Beyond Diversity

About the Authors

Rohit Bhargava is a visionary author and founder of the Non-Obvious Company, known for his ability to foresee and articulate emerging trends. With a career spanning over 15 years as a marketing strategist at global agencies like Ogilvy and Leo Burnett, Rohit has honed his expertise in identifying non-obvious insights. He is also a best-selling author of seven books and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, where he inspires students to think beyond conventional boundaries.

Jennifer Brown is a celebrated entrepreneur, speaker, and diversity and inclusion expert. As the CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting, she has been instrumental in shaping inclusive workplace strategies for Fortune 500 companies and major nonprofits. Jennifer's work focuses on empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities and fostering environments where everyone can thrive. Her expertise and commitment to diversity make her a leading voice in the conversation about creating equitable workplaces and communities.

Main Idea

"Beyond Diversity" by Rohit Bhargava and Jennifer Brown is a transformative book that challenges readers to move beyond traditional conversations about diversity and inclusion. The book compiles insights from over 200 experts who participated in the Non-Obvious Beyond Diversity Summit in 2021, exploring 12 key themes that aim to create actionable change towards a more inclusive world. By focusing on intersectionality and the power of diverse stories, the authors advocate for a comprehensive approach to diversity that goes beyond mere representation to foster genuine inclusion and equity.

Table of Contents

1. Beyond Diversity in Storytelling
2. Beyond Diversity in Identity
3. Beyond Diversity in Culture
4. Beyond Diversity in Retail
5. Beyond Diversity in the Workplace
6. Beyond Diversity in Entrepreneurship
7. Beyond Diversity in Leadership

Beyond Diversity in Storytelling

Stories are a fundamental part of human culture, shaping our perceptions and understanding of the world. In "Beyond Diversity," the authors emphasize the critical role of storytelling in fostering inclusivity. They argue that traditional narratives often exclude diverse voices and that it's essential to broaden the range of stories we tell and consume.

"With my participation … I proved I am here, that women can join this field, that it’s not only restricted to men." — Athari Alkhaldi

The story of Athari Alkhaldi, the first woman to qualify for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, serves as a powerful example of breaking gender barriers. Her participation challenges the traditional male-dominated narrative in falconry, highlighting the importance of diverse representation in all fields.

The authors encourage readers to actively seek out stories from different perspectives and backgrounds. This includes exploring media that is not specifically targeted at one's demographic, such as reading magazines or books outside one's usual interests. For instance, someone might read "Teen Vogue" or "Modern Farmer" to gain new insights and understand different cultural contexts.

• Engage with media and literature that represent diverse voices and experiences.
• Share and promote stories that highlight underrepresented communities.
• Create platforms or spaces that amplify diverse storytellers.

By expanding our media consumption and supporting diverse narratives, we can challenge stereotypes and broaden our understanding of the world. This, in turn, helps to create a more inclusive society where all stories are valued and heard.