Named to the shortlist for the 2021 Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award in the Women in Business Category

Addressing gender alone won't help women rise to the top.

Although women come from widely diverse backgrounds, they share a common assumption upon entering the workforce: "I have a chance." Along the way, however, they discover that people question their authority, challenge their intelligence, and discount their ideas. And while gender is a common denominator among these women, race and class are often wedges between them.

In Our Separate Ways, Ella Bell Smith and Stella M. Nkomo take an unflinching look at the surprising differences between Black and White women's trials and triumphs on their way to the top. Based on groundbreaking research, the book compares and contrasts the experiences of 120 Black and White female managers in America. Powerful stories bring to life the women's often difficult journeys from childhood to professional success, highlighting the roles that gender, race, and class played in their development.

Now with an updated preface and epilogue, the book provides candid discussions of the continuing challenge of achieving race and gender equality in the midst of deep political and ideological divides. You'll discover how White women have—perhaps unwittingly—aligned themselves more often with White men than with Black women and how systemic racism and biases still exist in organizations. But you’ll also learn what to do to leverage the talents of all women and eliminate systemic racism for good.

Whether you lead an organization or simply want to better understand the dynamics at play in business today, you'll discover provocative ideas for creating a better workplace and encouraging equality for everyone.

"Gender equality is at a crossroads. Let your diverse talent shine. Although successful professional women come from widely diverse backgrounds, educational experiences, and community values, they share a common assumption upon entering the workforce: "I have a chance." Along the way, however, they discover that people question their authority, challenge their intelligence, and discount their ideas. And while gender is a common denominator among these women, race and class are often wedges between them. In Our Separate Ways, Ella Bell Smith and Stella Nkomo take an unflinching look at the surprising differences between Black and white women's trials and triumphs on their way to the top. Based on groundbreaking research, the book compares and contrasts the experiences of 120 first-generation Black and white female managers in the American business arena. Engaging stories bring to life the women's powerful and often difficult journeys from childhood to professional success, highlighting the roles that gender, race, and class played in their development. Now with an updated preface and epilogue, this book provides candid discussions of the continuing challenge of achieving race and gender equality in the midst of deep political and ideological divides. You'll discover how white women have-perhaps unwittingly-aligned themselves more often with white men than with Black women and how systemic racism and biases still exist in organizations and in the broader society. But you'll also learn what organizations can do to leverage the talents of all women and create workplaces free of systemic racism. Whether you lead an organization, work in HR, or simply want to better understand the dynamics at play in business today, you'll discover provocative ideas for creating a better workplace and encouraging equality for everyone"--

Shortlisted for the Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award in the Women in Business Category

Advance Praise for Our Separate Ways:

"A groundbreaking account of Black and White professional women's formation of identities, relationships, and career breakthroughs. A must-read for any leader who seeks to advance true equity and inclusion in the workplace." — Laura Morgan Roberts, Professor of Practice, University of Virginia Darden School of Business; coeditor, Race, Work, and Leadership

"A stark look at the corporate world through the lens of race and gender equity. This book should be on the desk of not only every CEO and HR manager but anyone wanting to build a successful workplace." — Mika Brzezinski, cohost, Morning Joe; founder, Know Your Value

"Our Separate Ways reinforces what we've seen for years: that industry has been muting the voices of BIPOC women. Smith and Nkomo remind us to hold ourselves accountable in ushering in an era of radical change." — Moj Mahdara, cofounder and CEO, BeautyCon Media

"An urgent read to answer the growing calls for gender equality and an end to systemic racism." — David A. Thomas, President, Morehouse College; coeditor, Race, Work, and Leadership

"Our Separate Ways builds a critical framework for executing the structural and cultural shifts that will allow all women to thrive." — Gwyneth Paltrow, founder and CEO, goop

"Smith and Nkomo have given us permission to build a shared vision for change. Refreshingly honest and inspiring, Our Separate Ways is the book every leader needs." — Daisy Auger-Domínguez, Chief People Officer, VICE Media Group