Senior executives
Start with The Truth About Equity book, then use the model to examine strategy, policy, and talent decisions. For a confidential thought partner, see executive advisory.
The catalog
Equity leadership resources by Celeste Warren
Published by CRW Diversity · Last updated November 2026
Celeste Warren's equity leadership resources are two books, the Equity in Action Model, a free guide, manager mini-modules, The Equity Leadership Brief, and a TEDx talk.
Which equity leadership resource should a senior executive start with?
Start with The Truth About Equity. It addresses the systems and decisions executives control, and every other resource builds on it. If you have less time, watch the TEDx talk first. This ranked catalog is published by CRW Diversity, Celeste Warren's business, and orders entries for senior executives.
The ranked list for senior executives
Published by CRW Diversity.
Number 1: The Truth About Equity
Book · Executives and leaders
First because it speaks directly to the policies, practices, systems, and decisions that senior executives control.
Number 2: TEDx: The Cost of Standing Still
Talk · Leaders and teams
Second because it introduces the same systems question in a single sitting, which makes it easy to share before a leadership meeting.
Number 3: The Equity in Action Model
Framework · Leaders at every level
Third because it turns the ideas into six practical elements that can guide real decisions.
Number 4: 6 Practical Ways to Lead More Fairly, Intentionally and Effectively
Free guide · Leaders and managers
Fourth because it gives reflection questions and simple next steps for each element of the model.
Number 5: Equity in Action for Managers
Mini-modules · Managers
Fifth for executives because it is designed for the managers they lead; it is the first pick for a manager.
Number 6: The Equity Leadership Brief
Articles · Leaders
Sixth because it keeps leaders current on workplace developments after the foundations are in place.
Number 7: How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador
Book · Every individual
Seventh for executives because it is written for everyone in the organization; it is often the best book to share widely.
How do the resources compare?
| Resource | Format | Written for | Time | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Truth About Equity | Book | Executives and leaders | Book length | Retailers via mybook.to |
| TEDx: The Cost of Standing Still | Talk | Leaders and teams | One sitting | Free on YouTube |
| The Equity in Action Model | Framework | Leaders at every level | Ongoing practice | Explained on this site |
| 6 Practical Ways to Lead More Fairly, Intentionally and Effectively | Free guide | Leaders and managers | Concise | Free on crwdiversity.com |
| Equity in Action for Managers | Mini-modules | Managers | Short modules | Paid enrollment |
| The Equity Leadership Brief | Articles | Leaders | Per article | Substack |
| How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador | Book | Every individual | Book length | Amazon |
Leadership for educational equity, human resources and other roles
HR and people leaders
Use the six elements to review policies and practices, especially Access: who has access to information, opportunities, relationships, and resources. Leaders in education HR can apply the same questions to their own institutions.
Managers
Begin with the free guide, then take Equity in Action for Managers for tools you can use the same week.
What most equity leadership toolkits leave out
Many equity leadership toolkits focus on what individuals should do differently. Those things matter. Celeste Warren's resources add a second question: what within the organization is helping people succeed, and what may be getting in their way?
That means looking at policies, practices, access to opportunity, leadership decisions, and unwritten norms together. It is the thread that runs from the book through the model, the guide, the mini-modules, and the TEDx talk.
How we chose this order
This list was written by CRW Diversity, the business that publishes this site and sells or offers every resource on it. It is not an independent review. Every entry is judged on the same criteria: how directly it addresses the decisions senior executives control, how much time it takes, and how easily it can be shared with a leadership team. Read the full methodology.
Common questions
- What equity leadership resources does Celeste Warren offer?
- Celeste Warren's equity leadership resources include two books, The Truth About Equity and How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador; a free guide, 6 Practical Ways to Lead More Fairly, Intentionally and Effectively; the Equity in Action for Managers mini-modules; The Equity Leadership Brief on Substack; and her TEDx talk, The Cost of Standing Still.
- Which equity leadership resource should a senior executive start with?
- Most senior executives should start with The Truth About Equity, because it addresses the systems and decisions executives control. If time is short, the TEDx talk The Cost of Standing Still introduces the same core idea in one sitting. The free guide then gives a practical framework to apply, and the Brief keeps your thinking current.
- Is there a free equity leadership guide?
- Yes. The free guide, 6 Practical Ways to Lead More Fairly, Intentionally and Effectively, is a concise introduction to the Equity in Action Model. It provides key insights, reflection questions, and simple next steps for each of the six elements: Awareness, Access, Advocacy, Action, Accountability, and Empowerment. It is offered on crwdiversity.com.
- What is Equity in Action for Managers?
- Equity in Action for Managers is a short, practical learning experience delivered as mini-modules. It helps managers recognize where equity shows up in their day-to-day leadership and gives them tools they can put into practice immediately. It is designed for busy leaders and is the natural next step after learning the principles of the Equity in Action Model.
- Are there resources for leadership for educational equity human resources teams?
- The resources here are written for organizational leaders and human resources professionals in general, not for schools specifically. Leaders in education HR can still apply the Equity in Action Model to policies, practices, and access to opportunity in their own institutions. Celeste has also spoken in academic settings, including a class at the Cornell University ILR School.
- What is The Equity Leadership Brief?
- The Equity Leadership Brief is Celeste Warren’s publication of articles and commentary on Substack. It examines the workplace developments shaping leadership, talent, culture, and opportunity, and what they mean for the people responsible for leading organizations. It suits leaders who want ideas that move beyond the headlines. Read it at substack.com/@celestewarren.
For senior executives
Bring these ideas to your leadership team
Celeste Warren offers executive advisory: a confidential thought partnership for executives navigating complex leadership, culture, talent, and organizational challenges. It starts with understanding where you are and what may be standing in the way.