The Conversation

Critics Review

• The Conversation is an extraordinarily timely book. Just as companies and organizations in the U.S. and around the world are focusing anew on the entrenched bias in their culture, The Conversation comes along to offer a path forward. Livingston has digested his authoritative understanding of the science into a remarkably approachable volume, one that is animated by his storytelling and voice on the page. The Conversation is a major achievement, one that is poised to play a significant role in improving our understanding about bias and addressing systemic racism in the workplace

  Robin J. Ely, Diane Doerge Wilson Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School

• Social justice is a long game, and it has to start with awareness of the problem. Dr. Livingston’s book, just like his live presentations, is one of the most compelling articulations of the problems of racism and discrimination that I have encountered. As I’ve seen in my work with organizations like Airbnb, when a company is prepared to do serious work, the results can be extraordinary. This wonderful book is the place to start. The Conversation manages to be both intellectually compelling and substantive while also being infused with warmth and humor, just like Robert. I highly recommend it

  Laura W. Murphy, civil rights activist, consultant, and former director, ACLU Washington Legislative Office

• As a product and business innovator, I like to think about how to design globally and execute locally. This maxim is just as true when it comes to a company’s culture. Candid conversations are among the best ways to dispel myths and false narratives around diversity that hold us back, but we needfactual information and a framework. The Conversation offers exactly that. This book should be required reading for leaders and all those who share the goal of a more equitable future

  William P. Gipson, retired Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Procter & Gamble

• I met Dr. Livingston in 2013 when he made the first of many trips to Asheville to educate our county and city leaders on how racism shows up in organizations. His presentation awakened us to what was possible if we had the courage and commitment to do the work. Fast forward to today and the progress that Asheville and Buncombe County have made toward reparations and greater racial equity, and you can see Robert’s handprint in shaping this change. The Conversation is a testament to Dr. Livingston’s storytelling skill as he deftly weaves research with vivid examples to make the case for how and why change is possible. This book is a must read

  Lisa Eby, Former Human Resources and Community Engagement Director, Buncombe County Government

• After devoting decades of his life working to end systemic racism, Livingston speaks not only with authority but with a refreshing optimism. The thousands of hours he has spent with community leaders across the country have shown that when conversations are candid and respectful, Americans can indeed come together

  David Gergen, CNN Political Analyst, Adviser to Four US Presidents, and Professor of Public Service at the Harvard Kennedy School

• Systematic racism is a part of our past, sadly part of our present and will be part of our future if we don’t educate ourselves on its realities. We all need to seek the truth and be willing to have the uncomfortable conversations necessary to transform ourselves and our organizations. Livingston’s thoughtful and instructive book will help us all start these important conversations

  Mike Kaufman, CEO, Cardinal Health

• Robert Livingston makes an absolutely critical contribution to the much needed efforts to understand and combat racism in the corporate realm. This is compulsory reading for all serious leaders and people who aspire to lead

  Nels Abbey, author of Think Like A White Man

• A one-stop resource for anyone wanting to understand the causes and manifestations of racism, to examine their own biases – and know what works to advance racial equity at work

  Financial Times