Why I’m So Big on Authenticity

Authenticity is not a buzzword for me. It’s not a simple branding strategy or something I “turn on” when it’s convenient or profitable. Authenticity is a value I live by, and one I fight to protect.

As a Black female licensed clinical social worker, professor, and public speaker, I’ve spent much of my life navigating spaces that were not built with me in mind. Many, if not most, of these spaces tried to tell me that I was “too much,” “inadequate,” or “out of place.” In the moments I code-switched or tried to contort myself to fit expectations, I felt disconnected, depleted, and even more ignored.

Authenticity didn’t just help me thrive. It helped me survive, and that’s why I’m so big on it.

Authenticity Is Protective, Not Performative

One of the biggest misconceptions about authenticity is that it’s about oversharing or saying everything that comes to mind. That’s not it. Authenticity is about alignment between who you are, what you value, and how you show up.

Research consistently shows that authenticity is linked to psychological well-being, lower stress, and greater life satisfaction. When we’re forced to perform versions of ourselves that don’t feel true (especially in workplaces or leadership spaces), it creates cognitive and emotional strain. Over time, that strain can become burnout.

I know this personally. Earlier in my career, I interacted as if professionalism required etiquette, restraint, and emotional neutrality. I monitored myself constantly. I softened my language, I code-switched, I made myself smaller. And while I was “successful” on paper, internally, I was exhausted.

Once I began practicing authenticity (i.e., encouraging self-expression, setting clearer boundaries, naming my values, and honoring my capacity) more unapologetically, I noticed a shift. I had more energy, clarity, and peace (and I found my passion). That’s why my work today focuses on Black mental health, healthy boundaries for high-achieving professionals, sustainable leadership, and authenticity in professional spaces.

Authenticity Is a Radical Act for Black Women

Honesty moment: Being authentic is different for everyone.

For Black women, authenticity often comes with risk. We are navigating stereotypes, racialized gender expectations, and unspoken rules about tone, demeanor, and emotional expression. The “Strong Black Woman” schema teaches us to be resilient, independent, capable, and self-sacrificing, often at the expense of our own humanity and well-being.

Research on racialized gender stress and emotional labor shows that Black women experience heightened pressure to manage others’ perceptions while suppressing their own needs. Authenticity, in this context, becomes an act of resistance.

This is why my speaking engagements, professional development workshops, and continuing education courses focus on helping high-achieving professionals, especially Black women, unlearn survival-based performance and reconnect with their full selves. Authenticity is not about being reckless but about being rooted.

Authenticity Builds Trust and Sustainable Success

I’ve learned through years of teaching, clinical practice, and public speaking that whether or not people can feel when you’re not being real, you can, and it’s disempowering.

Authentic leadership is associated with higher trust, stronger relationships, and greater engagement. Whether I’m in a classroom, delivering a keynote, or facilitating a workshop, I don’t lead by pretending to have it all figured out. I lead by being grounded, reflective, and human.

Some of my most meaningful professional moments didn’t come from polished perfection. They came from honesty, naming complexity, allowing nuance, and acknowledging that I’m still learning, too.

Authenticity has also shaped my business. I don’t offer services that require me to betray my values. I don’t market from scarcity or fear, and I don’t measure success solely by numbers. That clarity has helped me build a practice centered on integrity, rest, and impact; one that supports ethical leadership and mental health without glorifying depletion.

A Final Word

Authenticity isn’t something you arrive at once and for all. It’s a daily practice of checking in, recalibrating, and choosing alignment, sometimes multiple times in the same day.

If you’re feeling tired, disconnected, or unsure of who you’re becoming in the process of being “successful,” it’s not a personal failure, but it may be an invitation to engage in deeper critical self-reflection.

Call to Action

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to explore authenticity, rest, and alignment more deeply, whether personally or professionally, I invite you to work with me. Through speaking engagements, workshops, and continuing education experiences, I help individuals and organizations create space for humanity without sacrificing excellence. You don’t have to abandon yourself to be effective, and you don’t have to perform strength to be worthy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does authenticity look like in professional spaces?
Authenticity in professional spaces means aligning your values, boundaries, and communication with who you are while still being intentional and strategic. It’s not about saying everything; it’s about being true to yourself.

Is authenticity the same as vulnerability?
Not exactly. Vulnerability is a component of authenticity, but authenticity also includes discernment, self-awareness, and boundaries. You choose what to share and when.

Why is authenticity especially important for Black women?
Because many Black women are socialized to prioritize performance and resilience over self-preservation. Authenticity helps interrupt burnout, emotional labor, and internalized expectations of constant strength.

Can authenticity actually improve leadership effectiveness?
Yes. Research shows authentic leadership builds trust, engagement, and long-term sustainability. People respond to leaders who are grounded, consistent, and values-driven.

Do you offer workshops or talks on authenticity and burnout?
Yes. I offer speaking engagements and workshops focused on authenticity, rest, boundaries, ethical leadership, and Black mental health. You can learn more about the topics I speak on here or contact me directly for collaboration opportunities.