How to Stay Authentic AF at Work Without Compromising Career Success

Can you believe 2024 is almost over? 🎉 I’m not gonna lie, I’m ready for a fresh beginning because this has been one heck of a year! From business challenges to Ava’s first year of life to famiLEE ups and downs, my way of surviving has been to be unapologetically me 100% of the time. So, as I thought about my last newsletter of this year, I wanted to talk about the question I get asked the most: How do I be my authentic self while at work??

I ran a poll and here’s what YOU had to say about being authentic AF at work…

In today’s climate—where opinions are more divided than ever and the pressure to conform is sky-high—being true to yourself at work feels like a tough balancing act. But here’s the kicker: authenticity isn’t about rebelling against the rules; it’s about finding harmony between who you are and where you work.

So, how do you navigate the line between showing up as your full, unapologetic self while meeting professional expectations? Let’s get into it.

The Authenticity Balancing Act

Back in my corporate days, I loved the projects I worked on and the big-name brands, but I felt like I was living a double life at times. I had all the “right” things: college degree ✔, stocks and 401K✔, a shiny corporate title ✔—but I felt like I couldn’t share my voice authentically in the midst of the corporate bureaucracy. That disconnection taught me an important lesson: authenticity doesn’t mean rejecting the system—it means learning how to thrive within it while staying true to your values.

I appreciate what Kathy Miller Perkins Ph.D., says in her recent Forbes article:

Professional authenticity is akin to ballet: each movement requires balance and fluidity. Authentic professional relationships demand a continuous, mindful negotiation between personal transparency and the norms of the professional landscape, a dynamic balance that, when mastered, leads to profound connections and collaborative success. This nuanced dance involves a thoughtful exchange of vulnerability and respect. The goal is to engage sincerely with others without overstepping the invisible lines that define professional boundaries.

Authenticity doesn’t just happen—it’s a practice. And for me, it starts with being vulnerable and honest about the fears and struggles that come with showing up authentically. Here’s a piece I wrote in 2019 before I left corporate when I felt completely out of balance.

The Fear of Unbecoming

From the time we’re conceived in our mother’s womb, we’re told what to do, who to be, how to live. It’s for our best interest. Our parents and our guardians are praying that we’re healthy, safe, successful, and more than anything, happy. What does it all mean? When do we become? As a daughter, wife, sister, ladyboss, friend, and stepmother, I struggle to find my place in the relationships between my two stepchildren, my husband, the ex-wife, the in-laws, my parents, all social norms. Isn’t ‘livin’ the dream’ about graduating from college, having tons of friends, being skinny, being pretty, and making a lot of money? Shouldn’t I be a mother and a wife, have a great job, live in a big home with a pool and big kitchen with a family that loves, doesn’t judge, and cares deeply about each other? But where in all of that ‘dreaming’ is what I want? Where do you stop to think about yourself and how you can give to YOU and then to others. When do we stop caring about the path our parents and society created for us and just be who we are. At our core. At our truest, rawest selves. When do we listen to our inner guide?

The Fear of Unbecoming

For me to feel like my most authentic self at work, I had to leave corporate and become fully in control of my destiny. I needed to share my voice whenever and however I want to feel like my truest self. That’s my path and doesn’t mean you need to quit your job! BUT if you’re feeling disconnected from your truest self and professional self, I do think you need to give this some thought.

While my life is fuller and busier than ever (hello, Ava and the famiLEE), I’ve found a rhythm that lets me lead authentically at work and at home. The secret? Boundaries, spiritual alignment team and community.

Here’s how you can do it too.

3 Steps to Stay Authentic AF at Work

1. Know Your Boundaries

Authenticity starts with understanding your non-negotiables. What values and parts of your identity do you refuse to compromise on?

For me, famiLEE is always number 1. A workplace that expects me to work during school pick-ups and dinner is not going to be the right fit. I’m also progressive in my beliefs and need a workplace that prioritizes mental health, well-being and inclusiveness. Lastly, I love sharing my voice on social media, speaking on stages and being visible with management at work, so if a company is very restrictive about what I can and can’t say, that’s not going to feel right.

Why this matters:

🟣 Helps you stay true to yourself at work.

🟣 Prevents burnout and misalignment.

🟣 Creates clarity when evaluation workplace fit.

2. Align with the Company’s Purpose

Your authenticity doesn’t have to clash with your company’s mission—in fact, they can complement each other beautifully. Find the common ground between your personal goals and values and the organization’s vision and values. A Gallup report found that $8.9 trillion is lost in global GDP because employees aren’t engaged—often because they’re out of sync with their company’s purpose. When you’re not aligned, you’re not going to do great work, feel good or deliver solid results.

To back this up even more, Deloitte found that 86% of GenZ and 89% of Millennials believe a sense of purpose is important to their overall job satisfaction and well-being. These generations are increasingly willing to reject assignments or employers who don’t align with their values.

Pro Tip: If you can’t align with the company’s purpose, it might be time to reconsider if it’s the right place for you.

Why this matters:

🟣 Confirms that your contributions are meaningful and aligned.

🟣 Increases your visibility and influence within the company.

🟣 Creates a sense of purpose that drives motivation and long-term commitment.

3. Speak Your Truth Strategically

It’s not about being the loudest voice—it’s about knowing when and how to share your perspective. Constructive, well-timed honesty makes all the difference.

Why this matters:

🟣 Creates opportunities for feedback and change.

🟣 Builds credibility and positions you as a thought leader.

🟣 Empowers you to drive innovation and foster a culture of open communication.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we zoom into 2025, authenticity is your path to a fulfilling and purposeful career. The future of work demands leaders who are not only transparent but also unapologetically human.

Here’s my challenge to you: Ask yourself how you can bring a little more YOU into your workplace every day.

Being authentically you doesn’t mean shoving professionalism under the rug. It’s about sprinkling personal brand into your story. Remember, your story is 100% yours—own it, share it, and let it be a ray of inspiration for others who may be struggling to find their authentic voice in the workplace.

How do you maintain your authentic self at work? Hit reply or share your story with me on LinkedIn. Let’s kick off a conversation encouraging everyone to live their truth at work.

📢 ICYMI: Did you catch my LinkedIn LIVE with Bethany McClellan ?