Can I Say That?

"In an era marked by rapid social and organisational change, the imperative for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) stands as a beacon for forward-thinking leaders. We live in a world increasingly characterised as BANI - brittle, anxious, nonlinear and incomprehensible. This descriptor aptly captures the volatile and unpredictable nature of our global environment, where traditional approaches often fail, and resilience is continually tested. The skills and behaviours of inclusive leadership are crucial in navigating this BANI world, enabling organisations to be more adaptable, empathetic and coherent - even midst chaos. While deeply unsettling, this environment is inviting each of us to grow, evolve and transform into leaders for a new age. But what holds us back from seizing this opportunity? When I first had the pleasure of meeting Poornima, we connected immediately around a passion to understand the concept of fear - a powerful driver, and derailer, of change and progress. And I am so grateful that she decided to create in this book a space for deep exploration of why we seem stymied because of it, and how to get unstuck. Poornima's writing shines a light on the discomfort we have both felt personally, as early voices for change and often the only voices for it, and as professionals who now coach leaders and organisations on its impact. We both share the belief that, if we don't solve for fear, so universal and yet so individually experienced, it will diminish and destroy the fabric not only of workplaces, but society. This book is one of the first that's put this necessary discussion front and centre"--