Building a Culture of Inclusivity

Building a Culture of Inclusivity has been an excellent companion to me whilst I have travelled for work. It has been a journey of learning, self-reflection and conscience pricking but, most importantly, a spur to continue to act in the many ways I can, as a leader, to create a more inclusive organisation.


The true test for me has been how many times I have already referred to something I have read in the book as well as thinking about the people I will buy it for as a gift to help to encourage them as leaders, communicators and colleagues. I love the structure of the book. The clear lines of thoughtful opportunities to learn something new/embed some things I already know (and perhaps have forgotten!), supported by some pretty impressive references.


The handy checklists have also helped me reflect on how I personally perform (progress not perfect!) and in the organisation I support. A must read for anyone interested in building inclusive cultures.

Building a Culture of Inclusivity is a brilliant book for anyone looking to develop a diverse organisation, foster collaboration and promote creativity.
Not only does it pose important questions for leaders and management teams, it also provides a roadmap to ensure good intentions convert into genuine, positive and lasting change.
Patel and Bates have moved beyond the theory and created an essential guide which will change businesses for the better.

I cannot recommend Building a Culture of Inclusivity enough. This book is a must-read for not only internal communication professionals, but for any leader, HR professional, or individual who wants to understand how to effectively build and communicate a strategy on diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization. Priya Bates and Advita Patel bring a lifetime of experience and expertise to the table, providing invaluable insights into what DE&I truly means and why it is crucial for the survival of any organization in our world today.
As a communication leader, this book challenged my personal biases and emphasized the importance of constantly questioning my own thinking in a world where accurate and truthful information can be difficult to access. The authors provide a practical and easy-to-follow set of tips and techniques to help readers build a more equitable workplace, develop a solid DE&I strategy, and effectively lead and manage the change required to achieve your DE&I goals.
Perhaps most importantly, Building a Culture of Inclusivity emphasizes the critical role of effective internal communication in achieving DE&I goals. The authors make a compelling case for why and how we need to lead DE&I through communication, and provide actionable advice for achieving excellence in this area.
Overall, I have no doubt that this book will become your go-to guide for DE&I excellence. If you're looking to build a more inclusive and equitable organization, Building a Culture of Inclusivity is the book for you.

There are a number of excellent workplace guides to DEI on the marketplace, however, Building a Culture of Inclusivity stands out for several reasons.
The first is that it includes both fundamentals, the why and the how of creating a truly inclusive and strategic DEI approach. Advita Patel and Priya Bates teach us about the importance of respect, trust, and dignity and that true change starts with believing in the why, however, the takeaways and reflective questions in each chapter serve as a guiding hand on the next steps to take.
The book shares necessary truths, but never preaches. Divided into two parts - the foundations that need to be built and the frameworks and models required to ensure a meaningful approach is taken - Patel and Bates continually stress their 'progress not perfect' approach which can still lead to
performance over performative action.
Building a Culture of Inclusivity is also a must have for internal communications professionals, as the book includes a substantial section on the role of communications professionals in truly representing their audiences by guiding a safe space, building leadership capability and connecting the dots between DEI strategy and employee delivery. I came away from reading with a much clearer and truer understanding of how to create an inclusive DEI engagement plan.

Often the biggest barrier to change is fear. Where feelings run deep, such as with diversity, equity and inclusion, brands sometimes choose inaction. This feels safer than trying something and getting it wrong, with all the repercussions that can follow.
In Building a Culture of Inclusivity, Bates and Patel recognise this vulnerability within organisations and step forward with practical insight and advice to help leaders better understand their options, build an environment of trust and embed best practice.
Want to be and do better on inclusion? Start here. Your knowledge and practice will improve immeasurably and immediately.