A Guide for Professional Communicators to Communicate with DEPTH

The days of organizational communications being performative and surfacy are done. DEPTH is a 5-step model to build your diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) skills and help your organization communicate on social justice issues with impact.

“This is the book that's missing from the conversation about equity and inclusivity in the workplace. The need for it is so great that I thought about writing it myself! Thank goodness Janet Stovall and Kim Clark have done the work, based on years of experience and expertise. This book will help a lot of people and a lot of companies." 

Celeste headlee (she/her)

JOURNALIST. AUTHOR . SPEAKER.

"Communications can bring people together or tear them apart, build societies up or burn them down. With so much at stake, we have to move beyond the performative to do the transformative. This book shows us how."

SALLY KOHN (SHE/HER)

AUTHOR: THE OPPOSITE OF HATE: A FIELD GUIDE TO REPAIRING OUR HUMANITY

“Communicating clearly under ordinary circumstances is challenging enough in today's world of short attention spans and hyper-divided perspectives. When the subject matter is prickly, the task is even more daunting.  Business leaders need more than positive intent, we need DEPTH. This book provides relevant and practical communications guidance with a business value proposition. It is a must-read for leaders who understand the power of their platform and want to use it for good.”

NicolE "Nikki" clifton (she/her)

PRESIDENT, SOCIAL IMPACT AND THE UPS FOUNDATION

"It's not easy writing a book about something that can change the world when there is a system in place today that keeps you from doing that. Seeing these two women step up and speak up to help companies stop saying stupid sh*t is phenomenal. It's needed and urgent, and as a five-time New York Times bestselling author plus now out with my sixth bestseller, I know how important it is to share what you know to improve the world. If you're someone like me who will walk off the planet serving, this is the conversation you need. 

Read this book if you are a leader of a big, middle, or small-sized company, and pay attention to stay in integrity to your core vision and principles and communicate them in depth. Your business revenue and results will thank you for it." 

LORAL LANGEMEIER (SHE/HER)

FOUNDER OF INTEGRATED WEALTH SYSTEMS

“The Conscious Communicator by Janet M. Stovall and Kim Clark is a must read for anyone wanting to enlarge their capacity to engage in our increasingly diverse and complex environment. It invites you into the inquiry of inclusion, and to bring with you not only your skills but your compassion and vulnerability as well. “We find ourselves confronted with the fierce urgency of now,” so eloquently prophesied by Rev Dr MLK Jr. There is not a minute to waste in becoming more civil, collaborative, and celebratory.”

REV. DEBORAH L JOHNSON (SHE/HER)

AUTHOR: THE SACRED YES AND YOUR DEEPEST INTENT

“More and more, organizations are being asked to take a stand on issues important to the incoming generation of talent, and they are woefully unprepared – or worse, resistant to using their voice. Stovall and Clark have offered a model that can be utilized to make sure leaders build the organizational muscle of inclusive communications, so that they never miss the opportunity to deepen their relationships with key stakeholders in the moments that matter.”

JENNIFER BROWN (SHE/HER)

AUTHOR, INCLUSION, HOW TO BE AN INCLUSIVE LEADER, AND BEYOND DIVERSITY

“There’s a thin line between reality and mythology, and communicators have to pick a side. This book will help them pick the right one.”

DR. JENNIFER A. RICHESON (SHE/HER)

PHILIP R. ALLEN PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, YALE UNIVERSITY

“Communications plays such a critical role in advancing an organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, and it’s often hard for communicators to know how to do this. This book offers concrete and practical ways to communicate intentionally and inclusively.”

KRISTIN GOODNOUGH (SHE/HER)

COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE IN THE CANADIAN PUBLIC SERVICE

“The Conscious Communicator:The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t is the book that all communications professionals need right now. Navigating the world of DEI in your organization is not for the faint of heart. 

As internal and external communicators, you are often looked to for what to say and when to say it when it comes to social justice issues. As the conscience of the organization, having a resource like Janet and Kim’s book at your fingertips can help provide the confidence to back those decisions up. 10/10 would recommend this to any communicator!”  

ELIZABETH BUNNEY (SHE/HER)

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER & PRESIDENT

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATORS (IABC), EDMONTON CHAPTER

“This book reminds all of us who are privileged to work in communications that we have the responsibility to unleash the power of words and images as drivers to a more diverse, inclusive and accessible organization. Kim and Janet not only challenge our mind and thoughts, but they give us a methodology to put our work into action. The Conscious Communicator is a ground-breaking book that will help us transform organizations into actors of a most needed social change.”

