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**Business Book Awards 2025 Finalist**
**getAbstract International Book Award 2024 Finalist**
‘An excellent, example-rich and immediately practical book which will no doubt stay close to hand and dog-eared with use for years to come.’ Dr Pippa Grange Psychologist and Author of Fear Less
Talk to anyone about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and it sparks a whole range of emotions. Why? Because DEI, at its very core, is about values and beliefs, and it’s about change. So it is no surprise then, that despite putting in place a DEI strategy and multiple initiatives, so many organizations get stuck.
Beyond Discomfort reveals a new model of inclusive leadership, which describes four belief systems and associated emotional responses to DEI.
Discover:
- real life stories and expert insights to deepen your understanding of why DEI is so knotty and complex;
- self-understanding and new perspectives to better connect with your learned leadership values and beliefs;
- reflective questions, practical tools and activities to help develop your inclusive practice.
Nadia Nagamootoo is a Chartered Psychologist, accredited coach, MBA and Founder of Avenir, a DEI consultancy. Through her multiple keynotes and popular podcast show, Why Care?, Nadia has become a profound thought leader in DEI, guiding organizations on an accelerated path to creating inclusion and belonging.
A thought provoking offering that is well written, highly personal and engaging at every turn of the page...Nadia’s greatest secret is her use of story telling. Leveraging this skill, she provides example after example..to provide an engaging narrative to illustrate her points, and making the book a great read...This book is a timely reminder we need to do more as leaders, coaches and colleagues to create workplaces where everyone is not only included, but places where everyone can thrive. - Jonathan Passmore, Henley Business School Professor, LinkedIn
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone in a leadership role, and for those who coach and work with leaders on their development. - Dr Hayley Lewis, Chartered Coaching Psychologist, LinkedIn
A compelling read for those seeking to excel in diverse social landscapes and move beyond traditional social structures. - Elena Amber, bestselling author of The Gift of Sensitivity
In an industry and space that is constantly facing backlash, this book will serve as a benchmark for many other DEI practitioners, and leaders, to help us all drive true change, and feel less alone! - Amazon 5*
A fresh and thought-provoking approach to inclusive leadership offering a clear and pragmatic 'Way of Being' framework grounded in psychological theories. It is inspiring as well as practical. - Amazon 5*
Consciously inclusive leaders understand that internal, organisational structures cannot help but be influenced by the wider world and systemic imprinting of what is regarded as "normal". It takes courage to break through norms which lead to some people being marginalised, ignored and/or mistreated. Are you willing to better understand and lean into the discomfort of inclusive leadership? Then I'd certainly recommend Beyond Discomfort - Jiten Patel, Conscious Inclusion Thought Leader, LinkedIn
Nadia Nagamootoo is a Chartered Psychologist, accredited coach, MBA and Founder of Avenir, a DEI consultancy. Through her multiple keynotes and popular podcast show, Why Care?, Nadia has become a profound thought leader in DEI, guiding organizations on an accelerated path to creating inclusion and belonging.
Nadia continues to be publicly recognized for her passion, drive and thought-leadership, and was listed as HR Most Influential Thinker 2023 and awarded HR Champion of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2023.
- Praise for Beyond Discomfort
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Foreword
- Introduction
- An ontological approach to diversity, equity and inclusion
- A new lens on inclusive leadership
- How to use this book
- Chapter 1: Guiding forces of inclusion
- Current-day living
- Hitting the bottom line
- Parenting and caring
- The next generations
- The future of work
- Chapter summary
- Questions of discomfort
- Chapter 2: Disconcerted
- It isn’t fair
- Meritocracy… or mirrortocracy
- The dirty word: privilege
- Fear of acknowledging privilege
- Fear of change
- Expanding this Way of Being
- Chapter summary
- Questions of discomfort
- Chapter 3: Proof-Seeking
- The archetypal leader
- ‘Playing the race card’
- The gender pay gap myth
- ‘Pretend’ sexualities
- Fear of the unknown
- Expanding this Way of Being
- Chapter summary
- Questions of discomfort
- Chapter 4: Cheerleading
- This doesn’t make sense
- Invisible inequities
- Has potential, lacks focus
- I don’t understand you
- The fatherhood forfeit
- Fear of complexity
- Expanding this Way of Being
- Chapter summary
- Questions of discomfort
- Chapter 5: Beyond Discomfort
- It takes courage
- It is psychological work
- Leader as learner
- Leading the action
- Supporting this Way of Being
- Chapter summary
- Exercises of discomfort
- Chapter 6: Your organization Beyond Discomfort
- Go deep, tackle culture
- Transparency and providing direction
- Hearts and minds
- Going global
- Taking a stand
- Chapter summary
- Organizational actions of discomfort
- Final words
- Summary of key points
- Glossary
- Notes
- Acknowledgements
- Special thanks
- About the author
- About Avenir
- Index