Colorfull : Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent of Color

Colorfull provides a roadmap for creating a company culture that is truly inclusive, welcoming, and equitable. With actionable strategies supported by first-hand interviews with Fortune 500 CEOs and CHROs, Colorfull unlocks the secrets for creating workplaces that consistently attract, develop, and retain professionals of color.

Rich in substance, candor, and reassurance, Colorfull cuts to the heart of why so many organizations struggle to make meaningful progress with DEI initiatives. Without blame or recrimination, the author articulates the unspoken fears that prevent most leaders from seeing the results they want―and need―in order to remain competitive in an evolving market.

Colorfull shows leaders how to step outside comfort zones, lead DEI from the top down, and create corporate cultures that will truly attract and retain top talent of color. Any hiring manager, CEO, or DEI manager will benefit from the insights throughout, empowering them to bring truly transformative change to their organizations.

This one-of-a-kind read is packed with real world scenarios, true stories from those who’ve tried, failed, tried again, and are still on the journey by using the leadership strategies presented here. Colorfull pulls back the curtain in a non-threatening, engaging way that makes success with DEI both accessible and attainable.

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya is the CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group, Inc., an award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion marketing and strategy firm. Sharon works with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and top employers―including, U.S. Bank, Thrivent, the NBA and WNBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx, Minute Media, Andersen Windows & Doors, Midco, Make-A-Wish® America, and more―on DEI marketing strategies that attract, recruit, and retain Talent of Color. Sharon founded People Of Color Careers™ Social Hiring Network, a proprietary equity hiring and career advancement program and platform. PeopleOfColorCareers.com is a 24/7 online solution where Professionals of Color identify employers committed to increasing racial inclusivity at all levels of the organizational structure.

In Sharon's new book COLORFULL: Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent of Color, she provides readers with insight on how to prioritize cultural connectivity as part of their retention strategy. She documents her work with organizational leaders, helping them understand how to maintain their competitive edge by strengthening their support to Professionals of Color. Using her sphere of influence, she advocates from an insider perspective, illuminating factors like how important a role community plays in a Person of Color’s experience. In addition to pay raises and bonuses, individuals must feel like they belong.