Howard Ross

Howard J. Ross is a foundational figure in the realms of diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias. As the founder and Chief Learning Officer of Cook Ross Inc., and an advisor to an array of global entities spanning educational, corporate, philanthropic, and governmental sectors, Ross has dedicated over 25 years to fostering high-performing organizational cultures that emphasize the advancement of people, performance, and profits. His expertise also extends to leadership development and the strategic transformation of organizational culture.

Ross has authored several influential works, including "Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives," which is a Washington Post bestseller, and "ReInventing Diversity: Transforming Organizational Community to Strengthen People, Purpose and Performance." His contributions to literature also include "Our Search for Belonging: How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart," recognized with the 2019 Nautilus Book Award for Social Change and Social Justice. These publications underscore his role as a seminal thought leader in his field, especially in the exploration of unconscious bias and its practical implications in everyday settings and professional environments.

Ross's impact extends across 47 states and 40 countries through his work with diverse institutions, including Fortune 500 companies, academic bodies, and professional services firms. Noteworthy educational engagements include programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University Medical School, Stanford University Medical School, and the Wharton School of Business. Beyond academia, Ross has also addressed senior leaders at the Pentagon, focusing on unconscious bias, and has analyzed significant corporate diversity incidents to aid organizations in building a bias-resistant workplace culture. His engagement with media includes frequent contributions to National Public Radio and articles in major publications like the Harvard Business Review and the New York Times.

In recognition of his extensive contributions and impactful presentations, Ross has received numerous accolades, such as the 2009 Operation Understanding Award for Community Service and the 2016 Leadership in Diversity Award by the World Human Resources Development Conference in Mumbai, India. His ability to engage and transform audiences with actionable knowledge has cemented his reputation as a respected and effective speaker on diversity, inclusion, and organizational change.