Authentic Inclusion(TM) : Drives Disruptive Innovation

In a world where technology is deeply embedded in all of our lives, providing an individualized experience for every member of society has become a universal business imperative. To reach new markets and develop the innovations that will shape tomorrow’s business landscape, today’s most successful and innovative companies are operating with everyone in mind—not just the majority. 

In Authentic Inclusion™ Drives Disruptive Innovation, thought leader, speaker, strategy advisor, and women-in-technology trailblazer Frances West proposes new ways that business leaders can affect sustainable and scalable change—and tap into tremendous opportunities—by viewing inclusion as strategic and by addressing diversity proactively. 

In this essential blueprint, Frances reveals how putting humans first—and building inclusion into business strategies, technological infrastructure, and organizational processes—can enable companies to bring principle, purpose, and profit into a state of harmonious alignment for sustainable talent acquisition, market expansion, and business differentiation.

Throughout the book, Frances draws on her unique personal background and business experience in technology innovation—from her personal journey as a first-generation, non-English speaking immigrant to her professional path as a woman in tech and IBM’s first Chief Accessibility Officer—along with cutting-edge practices and solutions on accessibility technology and digital inclusion. The result is a candid and inspiring book that offers leaders the necessary guidance to achieve disruptive innovation and lasting success.

"With her insight and experience in business, technology, and innovation, Frances West has been a global leader in digital inclusion. Authentic Inclusion(TM) Drives Disruptive Innovation reflects her deep understanding of how inclusion can drive innovation and gives readers the opportunity to experience her unparalleled expertise in this area. Given the ever-increasing pace of technology and its role in society, senior leaders in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors alike will benefit from Frances's vast knowledge and insight to create authenticity, inclusion, and profitability in any industry." Luis Gallegos, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations in New York, Chairman of the Global UN Partnership for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies, Senior Advisor to the Harvard Law School Project on Disability, and Member of the Board of Special Olympics International

"Authentic Inclusion embraces diversity - a must read by Frances West" Vinton Cerf, VP, Chief Internet Evangelist, Google

"Put it on your short list of must-reads if you're interested in diversity and inclusion programs, policy and trends Frances tells a compelling story of her personal journey that inspires her work with accessibility. This book is well-referenced, fact-based and current. Executives and mid-level managers will find it both inspirational and prescriptive to get more inclusive-minded in their organizations." Andrew Johnson, Managing Vice President, Gartner Research

""Authentic Inclusion" is a must-read book that drives home the point that "organic intelligence" cannot be left behind as we embrace an artificially intelligent future. This is the eye-opening story of an Asian immigrant, a woman, who had limited English skills and no engineering background and who rose to a C-level position at the company in the center of the machine-learning boom, only to firmly embrace and be responsible for promoting the essential human-first values of success in business.

Frances West argues convincingly that the billions of differences our planet's billions of humans possess are at the center of successful innovation for any company, large or small, old or new, if pursued authentically. Beyond feel-good PR, or gestures of diversity and inclusion, or periodic pretenses of "doing better," West reminds us that only authentic commitments are sustainable and reliable. All CEOs, from Fortune (or Impact) 500s to fresh start-ups, can take a lesson from this most-human of stories. Employees and customers appreciate when a company simply does the right thing. Humans know that, intuitively and authentically." Larry Goldberg, Senior Director, Accessible Media, Verizon Media

"I have had the pleasure to work with Frances for many years in the Accessibility industry. We often talked about why corporations needed to understand the ROI of Accessibility instead of only focusing on compliance. Her book talks about her own journey which is fascinating. Plus she explores how other corporations have blended accessibility and disability inclusion into the core of their businesses. The book also provides sound tips to corporations that want to assure access for all clients and employees. It is an interesting read with great tips." Debora Ruh, CEo RuhGlobal

"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!" Joe Devon, Founding Partner, Diamond