How to Talk to Your Boss About Race

Speaking Up Without Getting Shut Down

By: Y-Vonne Hutchinson

Narrated by: Y-Vonne Hutchinson

An indispensable practical toolkit for dismantling racism in the workplace without fear

Reporting and personal testimonials have exposed racism in every institution in this country. But knowing that racism exists isn’t nearly enough. Social media posts about #BlackLivesMatter are nice, but how do you push leadership towards real anti-racist action?

Diversity and inclusion strategist Y-Vonne Hutchinson helps tech giants, political leaders, and Fortune 500 companies speak more productively about racism and bias and turn talk into action. In this clear and accessible guide, Hutchinson equips employees with a framework to think about race at work, prepares them to have frank and effective conversations with more powerful leaders, helps them center marginalized perspectives, and explains how to leverage power dynamics to get results while navigating backlash and gaslighting.

How to Talk To Your Boss About Race is a crucial handbook to moving beyond fear to push for change. No matter how much formal power you have, you can create antiracist change at work.

Critic reviews

"A hilarious how-to guide as well as a memoir about her own experience as a Black woman insistent upon a truly inclusive work environment." -- Elle

"Hutchinson’s book, in one sense, is about power—and a reminder that employees have the ability to make change happen, too." -- Forbes

"This book will let everyone, from top to bottom, understand how power works, what kinds of power they have, and, most importantly, how each and every one of us should use our power to dismantle racism, too."-- Ellen Pao, cofounder of Project Include and author of Reset

"This book gives us the vocabulary and concepts we need to identify and understand different types of power, and thus to use it effectively for antiracist change.” -- Tracy Chou, founder and CEO of Block Party, cofounder of Project Include

"While doing equity work there are so many people who are well-intentioned but don’t have a theory or vision for how to do this work. Y-Vonne does. We need leaders like her spreading the good word."-- Karla Monterroso, Founder and Managing Partner of Brava Leaders, former CEO of Code2040

"This book will empower everyone, no matter their formal role, to address racism head on with courage and rigor. It is urgent and vital to every organization looking to become more equitable, just, and anti-racist."-- Michelle Kim, CEO of Awaken

"Y-Vonne Hutchinson’s work is essential for anyone who wants to start or advance a conversation about racial equity at work. I wish I’d had this book earlier in my career!" – Alison Green, advice columnist and author of Ask a Manager

"Reading this book is like talking to a wise friend. An inspiring read for any leader or team member committed to engaging in a real conversation about racism in the workplace and how to work actively towards equity. I loved it."-- Sadie Lincoln, co-founder and CEO of Barre3

“Many people finally recognize the importance of talking about race at work, but few know where to start. Having dedicated much of her career to building more diverse and inclusive workplaces, Y-Vonne Hutchinson has the practical tips we need to start these conversations—and keep them going.”— Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife

Brutal Honesty Highly Educational

Brutal honesty. Wish I had this guidebook earlier in my tech sales career. If you're not careful you just may learn something.

Wow

This book is empowering, effective strategies that lead you through the way.
I am glad I found it.

The audio made the book more impactful

I picked this book up to help me drive worthwhile conversation and change in my workplace. And I think it gives you a lot of great takeaways but also had some opportunity for more. As an individual contributor at work(also a cis white woman), I'm not always aware of what 'could' be the systemically racist practices or policies in place and what's just a symptom of the environment in which my workplace is placed?

I also couldn't just get into the text, so I bought the audio book about halfway through and really enjoyed listening to Y-Vonne on my drives to and from work. She's a dynamic speaker and I can see why having her in front of an audience to discuss subject matter like this has made her business successful.

No matter who you are, this is a great listen!

This book spoke to both allies and people of color searching for empowerment in professional spaces that are either wholly ignorant of diversity or that actively uphold racist practices.
I am a young (early 20s), white, cis woman and not yet in the professional environments that would warrant reading this book, but I wanted to be better prepared to support my friends and coworkers for when I do. Several great resources, phrases, and suggestions (including things to consider if you decide to unionize or get a lawyer) that I would not have considered an option before reading.