Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work by Ruchika Tulshyan Summary

1. Inclusion requires daily intentional practice, not passive goodwill or empathy.
2. Center women of color’s workplace experiences to address systemic exclusion.
3. Replace “culture fit” hiring with “culture add” for diversity.
4. Conduct intersectional pay audits to close racial and gender gaps.
5. Psychological safety hinges on feedback clarity and bias-free evaluations.
6. Practice the BRIDGE framework: Build, Respect, Include, Diversify, Grow, Empower.
7. Mitigate “bias interrupters” like vague feedback that stalls careers.
8. Alcohol-free social events prevent exclusion of religious or sober employees.
9. Allyship demands white colleagues advocate publicly for marginalized voices.
10. Normalize growth by apologizing for mistakes and changing behaviors.
11. Measure inclusion via retention rates of underrepresented talent, not just hiring.
12. Rethink leadership traits to value collaboration over assertive self-promotion.

About the Author

Ruchika Tulshyan, author of Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work, is an award-winning inclusion strategist and founder of Candour, a global firm advising organizations on equity and belonging. A former international business journalist, Tulshyan draws on her experiences facing systemic barriers in tech to craft actionable frameworks for workplace DEI.

Her work bridges research and practice, emphasizing intersectionality and leadership accountability. She is also the author of The Diversity Advantage: Fixing Gender Inequality in the Workplace, which outlines strategies to advance women in leadership.

Tulshyan’s paradigm-shifting Harvard Business Review article, Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome (co-authored with Jodi-Ann Burey), surpassed one million views and ranks among HBR’s top-three most-read pieces of 2021. A sought-after keynote speaker, she has addressed audiences at NASA, Microsoft, and the U.S. Congress. Her insights regularly appear in The New York Times and Harvard Business Review, and she was named to LinkedIn’s 2022 Top Voices for Gender Equity. Inclusion on Purpose is published by MIT Press, cementing its status as a foundational resource for modern organizational change.

FAQs About This Book

What is Inclusion on Purpose by Ruchika Tulshyan about?

Inclusion on Purpose provides a roadmap for fostering workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through intentional action. The book emphasizes centering women of color’s experiences to address systemic bias, debunks myths like the "level playing field," and offers strategies such as hiring for "culture add" and fostering psychological safety. Tulshyan combines research with actionable steps for leaders to dismantle structural barriers.

Who should read Inclusion on Purpose?

This book is essential for leaders, HR professionals, and DEI practitioners seeking practical tools to build inclusive workplaces. It’s also valuable for employees advocating for equity, particularly those interested in intersectional approaches to addressing gender and racial bias. Tulshyan’s insights resonate with anyone committed to systemic change.

Is Inclusion on Purpose worth reading?

Yes—the book bridges theory and practice, offering evidence-based frameworks like "culture add" and intersectional pay gap analyses. Its focus on accountability and structural change, rather than superficial fixes, makes it a standout resource for organizations aiming to create belonging.

How does Inclusion on Purpose address workplace bias?

Tulshyan advocates for proactive measures: exposing bias through data, training leaders to leverage privilege, and redesigning feedback systems to avoid vagueness (which often disadvantages marginalized groups). She stresses that bias mitigation requires daily intentionality, not occasional workshops.

What is the "culture add" approach in Inclusion on Purpose?

Unlike "culture fit," which reinforces homogeneity, "culture add" prioritizes hiring candidates who bring diverse perspectives. Tulshyan argues this fosters innovation and mirrors real-world demographics. For example, teams with varied backgrounds are better equipped to solve complex problems.

Why does Inclusion on Purpose focus on women of color?

Women of color face compounded gender and racial bias, making their experiences a critical lens for inclusive policies. Tulshyan shows that solutions benefiting this group—like equitable pay practices and mentorship—create systemic improvements for all employees.

What role does psychological safety play in Inclusion on Purpose?

Psychological safety—where employees feel safe taking risks—is foundational. Tulshyan links it to retention and innovation, urging leaders to actively address microaggressions and share power. For example, managers should encourage dissent and credit marginalized voices in meetings.

How does Inclusion on Purpose suggest addressing the pay gap?

The book advocates intersectional pay audits to identify disparities affecting women of color, paired with transparent salary bands and promotion criteria. Tulshyan emphasizes that closing gaps requires ongoing monitoring, not one-time adjustments.

What are the key takeaways from Inclusion on Purpose?

1. Intentionality: Inclusion demands daily practice, not passive goodwill.
2. Centering marginalized voices: Policies should prioritize those most impacted by bias.
3. Structural change: Replace "quick fixes" with systemic solutions like equitable hiring and feedback practices.

How does Inclusion on Purpose differ from other DEI books?

Tulshyan rejects individualistic approaches (e.g., "leaning in") in favor of organizational accountability. Unlike theoretical guides, it provides concrete tools like bias-interruption techniques and metrics for tracking progress, with a unique focus on intersectionality.

What criticism has Inclusion on Purpose received?

Some note the book’s corporate focus may overlook smaller organizations or non-Western contexts. However, its principles—like psychological safety and equitable hiring—are broadly adaptable, and Tulshyan’s emphasis on action over rhetoric is widely praised.

How can leaders implement strategies from Inclusion on Purpose?

Start with bias audits, revise job descriptions to emphasize "culture add," and create feedback systems with clear rubrics. Tulshyan also advises leaders to publicly commit to DEI goals and share progress transparently to build trust.