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Stumbling Towards Inclusion: Finding Grace in Imperfect Leadership
In her work with hundreds of companies and CEOs, Dr. Priya Nalkur has found that many leaders want to advance inclusion and equity in the workplace, but aren’t sure how. Knowing that the stakes are high, leaders are afraid of messing up and saying the wrong thing. She has distilled her extensive coaching experience into a set of practical tools for navigating uncertain waters. Her book weaves together memoir, social science, and practical insight in a way that will speak equally to those who have personally encountered barriers of bias and discrimination, and those aspiring to step up as allies. Offering permission and relief from the fear of getting things wrong, Priya refreshingly reminds us that imperfection is a gift, and the source of shared grace.
Stumbling Towards Inclusion stakes out a vision of inclusivity as not just a strategy, but also a mindset rooted in empathy and humanity. Drawing on experiences from her popular workshop series, Priya guides readers through the mechanics of inclusive leadership, including courageous conversations, honest listening, and using our voices for advocacy and change. She demonstrates how, with commitment and reflection, anyone can fulfill the promise of inclusive leadership—and emerge as a better leader, period. Embracing grace and imperfection, this compelling narrative will inspire readers to embark on their own inclusive journeys, and to take the risks necessary to catalyze positive change.
Stumbling Towards Inclusion stakes out a vision of inclusivity as not just a strategy, but also a mindset rooted in empathy and humanity. Drawing on experiences from her popular workshop series, Priya guides readers through the mechanics of inclusive leadership, including courageous conversations, honest listening, and using our voices for advocacy and change. She demonstrates how, with commitment and reflection, anyone can fulfill the promise of inclusive leadership—and emerge as a better leader, period. Embracing grace and imperfection, this compelling narrative will inspire readers to embark on their own inclusive journeys, and to take the risks necessary to catalyze positive change.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 5, 2024
This is a wonderful book to read for folks on an inclusion journey. Easy to read and filled with great concepts!
I love the use of the word “stumbling.” This is truly what the journey feels like for so many of us. And isn’t it better to make progress stumbling than not progress at all?
I love the shorter chapters. So many books are written in standard 12 - 15 page chapters, and for folks who feel they are busy, even this few number of pages feels too long. The chapters are easily digestible and made the reading experience more enjoyable.
I loved the recurring mix of personal and client experiences. Most books start from the heart, and you could truly feel Priya's journey along her storyline. Very nice job here!
I love the wonderful mix of topics Priya included. Inclusion (my new favorite word), unconscious bias, psychological safety, and ally-ship are all so important on my journey.
I love the use of the word “stumbling.” This is truly what the journey feels like for so many of us. And isn’t it better to make progress stumbling than not progress at all?
I love the shorter chapters. So many books are written in standard 12 - 15 page chapters, and for folks who feel they are busy, even this few number of pages feels too long. The chapters are easily digestible and made the reading experience more enjoyable.
I loved the recurring mix of personal and client experiences. Most books start from the heart, and you could truly feel Priya's journey along her storyline. Very nice job here!
I love the wonderful mix of topics Priya included. Inclusion (my new favorite word), unconscious bias, psychological safety, and ally-ship are all so important on my journey.
March 19, 2024
In "Stumbling Towards Inclusion," Dr. Priya Nalkur delivers an absolute masterclass in leadership, inviting us as readers to embark on a transformative journey towards inclusive leadership. While the privilege of direct coaching under Priya may not be accessible to all, this book serves as a beacon of wisdom, offering a rich tapestry of principles and insights that inspire and empower.
Priya shares so many of her core and key principles of leadership, including 'lowering the waterline', being the voice of difference, being genuinely curious abut others' stories, and so many more. And Priya shares stories (and lessons) that will resonate with anybody. Quotes like "It was a reminder of the fact that inclusion isn't just about making room for those who historically have been excluded (although that's certainly a defining goal). It's about hearing the voices and recognizing the lived experience of everyone. Everyone." will resonate with any reader because it's specifically inclusive of all people. One of the few times I've seen this truly explored.
Priya's words go beyond the traditional lessons of inclusion and belonging and dig deeper with the intention of creating a place, and a lesson for each person in their leadership journey. At times, she even shares her own biases and assumptions - showing that we can all take a pause and reflect on our actions.
Then there are quotes like "Sometimes we have to be bold and just claim belonging." or "Behavior stems from the mindset you consciously choose. If you choose the mindset of 'helpful', for example, you are going to behave differently than if you choose the mindset of 'helpless'." which just inspire and more importantly, empower, each one of us as readers. These lessons remind us that we have the power to impact our own journeys, and as leaders, we have the ability to be the differentiating factor in our teams' lives.
I cannot recommend this book more and know it will be game changer for all leaders. An absolute must read.
Priya shares so many of her core and key principles of leadership, including 'lowering the waterline', being the voice of difference, being genuinely curious abut others' stories, and so many more. And Priya shares stories (and lessons) that will resonate with anybody. Quotes like "It was a reminder of the fact that inclusion isn't just about making room for those who historically have been excluded (although that's certainly a defining goal). It's about hearing the voices and recognizing the lived experience of everyone. Everyone." will resonate with any reader because it's specifically inclusive of all people. One of the few times I've seen this truly explored.
