Beyond Discomfort: Why inclusive leadership is so hard (and what you can do about it)

A call for leaders to confront the deep-rooted barriers that hinder true inclusion.

“Beyond Discomfort sets out the steps that every leader can take to make their organisation truly inclusive whilst navigating the fear that inevitably accompanies this work.”
Asif Sadiq MBE
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery

About Beyond Discomfort

Talk to anyone about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and it sparks a whole range of emotions. Why? Because DEI, at its very core, is about values and beliefs, and it’s about change. So, it is no surprise then, that despite putting in place a DEI strategy and multiple initiatives, many organizations get stuck.

Beyond Discomfort: Why Inclusive Leadership Is So Hard deconstructs the complex emotions and belief systems that hamper the progress of DEI in the workplace. Backed by real-life stories and actionable solutions, the book is poised to become an indispensable resource for leaders wanting to overcome their own barriers and truly champion DEI.

Purchase your copy from Amazon or your preferred book retailer.

What you will get from reading Beyond Discomfort

About the author

NADIA NAGAMOOTOO (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Avenir, a Chartered Psychologist, MBA and accredited coach with 20 years’ experience in the field of systemic culture change, leadership development and organizational strategy. She has worked globally to provoke powerful Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) conversations at all organizational levels and develop sustainable inclusive leadership practises.

Nadia is a first-generation UK-born, Mauritian woman who grew up in a low-income area of South London in the early 1980’s.  Throughout school, work and life, she has experienced bullying, discrimination, subtle acts of exclusion, and more.  With two daughters of mixed-heritage, her passion for DEI and creating a more inclusive workplace and society is more purposeful than ever.

A prolific and highly sought-after keynote speaker, she has shared her expertise in inclusive leadership, privilege, bias and equity to audiences around the world.  She is host of the popular podcast show, Why Care?, where she delves deeply into the complex and uncomfortable world of DEI.

Nadia continues to be publicly recognized for her passion, drive and thought-leadership, and was listed as HR Most Influential Thinker 2023 and named 2023’s HR Champion of the Year at the European Diversity Awards.

Connect with Nadia

Praise for Beyond Discomfort

  • - Jennifer Brown

    A rare voice that makes space for learners at all points in their journey. This is an exciting contribution to building a more inclusive future!

    Keynoter & WSJ best-selling author of How to be an Inclusive Leader

  • - Shelly Nash

    Simply put, this book is an excellent read. As you journey through the pages, you build a level of confidence to self-reflect, explore and challenge your in-built, learnt belief systems.

    People and Culture Director, London Marathon Group

  • - Dr Pippa Grange

    An excellent, example-rich and immediately practical book which will no doubt stay close to hand and dog-eared with use for years to come.

    Psychologist & Author of Fear Less


  • - Ben Allen

    One of the few books I have read on diversity, inclusion and equality which made me stop and reflect on what it takes to be a truly inclusive leader.

    Chief Executive Officer, Mark Allen Group

  • - Genevieve Glover

    Practical, insightful, challenging and a call to action for all. Beyond Discomfort shares how, through a clear and simple description of four Ways of Being, change is possible. For leaders, for DEI professionals and for those who want to move from Bystander to Upstander.

    Chief People Officer, Barchester Healthcare

  • - Greg Bloomer

    I highly recommend Beyond Discomfort, not only for leaders in business and the People profession, but for anyone who is curious and seeking to understand how to engender greater inclusion.

    People Director, Centrica

  • - Camilla Bruggen

    A pragmatic, realistic approach that puts leaders at the centre of their journey to inclusion. I have been able to successfully apply her practical framework and question guides to some tricky corporate problems and conversations.

    Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Wavemaker

  • - Michelle Chin

    Beyond Discomfort invites us to lean into transparent conversations, bring diversity to the table, and open our minds to an ever-evolving world.

    Vice President, Starbucks EMEA

  • - Claire Collins

    Vital reading for those wanting to navigate inclusion from a deeper perspective.

    Emerita Professor of Leadership, Henley Business School, University of Reading

  • - Gethin Nadin

    Beyond Discomfort gives you real-life examples, ideas and the impetus to be an inclusive leader who can make a real difference at work and in the world.

    Chief Innovation Officer, Benefex

  • - Rick Willis

    An incisive, honest and, at times, confronting approach to one of the most relevant topics of our time.

    President & CEO, Brain Injury Association of America

Take the Beyond Discomfort questionnaire

We have designed an accompanying questionnaire to help you reflect on your Way of Being and therefore how you practice inclusive leadership. You can use it with your team to stimulate discussion, or simply to support your self-reflection.

Remember: people are hugely complex, so placing yourself in boxes and labels is often unhelpful and is certainly not the aim here. Most likely you will connect with multiple lenses and your answer will depend on the situation and the environment you are in.

Watch the video for a high-level overview of the Beyond Discomfort® model. For examples of each Way of Being, go to the Avenir YouTube channel.