In our Transform Q&A Author Spotlight Series, we feature insightful authors who are redefining people and culture, work, leadership, technology, and more. Join us to gain fresh perspectives and practical knowledge from those at the forefront of today’s evolving professional landscape.
About The Author
Mita Mallick is the Head of DEI at Carta, an ownership and equity management platform. She is also the author of the award-winning Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace.
About The Book and the Inspiration Behind It
Q: Share the story behind the moment(s) that inspired you to write this book.
A: I wrote this book four years ago. I wanted to say the quiet parts aloud that hold us back from making meaningful progress in creating more inclusive workplaces.
Throughout my career, I have heard the stories, or rather the myths, that we tell each other that just aren’t true including, “I am all for diverse talent as long as they are good” and “We protect the a-holes because our businesses wouldn’t run without them.”
Given the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion right now, I wanted to reach people differently by debunking 13 of those popular myths I have heard.
It took me four years to get this published, as I faced many obstacles in the publishing industry. I am proud the book is now a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller.
Q: What are the key points or thoughts in your book that you want to have the most impact on your readers?
A:
1) How inclusion doesn’t start at our conference room tables, but at our kitchen tables.
2) How to create an inclusive work culture for mothers and all parents that goes beyond checking the box with policies
3) How to apologize at work, how to interrupt microaggressions when you see them in action, how to interrupt bias we see at work, and more practical advice for each of us to show up at work and help build more inclusive cultures and more
Q: Describe the target audience for your book.
A: It’s for anyone working in an organization who is committed to building more resilient and inclusive cultures. We spend too much time at work not to be invested in and care about the culture we are part of.
Q: Who would get the most value from reading Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace?
A: Again, it’s for anyone committed to building more resilient and inclusive cultures. It’s also a great tool to give individuals who are unclear about the benefits of inclusion.
Q: What unique experience did you bring to this book and its subject matter?
A: My passion for inclusive storytelling led me to become a Chief Diversity Officer, to build end-to-end inclusion ecosystems across big and small organizations.
I have brought my talent and expertise to companies like Carta, Unilever, Pfizer, AVON, Johnson & Johnson, and more.
I’m a sought-after speaker and coach to start-up founders, executives, and public CEOs. I am also the co-host of the popular podcast, The Brown Table Talk, part of the LinkedIn Podcast Network. On the Brown Table Talk, Dee Marshall and I share stories and tips on how to help Women of Color win at work and advice for allies on how they can show up.
I am a LinkedIn Top Voice, and a contributor for Harvard Business Review, Adweek, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company. I have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Business Insider. I was featured in a documentary created by Soledad O’Brien Productions for CBS News entitled: Women in the Workplace and the Unfinished Fight for Equality.
About the Reader
Q: Describe what a leader/organization looks like one year after reading your book and committing to its teachings.
A: Increase in productivity, retention, and positive feedback from your employees about how they feel about your organization.
Join us for engaging conversations and community as we transform the now and next of work, together at Transform 2024 plus meet Mita live!