Priya's words go beyond the traditional lessons of inclusion and belonging and dig deeper with the intention of creating a place, and a lesson for each person in their leadership journey. At times, she even shares her own biases and assumptions - showing that we can all take a pause and reflect on our actions.
Then there are quotes like "Sometimes we have to be bold and just claim belonging." or "Behavior stems from the mindset you consciously choose. If you choose the mindset of 'helpful', for example, you are going to behave differently than if you choose the mindset of 'helpless'." which just inspire and more importantly, empower, each one of us as readers. These lessons remind us that we have the power to impact our own journeys, and as leaders, we have the ability to be the differentiating factor in our teams' lives.
I cannot recommend this book more and know it will be game changer for all leaders. An absolute must read.
March 23, 2024
Stumbling Toward Inclusion by Priya Nalkur seamlessly intertwines personal anecdotes, research-based insights, and actionable strategies to foster a culture of inclusion. Priya’s approach to leadership is not just about preaching inclusivity but embodying it through every aspect of her work.
In her chapter, “The Power of One,” Priya describes inclusive leaders who, “leave you inspired, with just enough tools to create and follow through on a vision so you can make it your own.” This encapsulates Priya herself, and her book as a guidebook for empowering her readers to internalize the principles of inclusivity and apply them in their unique contexts.
There are so many important nuggets in this book to hold close on the pathway to inclusive leadership. Priya masterfully weaves narratives of real-life experiences, both her own and those of others, to illustrate the power of inclusion in transforming organizations and communities. By grounding her insights in relatable stories, she makes the concepts tangible, inspiring a vision of a more inclusive future. In her own words, “Take your stories and your own personal mission of inclusion out into the world. With them you can create change and thrive.”
In her chapter, “The Power of One,” Priya describes inclusive leaders who, “leave you inspired, with just enough tools to create and follow through on a vision so you can make it your own.” This encapsulates Priya herself, and her book as a guidebook for empowering her readers to internalize the principles of inclusivity and apply them in their unique contexts.
There are so many important nuggets in this book to hold close on the pathway to inclusive leadership. Priya masterfully weaves narratives of real-life experiences, both her own and those of others, to illustrate the power of inclusion in transforming organizations and communities. By grounding her insights in relatable stories, she makes the concepts tangible, inspiring a vision of a more inclusive future. In her own words, “Take your stories and your own personal mission of inclusion out into the world. With them you can create change and thrive.”
March 20, 2024
Dr. Priya Nalkur’s Stumbling Towards Inclusion maps out a practical and compelling journey for readers to lead with inclusion and equity. This is not your average leadership development book!
As she writes in the book’s preface, Dr. Nalkur “wanted to lay out a path in which human fallibility isn’t just an unfortunate part of the journey but intrinsic to it.” She does exactly that in such a refreshing and inviting way. Dr. Nalkur writes with the same truth-telling, love, and clarity that her clients, colleagues and workshop participants know so well.
Dr. Nalkur folds concepts, tools and resources into her stories and teachings, informed by her identity and experience as a woman of color, dual national, divorceé, mother, Psychologist, and Founder and President of a global research and coaching firm.
Thank you, Dr. Nalkur, for sharing your insights, stories, examples and tools (especially the LEAD continuum in chapter 30!) with us.
As she writes in the book’s preface, Dr. Nalkur “wanted to lay out a path in which human fallibility isn’t just an unfortunate part of the journey but intrinsic to it.” She does exactly that in such a refreshing and inviting way. Dr. Nalkur writes with the same truth-telling, love, and clarity that her clients, colleagues and workshop participants know so well.
Dr. Nalkur folds concepts, tools and resources into her stories and teachings, informed by her identity and experience as a woman of color, dual national, divorceé, mother, Psychologist, and Founder and President of a global research and coaching firm.
Thank you, Dr. Nalkur, for sharing your insights, stories, examples and tools (especially the LEAD continuum in chapter 30!) with us.
February 5, 2024
Stumbling Towards Inclusion" by Dr. Priya Nalkur is a transformative read that has personally shifted my perspective on leadership and inclusion. Through practical advice, enlightening examples, and profound insights, this book not only guides but inspires action towards creating more inclusive environments. Her real-world applications of JEDI principles have been invaluable in my work, helping me navigate the complexities of organizational culture with empathy and effectiveness. It's rare to find a book so packed with actionable wisdom that it becomes a tool for change. From my experience, a must-read for those committed to the journey of inclusion!
March 22, 2024
A fantastic read! Stumbling Towards Inclusion is equal part personal narrative and equal part guide to inclusive leadership. It's a deep dive into racial discrimination, equity, and advocacy. By digging into and addressing nuance, Dr. Priya Nalkur helps outline how we move through being uncomfortable, how we acknowledge our (inevitable) mistakes, and how we lean into being catalysts for change.
March 18, 2024
It’s not often that you find a book that tackles such an important topic with the perfect balance of research, personal experience, concrete calls to action, and humanity. This books allows you to learn to be more inclusive while giving you grace for the rocky road to learning. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews