Authentic Inclusion™: Drives Disruptive Innovation

by Frances West

Authentic Inclusion™, an idea originated by Frances West, former IBM Chief Accessibility Officer, is defined as the institutional insight that human diversity is at the core of disruptive innovation. It calls for holistic actions across an institution to respect an individual's ability to make a difference despite being different. Frances describes how her personal and professional journey led her to this thinking and work. The book addresses the diversity issues and proposes new ways that business leaders can think about inclusion as human first.  A human first mindset is critical as the tech industry grapples with human impact technologies such as of AI.  By focusing on human first and Authentic Inclusion™, institutions can bring principles, purpose and profit into harmonious alignment.

Genres: Disability, Nonfiction

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2018

Reviews

[John (LHBC) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authentic Inclusion: Drives Disruptive Innovation doesn’t read like a feel good DEI manifesto, and that’s exactly why it lands. Frances West makes a clear, persuasive case that inclusion and accessibility are not moral side projects or compliance chores but core drivers of innovation, growth, and long term relevance. Drawing on her experience as IBM’s first Chief Accessibility Officer and her work on the global stage, she argues that designing for people at the edges, especially people with disabilities, leads to better products, stronger teams, and smarter businesses overall. The idea that an $8 trillion market is hiding in plain sight because leaders are stuck thinking small is both energizing and uncomfortable (for many) in the best way. This is the kind of book that makes you rethink how strategy gets built and who gets invited into the room, and it does so without lecturing. Inclusion here is not charity, it is competitive advantage. Read this if you believe innovation comes from people, not slogans, or if you want a reminder that the future belongs to organizations willing to design for everyone. I'm glad I read it and privileged to call Francis a friend.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Frances West, former CAO (Chief Accessibility Officer) of IBM. Took copious notes and will definitely be quoting her in future talks.

[Alicia Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. I couldn’t put it down. Frances West takes us on a journey and shows us how leading with authenticity drives inclusion and innovation.