Naturally Speaking: 6 Ways To Shift Mental Models for Black Talent

Workplaces talk about diversity—but are they truly creating spaces where Black professionals can thrive? Naturally Speaking doesn’t just talk about inclusion. It shows how to make it real.

Through six transformative chapters—Trauma, Privilege, Conversation, Discomfort, Impact, and Pitch. This book walks leaders through the full talent cycle with honesty, strategy, and actionable steps.

• Trauma: Understand how past and present experiences affect Black professionals’ workplace engagement.
• Privilege: Examine who holds power and how it shapes opportunities.
• Conversation: Learn how to have meaningful, courageous discussions about race and equity.
• Discomfort: Move past avoidance and confront the tough challenges that real change requires.
• Impact: Build measurable systems to support growth, development, and recognition.
• Pitch: Equip Black talent to advocate for themselves and seize leadership opportunities.

Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or executive, Naturally Speaking provides the tools, insights, and language to foster an environment where Black talent doesn’t just survive. It thrives. Change begins here, one conversation and one policy at a time.

Written by LaTonya Davis, a global DEI Systems Architect in nonprofit and corporate.