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:	9781788608909
Publisher:	Practical Inspiration Publishing
Publication date:	05/18/2026
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	200

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.

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.

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