Boom to Backlash: George Floyd's Legacy on Dei as a Business Imperative - Hardcover

by Dk Bartley (Author)

How the murder of George Floyd transformed the attitude towards and implementation of DEI across the world

Boom to Backlash: George Floyd's Legacy on DEI as a Business Imperative examines the seismic shift in DEI initiatives following George Floyd's completely preventable death, exploring the initial surge of corporate commitments to DEI, the tangible progress and advancements made, and the subsequent backlash. Through data and case studies, as well as the unparalleled personal experiences of Black executive, global DEI expert, and author DK Bartley, this book illustrates how DEI has evolved from a fringe concept to a crucial element of business strategy, corporate success, and social progress. Some of the topics explored in this book include:

• The mischaracterization of DEI as "new" or "woke" by various platforms
• The real impact of DEI on a business's bottom line
• The future of DEI with respect to the current political climate and technology's role in implementation strategies
• Why George Floyd's murder was a catalyst for change

By addressing these critical aspects of DEI within the context of recent historical events, Boom to Backlash engages with a growing audience of business and political leaders, social media influencers, HR professionals, and individuals who want to understand and implement effective DEI strategies in a post-2020 world.

Front Jacket

BOOM TO BACKLASH: George Floyd's Legacy on DEI as a Business Imperative examines the seismic shift in DEI initiatives following Floyd's death, exploring the initial surge of corporate commitments to DEI, the tangible progress made, and the subsequent backlash. Through data and case studies, this book illustrates how DEI has evolved from a fringe concept to a crucial element of business strategy, corporate success, and social progress.

Practically, this book provides guidance for individuals on personal growth and advocacy, encouraging them to diversify their communities, news sources, and perspectives. For corporations, it offers strategies for strengthening DEI initiatives, including the use of blind resumes, diversified interview teams, and regular pulse surveys, and explains the importance of setting clear goals, using diversity scorecards, and regularly reassessing and updating DEI efforts.

While many books address racial justice or corporate diversity, this book uniquely focuses on the specific impact of Floyd's murder on DEI in the business world. It fills a gap in the market by providing both historical context and forward-looking strategies, backed by author DK Bartley's unparalleled experience and access to corporate decision-makers and key stakeholders as part of the DEI narrative post-George Floyd. Although DEI is often touted as a left-wing political ploy designed to unfairly advance people based on cultural characteristics instead of merit, readers will find that data behind DEI initiatives shows DEI is not only successful, but imperative to healthy, thriving workplaces.

Boom to Backlash will resonate with corporate leaders at organizations large and small, DEI professionals, and engaged citizens seeking to understand and navigate the changing landscape of equity and inclusion. It offers valuable insights for those implementing DEI initiatives, as well as anyone interested in the societal and corporate impact of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Back Jacket

PRAISE FOR BOOM TO BACKLASH

"A compelling narrative that uncovers the undercurrents of social movements and public opinion, Boom to Backlash offers a unique lens through which to understand the inevitable tensions that accompany moments of rapid societal change."
--STEPHANIE CREARY, Assistant Professor of Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

"For anyone who wants to understand how DEI adds value to the corporate bottom line and is essential to creating 'safe space' for all employees in a post-George Floyd world."
--RAY ARATA, Founder of Better Man Conference and author of Showing Up: How Men Can Become Effective Allies in the Workplace

"Boom to Backlash is not just a roadmap for navigating the cycles of progress and resistance we've seen over the past five years--it's a deeply personal and insightful call to action."
--JENNIFER BROWN, Keynote speaker and bestselling author of How to Be an Inclusive Leader, host of The Will to Change podcast

"Business leaders for decades have spoken on the power of wisdom of the crowds as a way to develop better business results, and DEI is a critical ingredient to ensuring wisdom of the crowds gives you the best outcomes. The net result is improved financial performance, improved happiness for employees, and a better society."
--DAMIAN RIVERA, CEO, The Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)

"DK Bartley's Boom to Backlash brings home the forces before and undeniably the forces after the murder of George Floyd. He does an excellent job of setting the stage and providing ways for all of us to continue advancing inclusion in our collective future together."
--MICHAEL HYTER, President and CEO, The Executive Leadership Council

Author Biography

DK BARTLEY is a subject matter expert for DEI and talent acquisition. As an executive, public speaker, and influencer, Bartley inspires people and corporations around the world to expand and innovate their business practices. He is currently Chief Talent Officer for Diversity Talent International and former Chief DEI Officer for Moody's Corporation.