So much value in business lies, untapped, behind an inability or unwillingness to tell the truth. Increased innovation, improved agility and change responsiveness, deeper engagement of teams and better financial outcomes are all fuelled by telling the truth.
And yet we live in a world where telling the truth increasingly seems like an optional luxury - a world dominated by 'fake news' and 'alternative facts'. In fact, despite its importance and its power, evidence suggests we are getting worse at it, not better.
Drawing on two decades of work with organisations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, Dom Thurbon makes the compelling case that truth-telling is not just a moral imperative - it's a strategic advantage.
“Journalists have an expression about never letting the truth get in the way of a good story. Cleverly, Dom Thurbon flips this on its head, asserting that truth is crucial in the workplace and broader society. Deeply researched, wickedly witty and occasionally provocative, To Be Honest is essential reading for leaders in a post-truth world. It's jam-packed with engaging storytelling, thought-provoking contentions, and practical strategies. No word of a lie!”
Tracey Spicer
Walkley-award winning journalist and author
Key Themes
The Truth Deficit
Why organisations are getting worse at telling the truth, and the real cost of dishonesty in business.
Three Levels of Truth
Self-truth, sector-truth, and system-truth - a framework for building honest organisations.
The Business Case
How truth-telling drives measurable improvements in innovation, engagement, and financial performance.
Making Truth Happen
Practical tools and strategies to build a culture where honesty is the default, not the exception.
“A powerful, wonderful defence of truth at a time it is desperately needed. Truth be told, I loved this book.”
Adam Spencer
TV Host, TED Speaker and author
About the Author
Dom Thurbon is an internationally engaged keynote speaker and facilitator who has delivered over 1,000 presentations in 10+ countries. A successful entrepreneur, experienced senior executive, and celebrated author, Dom has spent two decades helping the world's leading organisations unlock value by telling the truth.
“We lie to be polite, to sell, to survive - it's a daily tax on progress. To Be Honest... reveals truth as more than virtue; it's our most undervalued strategy. Dom Thurbon delivers a masterclass in why honesty is the ultimate catalyst for change. Your 'aha' moment awaits!”
Dr Matthew Bell
CEO, Anthesis Group
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Lead Researcher
“I love it - great voice, great tempo, well-researched and empirical but human and accessible. It feels genuinely revelatory, marvellous and crucial.”
Adam Carrel
Partner, EY
Get Your Copy
To Be Honest is now available! Click here to get your copy.