"This book is a great, firsthand narrative on the journey of corporate America in recognizing the importance of DEI, implementing recommendations, struggling with resistance, and producing important outcomes." — CHOICE, the publication of the American Library Association

"The Necessary Journey… offers valuable guidance and motivation for any organization committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive on equal terms—to their and the organization's mutual benefit." — Developing Leaders

"Entertaining yet informative, The Necessary Journey is packed with real world practical advice—one of the best books on diversity, equity, and inclusion you can read." — Impact Investor

"Highly useful for diversity officers, HR workers, CEOs, and activists in the business community." — Kirkus Reviews

Advance Praise for The Necessary Journey:

"An unusually informative, instantly actionable book on how to move from lip service on diversity to the reality of inclusion. Ella Washington is a leading expert on the science and practice of inclusion, and she shows what it takes for workplaces to walk the talk." — Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author, Think Again; host, WorkLife with Adam Grant podcast

"I love Washington's challenge to us, which is to take on the issues of DEI ourselves in our own organizations and get on the journey rather than waiting for mandates. Laws can't change feelings, but leaders can. If all of us just got on the journey—starting today—this ugly scourge of a problem could be magically fixed. This book outlines the hard climb to the top—but one you can do—and Ella Washington is your Sherpa." — Jim Clifton, Chairman and former CEO, Gallup

"The Necessary Journey is a must-read for any leader interested in building a more inclusive culture. Whether you're just starting out or already on the road, read this book to win hard-earned progress." — James D. White, former Chairman and CEO, Jamba Juice; author, Anti-Racist Leadership

"Filled with illuminating case studies and actionable advice, The Necessary Journey is the only road map you'll need for creating an inclusive workplace—no matter where you and your organization are on your journey." — Laura Morgan Roberts, Associate Professor of Business Administration, University of Virginia Darden School of Business; coeditor, Race, Work, and Leadership

Dr. Ella F. Washington is an organizational psychologist who finds inspiration through the intersection of business, diversity, and leadership. As a double-certified International Coaching Federation and Gallup-certified strengths coach, she has worked one-on-one with leaders to develop their leadership skills to enhance their organizations.

Dr. Washington has global consulting experience in financial services, sports and entertainment, oil and gas, higher education, and government. Previously, Dr. Washington worked at Gallup as a Diversity and Inclusion subject-matter expert, where she provided insight to clients on issues of inclusion, culture, strategic diversity, and engagement. Her research and client work focus on structural barriers to inclusion for diverse groups in the workplace and working with organizations to build inclusive cultures.

Before joining Gallup, Dr. Washington was a talent management consultant at Ernst & Young and a DEI consultant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Dr. Washington is on the management faculty at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business. She earned her PhD in organizational behavior from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

You can find Dr. Ella F. Washington at ellavatesolutions.com and on Twitter @ellafwashington.