The Importance of Authenticity

The Importance of Authenticity

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Authenticity. It’s a word people throw around flippantly, especially when they’re trying to sell, but ironically the concept of authenticity is frequently misunderstood, co-opted and diluted. The term is misused to justify selfish or harmful actions, or linked to demonstrations of faux humility on social media where influencers perform a ‘candid’ version of themselves to appeal to their audience. However, the concept of authenticity extends far beyond these surface-level interpretations.

For me, authenticity is about consistently showing up as the same person, wherever you are and whoever you’re with. It’s always being you.

However, I know that women from minoritised communities, particularly Black women, don’t always have the luxury of living authentically. We face skewed and biased perceptions from the outset and receive false feedback that can hinder our ability to express our true selves. People even try to impose misleading racist stereotypes on us, which can distort our sense of self and make it difficult to navigate personal and professional spaces with confidence.

At work, we are held to rigid and impossibly high standards framed as ‘professionalism’ but in fact, rooted in oppressive systems and norms that are designed to favour people who don’t generally look like us. So, while others have opportunities to learn and grow, the stakes are higher for Black women. We face disproportionate consequences if we’re anything less than perfect and any refusal to comply with these unfair, exploitative expectations, is framed as a performance issue that can end up limiting our professional progression. Then, if you call out this unjust behaviour, you’re labelled difficult, aggressive or angry. There can even be pressure to not rock the boat too much in case our actions impact the prospects of any Black people who may follow in our footsteps. The weight of this particular load can be debilitating - but we have no responsibility to be perfect.

If we are to thrive and succeed at work, and in life, it’s vital we don’t let these factors discourage us from being our authentic selves. Authenticity is crucial, especially for Black women and people of the Global Majority. Navigating systems and structures while wearing a metaphorical mask is both exhausting and unsustainable. Plus, suppressing your authenticity requires energy that’s better focused elsewhere, and it stops you from allowing the brilliance within to radiate outward.

Inauthentic conformity denies the world a chance to experience the bubbly, expressive amazing part of you. The part that exudes a joy and passion so palpable, others can’t help but be engaged. Over time, dimming that light will erode your sense of self-worth. and diminish the unique contributions you have to offer. Embracing authenticity helps us celebrate our individuality, protect our self-esteem and push back against the limitations imposed on us.

Authenticity is a superpower so it's crucial to seek out working environments where it’s safe to be authentic. This gives us space to learn how to fully express our blessed, brilliant selves so we can shine! Being authentic also inspires others to be authentic too and only when we are able to lean into the power of who we truly are, will we truly flourish.

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