The Art of Being Yourself: How Authenticity Builds Trust

Authenticity in business and in life has always been something that I encourage - both in my clients and in myself - authenticity builds trust and trust strengthens reputations. I believe that it is better to be genuine and who you really are than a fake version of what you think others will like. When it comes to business; brands and entrepreneurs can only keep up facades for so long, when things go wrong the truth always comes out and the impact on credibility can last a lifetime. When it comes to individuals, aside from the fact that having to hide your true self is exhausting, the truth is that not knowing who you really are can be a burden, blocking you from progress and growth.  Now don't get me wrong it is not always easy to "just be yourself" many spaces are designed to keep up a certain level of the status quo, some spaces bring out the impostor syndrome in us and some spaces simply do not deserve to have all of us (giving 100% of ourselves can be draining in spaces that do not appreciate authenticity).

After watching this amazing TedTalk video "The art of being yourself" by Caroline McHugh recently I learnt a greater understanding of what it really means to be yourself. Think about the number of times that you have felt the need to change who you are to fit in or dim your light to make others more comfortable. Then take the time to think about the people who you admire, who are doing amazing things in their lives:

These are individuals who have managed to figure out the unique gift that the universe gave them when they incarnated, and then put that at the service of their goals. I think that we all come complete. We come complete with one true note we were destined to sing, and these are people that have managed to figure that out. And it doesn’t dictate your choice of job; what it dictates is how you do it. - Caroline McHugh

Now of course it would be remiss of my to overlook how various factors including gender, neurodiversity, race, disability and more can have an impact on how people operate in professional and business spaces. For Black women for example code-switching is something that comes up quite consistently. Code-switching is the practice of alternating between different languages, dialects, or speech patterns depending on the social or professional context—is a deeply ingrained survival strategy for many Black women in corporate and professional settings. It is also used to describe how Black women may have to change how they behave in certain spaces. While often seen as a means of navigating predominantly white spaces, code-switching is more than just linguistic adaptation; it is a performance of professionalism shaped by systemic bias and unspoken expectations. For Black women, who face the double burden of racism and sexism, the stakes of code-switching are particularly high.

In the workplace, “professionalism” is often coded as whiteness. Black women may feel pressure to alter their speech, tone, and even body language to conform to workplace norms that favour Eurocentric standards. This includes softening their assertiveness to avoid being perceived as “aggressive,” or adjusting their natural hairstyles to align with mainstream beauty ideals. These adjustments are not simply about communication—they are about perception, access, and career advancement. Studies have shown that Black professionals who code-switch are often viewed as more competent and leadership-ready, while those who do not may face bias, microaggressions, or even fewer career opportunities.

However, the mental and emotional toll of code-switching is immense. Constantly modifying one’s speech and behaviour to fit into predominantly white spaces can lead to stress, anxiety, and even a sense of disconnection from one’s authentic self. This phenomenon, often referred to as “racial fatigue,” highlights the emotional labor required to navigate a workplace that demands assimilation rather than inclusivity. Additionally, the expectation to code-switch reinforces the idea that Blackness is somehow unprofessional or inappropriate.

In recent years, discussions around workplace diversity and inclusion have challenged these outdated norms. More companies are beginning to recognize the importance of creating environments where Black women feel safe to be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or career repercussions.

Ultimately, code-switching is a nuanced reality for Black women in professional spaces. While it can be a tool for success in systems that still have racial bias, it should not be a requirement for acceptance or advancement. True workplace equity means ensuring that professionalism is not defined by whiteness but by competence, skill, and authenticity.

Watch this video and please share your thoughts and experiences - learning how to truly be yourself is a journey but it is worth it.