Unspoken : A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code

2025 Business Book Awards Shortlist for International Business Book

Two years ago, Dr. Ella F. Washington, organizational psychologist, Founder and CEO of DEI strategy consulting firm Ellavate Solutions, and Professor of Practice at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, shared her vision for a fairer, healthier, more productive “workplace utopia” with business leaders looking to make positive change in The Necessary Journey: Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion. The book was a hit with the C-Suite, but left workers asking, What about me? How do I make sense of and navigate my workplace? How do I show up authentically when I’m the only person who looks like me? Do I even belong here? Now, Dr. Washington is back with Unspoken: A Guide to Cracking the Hidden Corporate Code, a practical guide for workers across the spectrum who want to succeed in the business world without sacrificing their authenticity. Unspoken is the book for every professional who’s asked these questions, battled imposter syndrome, or wondered how to expand their power and influence (and struggled with whether it’s okay to do so). In the book, Dr. Washington explains the unspoken rules that determine success in corporate settings, coaching readers in the tactics that will equip them to shape a successful career anchored in meaningful experiences. She shares practical strategies readers can use to own their story and their strengths, leverage their skills, and identify opportunities to excel and advance, along with stories from fellow professionals who have faced similar challenges and successfully navigated these spaces. Packed with fascinating research, helpful exercises, and real, practical advice, this book will help readers build their capacity to move forward more confidently, empowering them and equipping them with the tools and tactics they need to thrive at every level of their organization and build the careers and lives they want.

A recognized expert on DEI and a range of workplace issues, organizational psychologist ELLA F. WASHINGTON, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of Ellavate Solutions, an integrated DEI strategy firm, and the author of The Necessary Journey: Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion. She is a Professor of Practice at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, where she has won honors including Excellence in Teaching 2021 and Poet and Quants 40 under 40 MBA Professors in 2023. Additionally, she is the Founder of the Ellavate Charity Foundation and a sought-after author, speaker, and consultant. Prior to founding Ellavate, Dr. Washington led Gallup’s Diversity and Inclusion practice and served as the Co-host of Gallup’s Center of Black Voices Cultural Competence Podcast.