The Authenticity Principle: Resist Conformity, Embrace Differences, and Transform How You Live, Work, and Lead

In a society that pushes conformity, how can you courageously choose to be who you really are—with yourself, in your relationships, and at work—despite the fear of judgment? In The Authenticity Principle, award-winning leadership and diversity expert Ritu Bhasin gives you the tools to make this happen. Combining the latest neuroscience, leadership, diversity, and mindfulness research with a wealth of practical exercises, Bhasin unveils a cutting-edge framework for living and leading more authentically. She also reveals inspiring insights from a range of leaders who have overcome barriers to being authentic – including her own personal journey from lawyer to entrepreneur. Developed after years of working with global leaders and organizations, the book has at its core the transformational concept of the Three Selves. This new way of understanding authenticity will empower you to fearlessly and strategically choose how and when to show up as your Authentic Self and your Adapted Self, leaving behind your Performing Self. Ritu Bhasinshows that choosing to live authentically is the most important step you can take to thrive in your personal life, your relationships, and your career. More than just a call to “be yourself,” The Authenticity Principle is a rallying cry to disrupt the status quo, bring your differences into the light, and help others do the same.

Ritu Bhasin didn't always feel empowered to be an unapologetic, fiercely authentic leader. While she was highly successful and living the "corporate dream" in her early career, Ritu had a startling realization: the person she was in her day-to-day life bore little resemblance to her true self. Because of her experiences with racism and bullying, she found herself minimizing racial, religious, gender, and class-based aspects of her identity to "fit in" among circles where she felt she didn't belong. And in doing this, she was profoundly unhappy. After much soul-searching, Ritu decided to transform her life. She completed her MBA, left her corporate job, launched her own business, became a mindfulness practitioner and teacher, and dedicated her life to helping others become more empowered and inclusive. Most importantly, she committed to living as authentically as possible in all that she did going forward. In 2010, Ritu launched bhasin consulting inc., a diversity and inclusion-focused consulting firm, and has since gained a global reputation for her work in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and women's advancement. Through her work, Ritu is committed to disrupting the status quo to build a world in which each of us celebrates our own differences and the differences of others. She has delivered talks to thousands, inspiring leaders to be more inclusive, and encouraging those who have experienced oppression to be more empowered. Ritu has won numerous awards for her work, including the City of Toronto's William P. Hubbard Award for Race Relations. Ritu lives in Toronto, Canada, but travels all over the world to eat, swim, hike, dance, and work.