Authentic: An Operating Manual

A field guide for brand, business, and community leaders to understand and map what it means to be authentic.

Available Fall 2026

This is a self-published, independently funded passion* project.

Authenticity: An Operating Manual is a practical exploration into authenticity. Specifically, what it’s meant historically, what it means today, how it actually works in practice, and how we can map it effectively as brand, business, and community leaders.

*Candidly, the “passion” in this passion project grew from a frustration with how much weight we place on authenticity, and how rarely it’s clearly defined or qualified. This work is my attempt to better understand authenticity, make it more concrete, and help others do the same.

What’s inside:

00. Introduction

Why this exists and who it’s for

01. Origins

How history has shaped our perceptions of authenticity

02. Evolutions

How and why our relationship with authenticity is changing

03. Model

A modern operating model for mapping authenticity

04. Modes

How authenticity shows up and shapeshifts in our lives

05. Application

How to operate with authenticity in a fluid, fast-moving world

06. About

About Frankie

07. Appendix

Related artifacts and inspiration to explore

08. Index

Citations and recognition

09. Credits

Design and publishing details

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A field guide is a book designed to be used, not just read.

    It’s meant to be marked up, revisited, and applied in the real world. Alongside core ideas, it includes practical frameworks you can use, break apart, and build on.

  • Editions will be available globally as digital copies (ebook + PDF), with a limited number of physical copies available for shipping within the U.S.

    ISBNs are registered for academic and institutional use. All versions are written in U.S. English.

  • I’m still finalizing pricing as production details come together.

    I’m doing my best to balance quality with affordability and promise to price as fairly as possible.

  • For those who subscribe to updates, I’ll be offering early access and some type of introductory offer as a thank-you for early support.

Sign up for updates and early access.

Your support means a lot. Send through your name and email, and I’ll keep you updated on the drop date.