TrailBlazers: How Top Business Leaders are Accelerating Results through Inclusion and Diversity

Preface

Be honest with us. Could your inclusion and diversity efforts use a little help?

If so, you're not alone. Many books have been written about inclusion and diversity over the years—some of them very good books that focus almost exclusively on the extremely important and complex work itself. There are a lot of components associated with how effective these efforts are; elements that must be leveraged to realize maximum results. However, we believe that one key factor associated with effective inclusion and diversity efforts has been consistently overlooked.

Until now, few—if any—books have specifically explored the significance of the role of the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) with regard to an organization's ability to optimize talent and performance through inclusion and diversity. These leaders have been the engine of change within many successful organizations. CDOs provide a clear voice of what's needed both now and in the future for business success. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the value, engagement, and utilization of all talent with respect to marketplace advantage.

CDOs are at the helm of driving focus, fueling commitment, and collaborating with other key leaders inside and outside their organizations, as well as addressing the concept of an inclusive and engaged workforce. They see how vital inclusion and diversity are to strengthening the fabric of their organizations through a robust pipeline of talent, while also striving to enhance their marketplace ...