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.

Dr. Priya Nalkur is the president of the RoundTable Institute, a research and coaching firm dedicated to developing inclusive leaders, communities, and workplaces. She is the creator of the JEDI Leadership Development Series, (c) a training program that has helped thousands of leaders around the world realize their leadership potential. A Harvard- and Yale-educated psychologist, she is an expert in dialogue, facilitation, motivation, and coaching. Priya finds inspiration in her fearless girlfriends, long hikes and mountain climbs, kitchen dance parties with her two children, and beautiful, adventurous writing.