Authorship

Discover how to shape a workplace that puts everyone ahead through the groundbreaking FAIR framework.

Over 80 percent of Americans agree that the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important in workplaces and society. Yet, research shows that a mere 20 percent feel they’ve directly benefited from workplace DEI programs. As traditional DEI efforts in the workplace face disengagement, backlash, and stagnation, it’s time to reimagine this work.Drawing on historical case studies, deep research, and a decade of the author’s consulting experience with organizations of all sizes, this book reveals the four tenets that will shape the next evolution of workplace DEI.

The FAIR framework offers an alternative to both the performative practices of traditional DEI programs and the false promises of anti-DEI antagonists. With clarity, urgency, and no-nonsense practicality, Fixing Fairness charts a new path forward for those committed to creating better outcomes for all.

Testimonials

"With their trademark no-nonsense, evidence-based approach, Zheng has made the complex art of building better workplaces for everyone practical, and powerful. This work is a beacon in an environment of uncertainty and chaos."

—

Shelley J. Correll

Professor of Sociology and Organizational Behavior, Stanford University; President of the American Sociological Association

"If you are a leader caught in the whipsawing discussion around diversity, equity and inclusion, you need to read Zheng's powerful and convincing book, to guide you out of polarized, zero-sum thinking. With brilliance and clarity, they guide us through a framework that just might actually create the inclusive workplaces we all need and deserve."

—

Alison Taylor

Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Stern; Former Executive Director, Ethical Systems

"This book doesn’t just point out what’s broken in DEI; it shows us how to fix it. Zheng’s honest, evidence-based approach is exactly what leaders need today to turn values into impact."

—

Asif Sadiq

Chief Inclusion Officer, Warner Brothers Discovery

“In a time when fear, fatigue, and anti-DEI backlash threaten to erode our shared humanity, FAIR offers a clear, actionable path forward for organizations. Lily delivers a framework that’s not only accessible to every leader and practitioner—but a call to action we can all embrace as changemakers – inspiring, challenging, and critical for this moment.”

—

Theresita Richard

Chief People & Culture Officer; Global Head of Justice & Belonging, Patagonia

About

Lily Zheng

FAIR Strategist & Consultant, Principal of Zheng Consulting

LILY ZHENG (they/them) is a no-nonsense strategist, consultant, and author who helps leaders and practitioners build fair, accessible, inclusive, and representative organizations. Lily’s work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, New York Times, and NPR, and their bestselling books lay out the practical skills and knowledge anyone can use to create the healthy workplaces we all deserve.