IMMA FOLCH-LARAZO (SHE/HER)

WORLDCOM PR GROUP EMEA DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION CHAIR

"The role of PR, Employer Value Proposition agencies, and communications agencies was permanently changed in the summer of 2020. We must rise to the occasion with educated recommendations for our clients. Otherwise, we will be doing them a disservice. We have to gain the skills to go beyond the 'no comment'. This book offers the framework to ask the right questions to put our clients in a position of strength on DEI and social justice messaging."

ANDY GETSEY (HE/HIM)

CO-FOUNDER, SENIOR PARTNER
EMPOYERA

"It can be very rewarding to work in DEI communications for a global company and, at times, completely overwhelming. There’s so much to consider, learn and do, and sometimes we just need to take a step back and reflect on the work we’re doing, remind ourselves why we’re doing it, and think about how we can do it better. This book provides so many opportunities to do just that, it’s a must-read for all DEI communicators and has given me even more motivation to keep pushing for more!”

GAEL ADAMS-BURTON (SHE/HER)

GLOBAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AT SIEMENS, UK

“I’ve been fortunate to have a front-row seat as Kim Clark and Janet Stovall have become the nation’s top experts in DE&I and social justice communications. I have learned so much from them, and I expect my education is just beginning.

Kim and Janet have been at the forefront of a revolutionary change in corporate communications, as companies have begun to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as business imperatives, not just PR positioning.

But that doesn’t mean organizations are doing it right – or doing nearly enough. That’s why Kim and Janet wrote this book. 

At Ragan Consulting, we help companies tell their stories in deep and meaningful ways. In that work, Kim and Janet have wowed our customers with their expertise, compassion, and ability to connect with audiences.

This book is a gift to communicators everywhere, and to those of us who help them get better. Bravo, Kim and Janet!”

JIM YLISELA 

CO-FOUNDER & SENIOR CONSULTANT
RAGAN CONSULTING GROUP

"Before I became a DEI strategist, I crafted political messaging. While some people believe that corporations should stay out of politics because partisanship doesn't belong in the workplace, the reality is that companies influence policy in multiple ways. Customers want to know whether the companies they spend their money with are aligned with their values. 

Employees are demanding corporate cultures that protect and embrace them as identity-based political attacks are on the rise. As DEI becomes fundamental to attracting and retaining top talent, and our awareness grows around corporate influence on legislation, companies need to be strategic and consistent about communicating their values. 

The Conscious Communicator guides organizations as they navigate the complexity of developing and deploying authentic messaging that builds trust with employees and customers. Companies are well-positioned to create safe, inclusive work environments and have a positive impact on society. This book will help them get there."

MIRIAM KHALIFA (SHE/HER)

DEI PRACTITIONER

"It takes leaders across the business to take responsibility for the language we use and how we communicate in an authentic way when trying to connect to our teams.

We don't always know what to say, and we don't want to say the wrong thing. But we need to say something. We must engage in an ongoing dialogue. Janet and Kim talk about how language leads to behavior in this book and its advice that all leaders need to hear and act on.

The Conscious Communicator helps executives and leaders better integrate DEI into their communication by providing a solid framework to follow no matter which department or industry you're in. Thank you Janet and Kim for including DEI skills for leaders in this much-needed book!"

IRANA WASTI (SHE/HER)

EXECUTIVE, CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER

“As an executive leading through challenging times, I found Kim Clark's partnership and guidance invaluable. She helped me connect to my team through communication, land my point, and further my purpose with authenticity and impact. 

This book gives other leaders an opportunity to benefit from her insights and approach. Thank you Kim and Janet for making this work inclusive of C-suite leaders who are wanting to drive meaningful progress.”

LAUREN ANTONOFF (SHE/HER)

TECH EXECUTIVE

“San Jose State University received the decision letter to reaccredit San José State after the years-long WSCUC Accreditation Reaffirmation process. But one of the top level recommendations they made was: "Making the elimination of equity gaps and the promotion of DEI and equitable student outcomes the top priority for the University."

Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we engage with experts like Janet M. Stovall and Kim Clark in order to create and move our DEI policies forward. I've already pre-ordered the book and will be buying and sharing it with principals in my organization. I'll also be using excerpts in my "Media and Culture" general education course. We are fortunate to already have a relationship with these authors and their book will help us spread the ‘good knowledge’ wider and farther.”

