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:

• Relatable, real-life stories that reveal how and why we cover different parts of ourselves at work.

• Practical tools and reflective exercises to help you build self-awareness, challenge bias and strengthen psychological safety.

• 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.

‘A rigorous and humane examination of what it truly costs when people cannot be themselves at work, and what leaders must do about it. This book locates responsibility where it belongs: with those who hold power.’ Professor John Amaechi OBE Founder, APS Intelligence Ltd. Professor of Leadership, University of Exeter Business School, Author of Sunday Times Bestseller, The Promise of Giants

‘Unlocking Authenticity is a timely book about one of the biggest challenges leaders face: how to create a culture of belonging that can sustain through technological and other massive change. I was especially intrigued by the five “taxes” of sustained inauthenticity at work and the practical solutions to them. Highly recommend this book for all innovative leaders across industries and organisations.’ Ruchika T. Malhotra National bestselling author of Inclusion on Purpose and Uncompete

‘Shivani challenges us to truly understand the different perspectives, journeys and lived experiences that we all have. Brought together through relatable personal stories, data and insight, she asks us to consider how we can have more “sonder” and the duty for leaders to react in response to that.’ Andrew Thomson Executive Director, Sky News Group

‘This book made me stop and think and then change the way I lead. It shifted my perspective so profoundly that I returned to work calmer, more compassionate and more aware of the people around me. Shivani delivers an emotive, thought-provoking reminder that people are the backbone of our businesses and our society. With clarity and humanity, she inspires change at the most fundamental level, making her message relevant to everyone.’ Ruchi Arora Managing Director, Willis Towers Watson

‘Unlocking Authenticity clearly articulates many of the challenges I have personally experienced and seen others navigate when trying to balance personal and professional identities at work. The real-life stories bring home the impact this has on individuals and organisations alike, and the lessons and practical actions offer valuable guidance for leaders at every stage of their career. Highly relevant now, but also a book I wish I had read two decades ago.’ Fauzi Waraich Partner, Big Four Professional Services Firm

‘This book is brilliantly honest. Most organisations are trying to drive performance, yet they don’t realise how many of their people are operating with an invisible handbrake on. Shivani explains why so many people feel they have to hide parts of themselves at work, the impact this can have on culture and performance, and importantly what leaders can do to change it. Thoughtful, insightful and at times beautifully uncomfortable.’ Patrick McCubbin Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, We Do Group Former Managing Director, Robert Half

‘Too often, authenticity at work is framed as an individual responsibility. Unlocking Authenticity dismantles that myth, powerfully reframing authenticity as something shaped by culture, power and psychological safety, not personality. Through compelling stories and sharp analysis, Shivani exposes the unequal burden of suppression and the very real “taxes” this places on people and performance. Having collaborated with Shivani, I have seen her unique ability to challenge thinking while creating space for reflection and growth – and this book does exactly that. It makes a clear case: when people don’t have to hide, organisations don’t just become fairer, they become stronger.’ Cat Wildman CEO, Powered By Diversity Fractional Chief Product Officer

‘Authenticity can feel like a buzzword these days, but if you genuinely want to unpack it and learn how to use it to your professional advantage, this book is for you. Using a powerful storytelling approach, it’s thoughtfully written and packed with valuable exercises and compelling real-life anecdotes, making it a timely resource for professionals who want to align who they are with how they lead.’ Hira Ali Author of Her Way to the Top and Her Allies Founder & CEO, Advancing Your Potential

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

FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP

Hardback / 9781788608886 / June 9, 2026 / £24.99

Paperback / 9781788608893 / June 9, 2026 / £14.99

Ebook / 9781788608909 / June 8, 2026 / £7.99

Paperback and eBook Bundle / £16.99

Shivani Uberoi

Shivani Uberoi knows a thing or two about not fitting in. Born in Britain, to an immigrant Indian family, she spent her childhood masking parts of her identity to fit in at school.
She then found herself in the corporate world, trying to progress a finance career in a male dominated environment. After years of trying to fit in, she realised that she was doing it all wrong. In 2012 she started the company’s charge for diversity and inclusion by pioneering the business case for change.
In 2017 Shivani set up two employee networks at Sky, women@sky and multiculture@sky, which connected thousands of people across the UK and empowered them to be themselves – and only then did she realize the true meaning of belonging.
She then left finance and pursued a career in inclusion, leading Sky’s gender equality program as Head of Women in Leadership, winning accolades such as ‘Top Employer for Inclusion’. She launched the organization’s first mental health programme, focusing on the emotional impact that exclusion and covering up has on individuals.
In 2022 she set up The Wallflower Academy, working with organizations to create workplaces where everyone can be themselves and thrive. She has since worked with dozens of organizations to create more inclusive cultures and support individuals with authenticity. Her signature programme ‘Succeed with authenticity’ has been delivered to multiple organizations.
She is a sought-after speaker, having spoken at organizations including Pepsico, Sky, Universal, and BMW, and has given a TEDx talk, ‘Why fitting in will screw you up’. She has featured on Sky Sports news, BBC radio and other media outlets speaking about inclusion.