what leaders are saying

A Message From The Honourable Tanya Fir

Alberta Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women

We are deeply grateful for this message from the Honourable Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women.

Her thoughtful words recognize the critical work The Inclusion Journey is doing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across sectors.

At The Inclusion Journey, we are committed to empowering leaders, challenging systemic barriers, and creating spaces where everyone—especially underrepresented women—can thrive. Minister Fir’s message is a meaningful affirmation of this mission and a reminder that change is possible when voices are heard and valued.

“Thank you, Minister Fir,

for recognizing the importance of empowering voices

and driving meaningful change across communities and workplaces.”

What will individuals and leaders

get from this book?

Book Reviews

"I truly appreciate the honesty of sharing your personal story as a lived experience context in presenting the pain of being excluded because of one's identities. Stories are very powerful in explaining the complexity of exclusion and the arduous road to inclusion. The abstract concepts become very real and the reader can relate with empathy and compassion. I liked the progression from individual experience, team and organization perspectives in addressing inequities and provides an ecological context why equity and inclusion should always be viewed holistically beyond the individual. The practical actions at the end of each chapter brings it down to what can you do, what can be improved and what can be changed! " - Lucenia O, Community Advocate

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"What I found helpful were the various options provided to elevate one's situation through mentoring, support systems, vulnerability, courageous conversation and self-mastery. Important information on financial planning was a good addition to these chapters. My favorite chapter was on mentoring, and it communicated clearly the importance of what actual allyship is, in my opinion. Dialogue, self-awareness, resiliency, etc. were some takeaways from these chapters. These ideas resonated more with me, and I wished these tools formed the framework to build upon unhiding oneself. They provided a stronger argument for being brave in the face of career obstacles faced in the workplace. I also appreciate that these tenets were explored well in their respective chapters. The stories of willing & able individuals to better their work life was admirable. The author's experiences were ample placeholders for context, both in coaching others and in sharing her unique encounters with others. The struggle is real but in life all things have a beginning & an end so the inserts of these stories in the chapters were poignant and potent to bring the important messages home.

Overall, informative, honest and practical. The book title Unhide Yourself is a keen observation on the pervading state of human relationships —we are not as self-aware as we would like. The core ideas of shared humanity, agency and community are strongly implied if only one thinks deeply on these issues. I especially agree that personal transformation is possible, and is in itself a hallmark of a successful, not scarcity-driven mindset.

I recommend the tools & techniques presented in the book that empower the individual to advance oneself at work especially through (personal) vision, courageous conversations, genuine connections and cultivating an attitude of gratitude. The author does not shy away from presenting the hardships of transformation, within & without, and still offers that possibility & potential is still in our grasp, can still be realized. This is a crucial real- world example worth pondering. The assessment of one's strengths is a great starting point. We cannot know ourselves fully but we can begin somewhere (Johari window, Luft & Ingham). The same applies here in determining who or how others relate to us, or as what I have learned from Hebrew writings as judging fairly. The Practical Actions bullet points in the chapters are easily laid out and compliments well the grand message that the "power to transform...lies within" each one of us. From S.M.A.R.T. goals to concrete steps like S.P.E.A.K.U.P. and R.E.S.P.E.C.T. allow space for individuals, leaders and teams to build a dignity-focused, thriving corporate/work culture. Use what allows for more imagination & creativity. I would assert the proposition that since we all have free agency & free thought it is better to presuppose opportunity & possibility. Take what will affirm & protect the sacredness of the individual, influence leadership by example, live an authentic life; test all things and keep what is good." - Lissa U, Government employee