Beyond Discomfort: Why inclusive leadership is so hard (and what you can do about it)

by Nadia Nagamootoo, Bonnie St. John (Foreword by)

Overview

‘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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781788604413
Publisher:	Practical Inspiration Publishing
Publication date:	03/25/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	174
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

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.

Nadia Nagamootoo is the founder and CEO of Avenir, a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultancy. She is a Chartered Psychologist, MBA and accredited coach with over 20 years’ experience in the field of leadership, organizational development and culture change. At Avenir, Nadia works with global leaders, coaching and facilitating discussions to open up safe and powerful inclusive conversations. She guides clients through a process of identifying the gaps in their inclusion culture, developing their DEI strategy, to implementing powerful change through Avenir’s Inclusive Leadership Programme and all-staff education and engagement. Nadia is an active voice in the area of DEI. She is regularly writes articles on a range of subjects – on her own platform as well as popular membership sites such as HR Zone and The RSA – and has published reports to contribute knowledge in the field. She has a significant LinkedIn following and an engaged community. A prolific and highly sought-after keynote speaker on the subject of inclusive leadership, privilege, bias and equity, she delivered a notable presentation at the Icon Global Inclusion conference in 2022, discussing the barriers to inclusive leadership. Nadia is host of the popular podcast show ‘Why Care?’, where she discusses all things DEI with those leading the way in the field. Guests include top names, such as Bonnie St John (Paralympian, White House official, TedX speaker and author), Eric Pliner (CEO of YSC and author of Difficult Decisions), and Kristen Anderson (Vice Chair of European Women on Boards).

Table of Contents

• 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

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

One of the few books I have read on diversity, inclusion and equality which made me stop and reflect on what it takes to be a truly inclusive leader. Beyond Discomfort challenged some of my own belief systems or “Way of Being”, held sincerely and in good faith, with thought-provoking, real life examples viewed through a different lens. I would recommend this book to any leader who is serious about DEI and initiating real change in both their own mindsets and the culture of their business. - Ben Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Mark Allen Group

Nadia’s approach to the subject of inclusion is incredibly thought-provoking, challenging us to notice how our learned values and beliefs can inform how we live and lead. The “Way of Being” provides an accessible, and importantly, non- judgemental continuum with which to recognise where we and others may be on this journey. I highly recommend Beyond Discomfort, not only for leaders in business and the People profession, but for anyone who is curious and seeking to understand how to engender greater inclusion. - Greg Bloomer, People Director, Centrica

Nadia welcomes leaders to not just acknowledge the discomfort and complexity that always come with change, but equips readers with her innovative model and numerous compelling examples that help guide leaders through that complexity to the transformation ahead. She is that rare voice that makes space for learners at all points in their journey. This is an exciting contribution to building a more inclusive future! - Jennifer Brown, Keynoter & WSJ best-selling author of How to be an Inclusive Leader

A pragmatic, realistic approach that puts leaders at the centre of their journey to inclusion. Nadia uses her knowledge of psychology to unpick the way we work, lead and interact with each other. She doesn't shy away from uncomfortable scenarios and questions; questions we may have had ourselves, or heard from others. I have been able to successfully apply her practical framework and question guides to some tricky corporate problems and conversations. - Camilla Bruggen, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Wavemaker

A very candid, conversational read that touches upon so many critical topics that we must discuss and embrace as leaders. Beyond Discomfort invites us to lean into transparent conversations, bring diversity to the table, and open our minds to an ever-evolving world. - Michelle Chin, Vice President, Starbucks EMEA

Vital reading for those wanting to navigate inclusion from a deeper perspective. Nadia surfaces the difficulties of our implicit errors of thinking and has captured these in four stances, which we might variously occupy. With numerous relevant examples, she shows us how these stances manifest and how we can overcome them. - Claire Collins, Emerita Professor of Leadership, Henley Business School, University of Reading

Practical, insightful, challenging and a call to action for all. Beyond Discomfort shares how, through a clear and simple description of four Ways of Being, change is possible. For leaders, for DEI professionals and for those who want to move from Bystander to Upstander. - Genevieve Glover, Chair, RFU Inclusion & Diversity & RFU Council Member, Chief People Officer, Barchester Healthcare

Wanting to be inclusive and thinking we are, isn’t enough - we must change the way we act and make decisions. Beyond Discomfort gives you real-life examples, ideas and the impetus to be an inclusive leader who can make a real difference at work and in the world. - Gethin Nadin, best-selling HR Author & HR most Influential Thinker 2023, Chief Innovation Officer, Benefex

Simply put, this book is an excellent read. Nadia uses every day examples to bring theory to life. The non-judgemental delivery of the observations is clever. As you journey through the pages, you build a level of confidence to self-reflect, explore and challenge your in-built, learnt belief systems. But to get the most of this read, you need to be ready to fully open up and face into the areas you usually shy away from confronting. - Shelly Nash, People and Culture Director, London Marathon Group

Getting leaders to champion inclusion across their work can often be challenging. Nadia’s book insightfully summarises the multiple reasons why this is the case. It sets out the steps that every leader can take to make their organisation truly inclusive whilst navigating the fear that inevitably accompanies this work. - Asif Sadiq MBE Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery

An incisive, honest and, at times, confronting approach to one of the most relevant topics of our time. Beyond Discomfort provides a straightforward model for leaders to actually “feel” the lens through which they approach DEI and offers practical steps for their own growth - and consequently, those they lead - towards greater inclusion. - Rick Willis, President & CEO, Brain Injury Association of America

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher