What’s Your Zip Code Story?

A 2-minute book review — is an absolute must-read for anyone who feels excluded or strives to make others feel included.

Kudos to CJ Gross on his groundbreaking book, What’s Your Zip Code Story?: Understanding and Overcoming Class Bias in the Workplace.

What’s Your Zip Code Story? fuels a powerful rethinking of diversity and inclusion, making it clear that Class is the missing puzzle-piece instrumental to the success of D&I.

This rising bestseller identifies the root cause of D&I dilemmas and delivers sustainable remedies. Through compelling narrative, Gross, a diversity and inclusion consultant, presents top-down leadership strategies that can advance D&I and bottom-up solutions that help class migrants build their identities and navigate the workplace.

“Our zip code can influence or limit our social class — sometimes for the rest of our lives,” Gross cautions. The book exposes the power of networks, mentorships and pillars of support, giving an inside glimpse of these resources most people take for granted.

Gross debunks myths about biases and candidly shares his failures, fears, and humiliations to help class migrants avoid pitfalls and “ lay out their blueprint for success.”

With a renewed focus on Class and its subtle nuances, Gross equips organizations with precision tools that tap diversity and bridge equity through strategic mentorships. He serves as a mentor to class migrants, sharing the know-how to thrive in a corporate setting.

If you thought you understood privilege, unconscious bias, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion before, you are in for a transformational surprise. Gross’ anecdotes and his research investigate the Class codes that foment division. He moves the conversation beyond the traditional D&I platitudes and methods. His step-by-step instructions facilitate a deeper self-awareness, enabling readers to take concrete DEI action.

Gross liberates the race dialog from blame and shame. He reveals that the lack of D&I progress stems from Class and cultural barriers — more than any other factor. Gross’ interviews with class migrants across the globe are as insightful and inspiring as his own journey from class migrant to influential DEI voice.

This book teems with forward-thinking strategies for ambitious college grads, employees seeking upward mobility, and business leaders who strive to foster an inclusive workspace. It empowers managers and class migrants.

What’s Your Zip Code Story? provides clear instruction and pearls of wisdom for anyone pursuing personal and professional ascension.

About the Author

Christopher “CJ” Gross is a TEDx speaker, international organizational development consultant, and founder of Ascension Worldwide; a minority-owned consulting firm committed to helping clients achieve workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. CJ is a certified Social + Emotional Intelligence coach, trainer, Keirsey Temperament professional, Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Administrator, and executive coach with 19 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, local and national nonprofits, and government agencies. He also serves as a business management adjunct faculty for the Community College of Baltimore County and a DEI master faculty for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Center for Innovation.

CJ is a highly recruited keynote speaker who presents to corporations worldwide, including SHRM’s 2019 and 2020 Diversity & Inclusion Conference & Exposition on “Class Bias: The Class Divide in the Workplace and its Implications” and “The Power of Belonging.” He will also present at SHRMs 2022 conference.

Check out CJ’s podcast at https://cjgrosstalks.com/podcast/ or contact CJ for a media interview, keynote presentation, group coaching, retreat, or strategy session.

What’s Your Zip Code Story? can be purchased through Amazon or Rowman & Littlefield Publishing.

Please comment & share: How does your background influence your visions, conversations, opportunities, and professional networks?

Christine Alexy, editor of Gross’ manuscript and Editor-in-Chief at Alexy Professional Writing Services, LLC

Alexy Professional Writing Services, LLC

Contact us for a quote: chris@alexyprowriting.com