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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.