Unlocking Authenticity: Creating cultures of trust and belonging

by Shivani Uberoi

Overview

What would workplaces look like if no one had to hide?

From subtle code-switching to outright concealment, millions of employees hide aspects of their identities to fit in at work.

In Unlocking Authenticity you’ll explore the untold stories of those who mask, the systemic forces that compel it, and the ways leaders and HR professionals can dismantle these barriers. Combining compelling narratives, research insights, and practical tools, this book offers a clear roadmap to foster authenticity and psychological safety in the workplace.

With timely strategies for navigating the backlash against DEI, Unlocking Authenticity equips readers to drive meaningful change and create environments where employees are empowered to show up as their true selves—and thrive.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781788608893
Publisher:	Practical Inspiration Publishing
Publication date:	05/19/2026
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.15(w) x 9.22(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Authors note: A letter to my daughter /younger self

Preface

Foreword

Part One: The Roots of Covering

Chapter 1: Understanding Covering

Chapter 2: Power, Privilege, and Pressure

Chapter 3: Workplace Norms and Fitting In

Part Two: The Impact of Masking

Chapter 4: The Emotional and Psychological Toll

Chapter 5: The Business Case for Authenticity

Chapter 6: The Intersectional lens

Part Three: Unlocking Authenticity

Chapter 8: Creating Psychological Safety

Chapter 9: Redefining Workplace Norms

Chapter 10: The Playbook for Unlocking Authenticity

Conclusion: From Covering to Connection