The Conversation

How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations

By: Robert Livingston

Narrated by: Desmond Manny

FINALIST FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES AND MCKINSEY BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD

An essential tool for individuals, organizations, and communities of all sizes to jump-start dialogue on racism and bias and to transform well-intentioned statements on diversity into concrete actions—from a leading Harvard social psychologist.

“Livingston has made the important and challenging task of addressing systemic racism within an organization approachable and achievable.”—Alex Timm, co-founder and CEO, Root Insurance Company

How can I become part of the solution? In the wake of the social unrest of 2020 and growing calls for racial justice, many business leaders and ordinary citizens are asking that very question. This book provides a compass for all those seeking to begin the work of anti-racism. In The Conversation, Robert Livingston addresses three simple but profound questions: What is racism? Why should everyone be more concerned about it? What can we do to eradicate it?

For some, the existence of systemic racism against Black people is hard to accept because it violates the notion that the world is fair and just. But the rigid racial hierarchy created by slavery did not collapse after it was abolished, nor did it end with the civil rights era. Whether it’s the composition of a company’s leadership team or the composition of one’s neighborhood, these racial divides and disparities continue to show up in every facet of society. For Livingston, the difference between a solvable problem and a solved problem is knowledge, investment, and determination. And the goal of making organizations more diverse, equitable, and inclusive is within our capability.

Livingston’s lifework is showing people how to turn difficult conversations about race into productive instances of real change. For decades he has translated science into practice for numerous organizations, including Airbnb, Deloitte, Microsoft, Under Armour, L’Oreal, and 
JPMorgan Chase. In The Conversation, Livingston distills this knowledge and experience into an eye-opening immersion in the science of racism and bias. Drawing on examples from pop culture and his own life experience, Livingston, with clarity and wit, explores the root causes of racism, the factors that explain why some people care about it and others do not, and the most promising paths toward profound and sustainable progress, all while inviting readers to challenge their assumptions.

Social change requires social exchange. Founded on principles of psychology, sociology, management, and behavioral economics, The Conversation is a road map for uprooting entrenched biases and sharing candid, fact-based perspectives on race that will lead to increased awareness, empathy, and action.

*This audiobook includes a PDF of charts and illustrations that can be used interactively with this program.

highly recommend

I loved this book and it will definitely be one of my highest recommendations to clients, friends, family, pretty much everyone for the coming year.
I will say that I ended up buying the hard copy because of the amount of research and images that play out in the book, which I found helpful having both.

Greatest single way to “get it,” *all*!

As someone who didn’t realize I was white for way too many decades, who now reads everything there is on anti-racist work, I’m blown away at this book. First, as gripping a story as a journalistic account. Then so quickly cutting to the roots of the problem, by chapter three. By the later sections on our competing values and what we do when forced to choose between things like hoarding more money & power, or acting up for fairness. I feel inspired to hunker down and reread, connected to deep thinking and core reasons, and equipped to take action by being braver about talking about race — with my white accountability group, but also cross-racial groups, and everywhere I can.

Excellent

One of the most thorough, well-researched, logical, and actionable books on the origins of racism and specific anti-racist behaviors, systems, and policies that can be used to dismantle racial bias and discrimination.

Feeling manipulated.

I was an ignorant white guy, because of proxy. Now I am informed, and angry because I was manipulated by the system. I was not aware of the goals of the elites. NOW, I can identify racism and manipulation. There were things mentioned that really turned my stomach. You need to read the whole book. Don't stop. it's worth it. so much information and pointers. A wealth of information. :) Love one another. :)

One of the best!

I thought this book was one of the best on understanding and steps to disrupt racism. Understanding human behavior is imperative to this hard and heart-centered work. Like the author, I have hope!