Did That Just Happen?! is an accessible guide showing all people how to create and sustain diversity and inclusivity in the workplace—no matter your identity, industry, or level of experience. We spoke with authors Drs. Lauren Wadsworth and Stephanie Pinder-Amaker about the inspiration for Did That Just Happen?!, their audiobook recommendations, and more!
Did That Just Happen?!: Beyond “Diversity”—Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations
By Stephanie Pinder-Amaker & Lauren Wadsworth • Narrated by Joy Vandervort-Cobb
“I came across this book during an online conference recently and I loved the discussion with these two authors, so I had to read their book immediately. This is full of great guidelines on how *not* to treat people in any type of work environment can be used as a manual to keep up with the ongoing work of inclusivity. It gives lessons in easy-to-digest examples, words and phrases to avoid, and how to listen actively. I highly recommend this to anyone in any kind of leadership role, or anyone who just wants to keep doing the work to be a better person.”
Andrea, Fountain Bookstore
Please tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book and how this story took shape for you.
As psychologists who hold minoritized identities (Black, Queer) in settings where we were often the “only ____,” we were called upon to provide “diversity training.” The only issue was that providing training on Diversity Equity and Inclusion often makes (privileged) people uncomfortable, defensive, and angry. We were inspired to write this book both, for others like us to slip under the door of their boss or colleague in hopes of making change within their organization, and for the well intentioned boss/leader/ally who wants to do better. We say the things that are hard, or dangerous, to say in the workplace, and provide practical skills that people can apply today.
In two sentences or less, what’s something that might surprise Libro.fm listeners about your audiobook?
Our narrator, Joy Vandervort-Cobb, is actually a first-time audiobook narrator! You’d never know it though. We are so excited that she is our narrator, as she was our first choice! We figured that if you get tired of “reading” our book, you’ll never tire of listening to Joy’s moving interpretation, so it’s the perfect partnership.
Have you listened to your own audiobook? If so, what struck you about the narration?
We haven’t listened to the full recording yet. However, we have heard snippets. We have been struck over and over by the way Joy reads. She really “gets” the book and evokes the feelings and depth that are crucial in developing greater cultural awareness and responsiveness. She wakes you up, makes you laugh, and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand at just the right moments.
What have independent bookstores and/or booksellers meant to you personally and professionally?
Lauren: As someone coming from a small town, independent bookstores and booksellers were the only bookstores I knew. When I think of books, I think about paper books; I smell Sundance Bookstore on Main Street in Geneseo, NY; I think about flipping the pages and dog-earring my favorite parts. Independent bookstores are the original booksellers, and to me they effortlessly honor the romanticism of written word.
Stephanie: I immediately think of Hakim’s or Harriet’s Bookshop in Philly, where I grew up. Harriet’s (named for Harriet Tubman) celebrates women authors, activists and artists. Both shops are mission-driven gathering places of refuge and empowerment for the communities they serve.
Anything else to share with us?
We appreciate the platform you are providing for us to share Did That Just Happen?! with readers in a more inclusive and accessible way. Thank you!
Drs. Lauren Wadsworth’s and Stephanie Pinder-Amaker’s Audiobook Picks:
Becoming
By Michelle Obama • Narrated by the author
So You Want to Talk About Race
By Ijeoma Oluo • Narrated by Bahni Turpin
Caste
By Isabel Wilkerson • Narrated by Robin Miles
You Can’t Touch My Hair
By Phoebe Robinson • Narrated by the author, Jessica Williams & John Hodgman
How to be an Antiracist
By Ibram X. Kendi • Narrated by the author
Me Talk Pretty One Day
By David Sedaris • Narrated by the author