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In Unlocking Authenticity, author, leadership coach and workplace culture expert Shivani Uberoi delivers a powerful and refreshingly honest exploration of what it really means to be yourself at work… and why so many of us struggle to do it.
From subtle workplace norms to deeply ingrained beliefs about who we need to be to succeed, Unlocking Authenticity unpacks the hidden cost of constantly ‘fitting in’ and what it takes to break free.
Through real-life stories, including experiences of navigating race and identity, challenging stigma around masculinity and fatherhood, redefining possibility after disability, and the hidden pressures of privilege, motherhood and neurodiversity, the book brings to life the complex realities behind how we show up at work and in life.
Full of insight, inspiration and practical wisdom, Unlocking Authenticity invites you to reflect on your own journey and gives you the tools to show up more fully as yourself, while creating a culture where others can do the same.
Inside the book:
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Relatable, real-life stories that reveal how and why we cover different parts of ourselves at work.
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Practical tools and reflective exercises to help you build self-awareness, challenge bias and strengthen psychological safety.
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Insightful frameworks to create cultures where people don’t have to fit in but can thrive as their best selves.
An essential read for leaders, managers and individuals who want to create environments where people can do their best work without pretending to be someone they’re not.
Shivani Uberoi is a leading voice in workplace inclusion, helping companies create cultures where everyone belongs and thrives. A TEDx speaker, board advisor, and former leader at Sky and PwC, Shivani has spent over a decade driving sustainable change in organizations.
At Sky, Shivani founded two employee networks that grew to 5,000+ members, harnessing the power of community and connection. She set up The Wallflower Academy to use her deep EDI expertise, storytelling and corporate leadership experience to support organizations to build belonging in their teams.
Her passion for inclusion is personal, as detailed in her TEDx talk ‘Why fitting in will screw you up’, and she eventually found power in authenticity. Now, she helps leaders unlock that same potential in their teams.
Foreword xi
Preface– Why this book? xiii
Introduction – Authenticity: To not be or not to be? 1
Part 1: Why authenticity matters
1- The power of authenticity – and the five hidden taxes 13
2- The roots of inauthenticity 35
3- Who am I, really? Identity and values 49
Part 2: How covering is not equal
4- The social norms of work 67
5- Power and privilege and the agency to be you 85
6- Men mask too 107
Part 3: Unlocking authenticity
7- North – Nurture your core: Be the best version of you 133
8- East – Enable connection 147
9- South – Shift the system 161
10-West – Write your legacy: Create a positive ripple which outlives you 175
The final act 189
Additional resources 191
Notes and References 193
Further reading 205
Values list 207
Acknowledgements 209
About the author 213
Index 215