How would you classify your latest work, what inspired its inception?
Please type all responses in Blue. Answer as a band or spokesman for the band.
This is a business book focused on helping organizations achieve their ultimate performance through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It was inspired because I saw many books talking about the value of diversity from the social justice respective but not many talking about the value of diversity from a business perspective. And even fewer talk about how to actually improve organizational performance through the lens of DEI.
How long did it take you to complete?
It took me about three years to complete the book, although I began gathering data and information a couple of years before that which I was going to use but had a different focus in mind.
Who are some of your top 5 authors or writers you look up to & admire?
I’m not really a literary sort. But I do like the writings of Resmaa Menachem, Debby Irving, Isabel Wilkerson, Jonathan Haidt, and Van Jones.
Why do you write?
I’m not really a writer but I wrote this book because I wanted to share what I have learn about improving organizational performance.
What’s the biggest take away you want your readers to come away with after reading your latest work?
The biggest take away I want my readers to come away with is that the notion of diversity was not just good for social justice reasons but is also good for organizational performance. And we’re not just talking about racial diversity – but diversity of personality characteristics as Marylin Loden framed it in her Diversity Wheel. Also, that it doesn’t take a huge expensive effort to benefit from diversity.
How is the writing/reading scene in your locale?
As I said I’m not really a literary type so I don’t really have a sense of what the writing scene is where I live. I do know there are local writers who get together on a regular basis. I, actually, joined a group of writers who work with my publisher – EpicAuthor – on a global basis. That has been a great source of knowledge and support.
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
The best book I ever read is “The Righteous Mind” by Jonathan Haidt. He really explained why we hold the values we do and how they influence our thinking.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
I’m not really a writer and don’t aspire to be one.
How have you evolved as a writer over the last year?
I have learned how to turn a phrase better than when I started. I have, also, become better at cranking out content that is not as verbose as when I started writing.
If you could meet, have dinner, have a drink with anyone (writer/non-writer) (dead or alive) who would it be?
The philosopher Bertrand Russell
What’s next for you?
I am a consultant, so what is next for me is to continue to work with organizations to help them reach what I call their “ignition point” performing at their best. I am contemplating a couple of other books. One focused on small organizations leveraging DEI and another on how individuals can benefit from diversity in their personal lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: https://twitter.com/jtmckim
READ OUR REVIEW: https://thehollywooddigest.com/james-t-mckim-jr-presents-the-diversity-factor/
End of Interview