Our Books
Stories that spark change and conversation
AVAILABLE NOW - DEI and Me is out in Paperback and Kindle
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AVAILABLE NOW - DEI and Me is out in Paperback and Kindle -
DEI and Me: What Grinds My Gears - From Frustration to Function
The debut release from stone quill press, this isn’t another glossy DEI handbook full of buzzwords and empty promises. It’s a raw, no-nonsense takedown of performative diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and a call to finally make them mean something.
Have you ever rolled your eyes when ‘diversity’ gets reduced to race or sex? Noticed how equity quietly vanishes from the conversation? Felt the sting of ‘black’ being used negatively in everyday language? Or wondered if the whole DEI bubble has already burst? You’re not alone.
I’m David — speaker, straight-talker and corporate veteran of 20+ years. I’ve seen the banners go up while the bias stays put, watched initiatives stumble, and felt the collective shrug when inclusion turns from progress into performance. This book is my unapologetic take on what’s broken, why it matters, and how we shift from hollow gestures to real change.
From George Floyd’s murder to Trump 2.0, from workplace politics to pop culture, I pull no punches in showing how DEI is shaped, twisted and too often derailed. But this isn’t just a rant; it’s a rallying cry.
If you’re tired of the fluff, fed up with the jargon and ready to stop retreating and start engaging, buckle up. This is DEI with teeth.
What you’ll take away from DEI and Me
Fresh perspective — an honest take on diversity, equity and inclusion grounded in lived experience.
Real stories — examples that show the gap between intention and reality in the workplace.
Practical insight — ideas you can apply to your own role, team or organisation.
Relatable voice — straightforward, candid and sometimes challenging, but always human.
This is DEI with teeth - now available in Paperback & Kindle. Ready to read? Grab your copy today. Also available on Amazon in all major regions.
What Readers Are Saying
Early readers are calling it “straightforward, fearless and refreshing.” If you’ve read it, Please leave your review on Amazon.
Yetunde Hofmann - Programme Director, Solaris Executive Leadership Development Academy.
“A compelling read and a call to action that appeals to both the head and the heart. No leader can walk away without the desire to make a positive difference.”
Emma McWilliam - Partner, Insurance and Financial Services consulting at Hymans Robertson, and Master of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries.
“David is a superb leader who brings honesty, heart and sharp humour to DEI. This book delivers fresh clarity, inspires action and challenges your thinking while making you smile along the way.”
Christopher Cundy - Managing Editor, InsuranceERM.
“David shows us the why and how of DEI with his trademark wit and charisma. Simply put, reading this book will make you a better person, a better employee and a better manager.”
Sam White - Specialist Partner at Flint Global, former Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer, former senior adviser to Alistair Darling, and former executive in financial services.
“This is not your HR- sanctioned guide to DEI. David spares neither the cosplayers nor the refuseniks from his insightful critique of today’s workplace”.
Paul Fulcher - Capital Management & Investment Executive, Just Group.
“A proactive, personal and powerful call to action. Rooted in lived experience and written in a highly engaging style. A must-read, full of practical advice on why DEI matters and what we can all do to make a real difference.”
About the Author
David Otudeko is not your textbook DEI expert, and that’s exactly the point.
With nearly 25 years navigating the corporate world, he’s seen first-hand the gap between glossy diversity pledges and the gritty reality of implementation. From financial crises to cultural reckonings, David has learned what real inclusion looks like, and what it doesn’t.
By day, he leads policy work on risk, regulation, and governance in the financial services sector, a role that has taken him into some of the most influential rooms in government and industry. By night (or whenever he can steal a moment), he’s a vocal DEI advocate, executive sponsor, mentor, and now, published author. Known for challenging the status quo with wit and candour, David equips leaders and organisations to go beyond hollow gestures and make meaningful change.
His blogs, media appearances, and conference talks have shaped industry conversations around equity and inclusion. In 2023, he received the Judges’ Award for Contribution to the Industry at the InsuranceERM Annual Awards and was named a finalist in the Black British Business Awards for his leadership and impact.
Based in London, David unwinds with retro gaming, mythology deep-dives, and dreaming about the dog he doesn’t yet own. If DEI were a sport, he’d be the one hollering from the sidelines, “You call that inclusion?”
As Featured In
David’s perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have featured across podcasts, media and industry forums. He brings lived experience, sector insight and a commitment to making change tangible.
🎙️ Podcast Highlights
Finance, Energy & Beyond (Black History Month Special)
“I consider Black history to be British history — so why relegate my history to a single month?”
Listen hereBecoming Comfortable with the Uncomfortable (Nicole Jones)
“My interest in DEI is about legacy — ensuring those who come after me don’t face the same struggles I did. Even small choices, like how I wear my hair, can help others see a role model and ask how I got into the sector.”
Listen here
📰 Industry Commentary
InsuranceERM Awards
“The topic is close to my heart. I talk about it through my lived experience, which is good insight for the industry. One of my priorities has been reframing the debate to include equity — creating environments where everyone has equal access to opportunity.”
Read moreNext Employment DEI Leaders Roundtable
“Nobody is truly an expert on DEI. Real change happens when we pool our knowledge, share what works, and adapt it to our own organisations.”
Read more
