I Was Thinking The Other Day ( About Authenticity and Women )

I think about authenticity a lot…like a lot a lot…because “bringing my authentic self” to work wasn’t easy for me. But eventually, after some really cringe-worthy starts and stops over the years, I got it right. And here is the one thing I know absolutely: Authenticity is a woman’s greatest power.

Authenticity is a radical act. It transforms our vulnerability into strength. Strength to break free from the pressure to conform to external expectations. Freedom which not only fuels our confidence, it also signals to others that we know our worth. Worth—the end game. Women who know their worth don’t fiddle-faddle around, we are grounded in self-knowledge, clear about our boundaries, fearless in speaking up, and committed to ongoing growth—making us and our presence powerful, inspirational, and transformative.

Authenticity builds. When women share genuine stories, whether it’s a win, a setback, or an unfiltered opinion, we tap into universal emotions: courage, empathy, resilience. These moments of emotional alignment build trust faster and more deeply than any polished performance ever could. And trusted, authentic woman are beacons that draw allies, inspires collaborators, and galvanizes communities.

Finally, authenticity is a rising tide. Leading with our true voice we challenge outdated norms and expand what’s possible, modeling a new standard of leadership whose effects ripple out faster than any type of management training. This ripple effect elevates not only individual careers but whole cultures, making authenticity the most transformative power a woman can wield.

As I said at the outset, this is a subject I’m passionate about. Enough that it’s going to be my focus from here on out…for people and for brands. But always, people first. We’ll be going through a lot of thinking about authenticity in the coming weeks and months, but I’ll leave you with this: Rather than spending your time and energy trying to be something for someone else; trying to fit in; trying to outrun your fears and failures, spend it on yourself. Embrace those fears and share your mistakes and in these stories you’ll start to find the pieces of your authentic self. It’s a much, much better investment of your time and energy.