The Art of Active Allyship - by Poornima Luthra (Hardcover)

About the Book

What can I do? - In The Art of Active Allyship, Dr. Poornima Luthra identifies and expounds on the 7 behaviours that will help answer that question and set you on the path towards inclusive workplaces.

Book Synopsis

What can I do?

It's a question that often prevents us from doing anything at all. What can we say or do? How can we nurture inclusive relationships with our colleagues or create an environment that values diversity beyond a set of numbers and quotas? It can be tempting to treat diversity, equity and inclusion as an issue for others to deal with, but whether you are the most junior team member or the most senior executive, inclusion means all, not some. Each one of us has a role to play in nurturing inclusive workplaces.

In The Art of Active Allyship, Dr. Poornima Luthra gives us the answers to the question - what can I do. Through 7 identified behaviours, Dr. Luthra gives us the tools we need to take the first steps towards inclusive workplaces. With concrete solutions and real-life examples, she paints a picture of active allyship, one which encourages us to show up everyday as an active ally not to some, but all.

Review Quotes

Dr. Luthra has done it again! A very timely, expert set of insights and tools to drive the high impact benefits of inclusive leadership.

- Angela Naef, PhD, Chief Research & Development Officer, Reckitt

What a powerful read! By presenting Active Allyship in the context of theory, 7 behaviours with practical actions and thought-provoking personal stories, Dr. Poornima manages to demystify this important topic. It may not be comfortable but active allyship is a highly necessary journey to achieve an inclusive working environment that we all deserve to be part of.

- Winta Negassi, Head of HR Google Large Customer Sales, Northern Europe

This is an engaging and enlightening read that challenges your own preconceptions of how to better support colleagues to create an inclusive workplace and society. Poornima's attention to detail and examples of how to be an active ally are a priceless requirement for all modern businesses, both large and small.

- Paul Davies, CEO, Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company

Poornima guides us impactfully along the journey from curiosity and learning to action, accountability and allyship. This book provides insightful and actionable answers to Diversity & Inclusion questions I am asked every day. Next time I am asked, "What can I do?", my answer will be to read this book! Poornima's insights compel us to move from words to action, stepping into the rewarding, lifelong process of allyship.

- Lauren von Stackelberg, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, The LEGO Group

This book is like peeling an onion; every chapter invites you to reflect deeper on where you stand on allyship. All with a purpose to take ownership and be an active ally for a more diverse & inclusive environment.

- Ingrid Uppelschoten-Snelderwaard, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion officer, A.P. Møller - Maersk

A lot has been written about allyship, but this book is a must read if you want to better understand HOW to actively step up. A practical guide packed with insights, suggestions and easy to follow advice. The Art of Active Allyship made me stop, think and challenge my assumptions about what more can I do to be a better leader and advocate.

- Pom Davey, Executive Director, Head of Talent & Inclusion for EMEA, Mizuho

It's often too easy to focus on the generic aspects of 'people, process, technology' when trying to drive change. In this book, Poornima sets out the critical importance of forming and supporting the development of an inclusive, diverse team. Only when all members are feeling comfortable are they able to kick into top gear to become a high performing team and to drive the transformation needed. Through case studies and helpful, constructive and thought-provoking guidance, Poornima has crafted an excellent handbook for the modern transformational leader.

- Ewan MacLeod, Chief Transformation Officer, Leading Middle East Bank

The Art of Active Allyship is a blueprint for leaders to outline their personal steps to embracing DEI in their organization and communities.

- Nik Puri, Senior Vice President IT, FedEx Express

In today's organizational environment, allyship is key to inclusion. In The Art of Active Allyship, Dr. Luthra offers incisive advice and illuminating practical examples that position leaders as active participants, moving the ally from a position of passive spectatorship to being an active supporter. Beautifully written and packed with academic knowledge and personal experience, this book is a must-read for any aspiring ally.

- Sara Louise Muhr, Professor, Copenhagen Business School