KIMB MASSEY, PH.D. (SHE/HER)

PROFESSOR OF RADIO-TELEVISION-FILM, SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY

“If you've been afraid of contracting "open mouth, insert foot" syndrome, your fears are over. In The Conscious Communicator: The Fine Art of Not Saying Stupid Sh*t, Janet Stovall and Kim Clark provide a step-by-step guide to help interrupt our typical knee-jerk reactions and replace them with authentic, meaningful, and effective responses. Their DEPTH™ Model outlines a methodical approach to help your organization determine if, when, and what to say in response to daily challenges and opportunities. Janet and Kim show that the art of communication can be developed, honed, and mastered. This is a mission-critical skill for everyone responsible for communicating your organization's DEI message.”

APRIL THOMAS (SHE/HER)

CHIEF SOLUTIONS OFFICER, SDMS 360

“It's rare to find a book so wise, yet so accessible. Kim Clark and Janet Stovall challenge us to step up to change with heart, humor, and high hopes for the future of DEI. A must-read for anyone who believes we can have a more inclusive world than the one we have now.”

CHELSEA DELANEY (HE/HIM)

ARTIST, WRITER AND COACH AT NEW STORIES CALLING

“The events of the last few years have brought issues of race, gender, and identity to the forefront of everyday life.  Leaders across every industry need to be better equipped to have emotional and difficult conversations in the workplace.  Honestly, we can all use help in avoiding saying stupid sh*t.  There is no voice I trust more than Janet Stovall to provide clear (and sometimes brutally honest) guidance on how to address these important issues in these monumental  times.”

david lee

INNOVATION LEADER, TED SPEAKER

"I've been coaching and consulting executives for over 20 years through my businesses. I’ve seen the power diversity brings to a business because it opens up the business to new ideas and paths through varied experiences and insights. I’ve also witnessed businesses fail because they became trapped in group thought borne out through homogeneity. The “same” doesn’t work anymore in a diversified world.

Leaders must rise up to meet the challenge and opportunity offered through diversity. This book guides you to strengthen your results through diversity and inclusion, as well as social justice issues. Every enlightened organization will answer the wake-up call to advance inclusive diversity not just because it’s the right thing to do but because it accelerates our business success."

MARTHA HANLON

AUTHOR, RISE UP, LEADER
AUTHENTIC MARKETING, INC. PRESIDENT
WIDE AWAKE BUSINESS, FOUNDER

“In today’s market, workplace culture is as important as title and compensation. Today’s job seeker and employee is not simply looking for a job, but a culture that provides meaningful connection. It is critically important that leaders and organizations are intentional with their messaging to nurture this connection.  This book provides practical examples to develop authentic messaging that gets to the heart of communication, which is about what is needed and what you want.”

LAQUENTA JACOBS, CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER

XPO LOGISTICS, INC.

“Communication professionals and organizations have waited for quite some time for a book like this. The problem is we haven’t realized it yet.

The terms Diversity and Inclusion have been safe bets as we tiptoed our way through the last decade or so. And since the trauma of George Floyd’s murder, our profession has skated on how to say the obvious to the oblivious. The Conscious Communicator: The fine art of not saying stupid sh*t is your wakeup and clarion call that communications through an equity and social justice lens are achievable.

The Conscious Communicator will teach you how to stay away from the sheltered areas and color outside the lines to get a clear picture of the possibilities. It’s more than a road map. It gives permission to look inside yourself and that of your organization and say, DE&I is more than a “special interest.” 

Stovall and Clark’s book faces the challenge of communicating DE&I and social justice issues authentically and consistently. It starts with us, no matter your race, ability, language, or pronouns. This book is something you should carry around for reference and sustenance.

As a Black woman, which will gratefully never change, I have experienced  frustration and on a good day, determination. Yes, those good days of determination might just be based on what’s inside this book. The more my fellow practitioners read and internalize the nuggets of wisdom here, the more hopeful I will feel.”

“There are organizations and leaders that we hold up as ‘doing a good job with D&I.’ After they read and make Stovall and Clarks’ work part of their mission, they will do better.”

ANITA FORD SAUNDERS, APR

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT
2021-2022 CO-CHAIR
PRSA DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE

Please connect, support and follow each expert to keep learning.

Kim Clark is a DEI communications consultant and educator. Janet M. Stovall is a TED speaker, executive speechwriter, DEI consultant/communicator and diversity pragmatist. Together, they cover the spectrum of internal and external communications with a DEI lens like no one else.

Kim Clark & Janet M. Stovall
Co-authors

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