is your choice.

Tara Jaye Frank expertly interweaves logic, data, and storytelling to hit the desires of a wide audience, drawing on her experience as a Hallmark executive, her coaching, and DEI research. She makes a case for the “why” and also presents the “how” in multiple ways. She uses scripture, as her personal faith helps direct her in life, but the references are few and are relevant to all people as empowering instances of poetry.

And to be fair, her recommendations can make you a better manager of people and coworker, in general. This is good Professional Development and touches on issues that also directly affect white people.

The audiobook is done as well as can be, narrated by the author, whose voice is clear, strong, and pleasant. But I would recommend a hard copy you can make notes in, chomp on a little at a time, and reference quickly. And I’m certain the visual order of the guide would help stick in the brain better. But the audiobook for backup may be a good idea too.

I also recommend following Tara Jaye Frank on LinkedIn for continued insight. I actually started following her after hearing her on Clubhouse.

[Sara Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! This book was very well written. I love the way that they author explains how sometimes people get overlooked. She provided great examples and insight on how people discriminate and might not even realize that they are doing so. Many books, I feel, point the finger at the white man saying that it is all his fault. This book explains how it could be anyone and how we need to be inclusive of all people from all walks of life. I was drawn to the way that the author never put anyone down and instead just showed the way to give everyone a truly equal opportunity for growth and inclusion. Although this book was written for people in leadership positions of a business, I feel that it is a great read for anyone. It is very mind opening with tips on how to be an overall better person both in business and in your personal life. I feel that I am a better person for reading this book. Thank you

[Billy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read!!! Regardless of you disposition, leader, non-leader, male or female, person of color or white, heterosexual or member of the GLBTQ+ community, there is growth within. This book is packed with both facts, perspective and ways to take action.

“It we make the system work better for marginalized talent, we make it work better for everyone. The opportunities to enhance our cultures and systems are endless.”

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has excellent insights but would benefit from an index. I wanted to go back and read about psychological safety but struggled to find the sections. Even the Table of Contents had no page numbers. I particularly appreciated the discussion on affinity (p. 188 for those searching) and the recommendation to assign one mentor from the new hire’s affinity group and one mentor outside their group. As an employer, I will be putting many of the author’s suggestions into practice.

[Dorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Jaye Frank offers excellent insight into the practice of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) at the workplace. After reading her book, The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence, I gained a solid understanding of the strategies and skills necessary to lead change at any level of an organization. Simply stated, her words are empowering. Highly recommended!

[Kaylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all, I devoured this book. The author has a talent for keeping you engaged in what she is saying. You cannot help but want to be a Waymaker after you read/listen. I am truly inspired and feel that no matter where I am in my professional journey, I too can make a way for someone, in order to help pave the way to a more equitable future.

[Lexie Oz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves as a call to action. Every individual breathing should commit to being a Waymaker. Remove barriers, dismantle systems and thoughts that disenfranchise people. Based on research and examples shared in the book we should seek opportunities to be a waymaker.

[Phoebe Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly highly recommend this book for anyone interested in diversity in a corporate setting. An excellent resource for leaders or aspiring leaders in companies or organisations. I wish I could convince all managers to read this book and really absorb the actions and suggestions given.

[Lyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth taking your time reading. I recommend reading a physical copy or a digital copy you can notate, as there are many ideas worthy of highlighting, or expanding upon during your read. A lot to think about, and good to think about.

[Crystal O'Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guidance on turning equity ideals into action!

[Piyusha Tandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new mantra! I absolutely love how practical and useful this book is.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a leadership book with real examples and suggestions on what to do or say to improve, learn and make real change.

[Tait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Enjoyed reading about the authors lived experience in the field of DEI. Nothing really new that was offered in this book. It was ok.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is simply magnificent and eye-opening! I would recommend to anyone

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Learned a lot from her experiences and wisdom. Great things to consider and implement.

[Wombat Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential guide for leaders at all levels who have recognized the crisis of workplace inequality, but are unsure of what exactly to do next (or are fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing.)
This book rekindled my hope that one person CAN make a difference and set me up with a clear roadmap for turning intention into action.
Let the Waymaking begin!

[Jenn Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. If you are leading any type of DEI work or are starting your own individual DEI learning journey this book won’t disappoint. It’s a book that you won’t be able to put down. If you’re like me you will end up with lots of sections highlighted and flagged to return to. I could have highlighted the entire book because it all had so much thought and value. There are questions to ask yourself while reading and so many real life examples. It’s a book I keep on my desk and reference often.