Lily Zheng
Lily Zheng is a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist and author focused on workplace fairness, access, and systemic organizational change. Zheng wrote DEI Deconstructed, Reconstructing DEI, The Ethical Sellout, and Gender Ambiguity in the Workplace, and is a bestselling DEI author recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Voice on racial equity.
Biography & Author's Journey
Lily Zheng is a workplace fairness strategist and author whose public voice took shape through student journalism and activism at Stanford. At Stanford, Zheng studied psychology and sociology, wrote a weekly column for The Stanford Daily on consent culture, queer and trans identity, social justice, and activism, and developed the direct, institution-focused prose that would later define their public work. Later official biographies place them in the San Francisco Bay Area and describe them as a consultant and author helping leaders turn positive intentions into measurable impact. ((https://stanforddaily.com/author/lilyzheng/))
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Popular Books
Reconstructing DEI
Lily Zheng
A practical workbook offering exercises and tools to implement effective diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in organizations.
Deconstructing DEI
Lily Zheng
A pragmatic guide to implementing effective diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in organizations, bridging theory with real-world application.
Reconstructing DEI
Lily Zheng
A practical workbook offering exercises and tools to implement effective diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in organizations.
Deconstructing DEI
Lily Zheng
A pragmatic guide to implementing effective diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in organizations, bridging theory with real-world application.
Discover more
Inclusion, Models & Participation Exam Prep
This learning plan is essential for leaders and DEI practitioners aiming to move beyond theory into systemic organizational transformation. It provides the strategic frameworks and engagement skills necessary to build psychologically safe, high-participation cultures that thrive on diversity.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality is essential for anyone committed to meaningful social justice work, as single-issue approaches often overlook the complex realities of those experiencing multiple forms of marginalization. This learning path is invaluable for activists, DEI professionals, organizational leaders, educators, and anyone seeking to understand how systems of oppression interconnect and how to create truly inclusive solutions that don't leave the most vulnerable behind.
Navigate AI disruption in L&D career path
As AI reshapes the corporate world, L&D professionals must evolve from content creators into strategic learning architects. This plan is designed for training specialists and HR leaders who want to leverage AI to enhance human potential rather than being replaced by it.
Lead Up and Sideways
In modern workplaces, influence is just as important as technical skill. This plan is designed for mid-level professionals and emerging leaders who need to manage their energy and reputation while navigating complex office dynamics.
Lead Internal Comms with Neurodivergent Clarity
This learning plan is designed for neurodivergent professionals stepping into leadership roles within corporate environments. It provides essential tools to navigate executive communication and political landscapes while prioritizing cognitive health and sustainable energy management.
The Laws of Human Nature
Understanding the hidden drivers of behavior is essential for navigating complex social and professional landscapes. This plan is ideal for leaders, managers, and anyone looking to improve their emotional intelligence and defensive social skills.
The Employer's Workforce Recovery Playbook
In an era of rapid automation and economic shifts, businesses must evolve from reactive hiring to strategic talent management. This playbook is essential for HR leaders and executives looking to navigate layoffs and leverage AI for sustainable growth.
The Focused Professional
In an era of constant distraction and complex office dynamics, cognitive focus and emotional intelligence are essential for career longevity. This plan is designed for professionals looking to sharpen their mental clarity while mastering the social nuances of challenging workplace interactions.
Community Voices
"Lily Zheng’s DEI Deconstructed is a compelling must-read for leaders who want to stay accountable, make change, and create better workplaces for us all"
— Minda Harts
"Look no further than Lily Zheng’s Reconstructing DEI to get to the heart of transformational action"
— Ruchika Tulshyan
"Action-oriented, results-driven, and outcomes-based, Lily Zheng’s no-nonsense approach transforms DEI into a tangible and accessible process"
— David G. Smith
"Lily Zheng masterfully assembles the salient elements of DEI work for anyone serious about creating a more equitable workplace"
— David G. Smith & W. Brad Johnson
"Using their signature decisive and direct voice, Lily Zheng delivers an accountability-centered and immediately actionable road map"
— Michelle MiJung Kim
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
