Unmasking You: Authenticity in Action

What does it really mean to be authentic, at work, at home, in life?

As part of a local community initiative, I ran a small group creative coaching workshop on “Unmasking and Authenticity” over the weekend. It was a reminder of some universal truths we all navigate.

5 Key take-aways that particularly stood out for me from running this workshop:

1.     No one has everything fully figured out, and that’s okay. We’re all balancing connection with others while also trying to stay in connection with ourselves. Boundaries help us do both: protecting our energy while keeping relationships grounded in mutual respect.

2.     Integrity was a common theme that came up. True integrity comes from a feeling of being in full alignment through head-brain, gut-brain, heart-brain and an embodied sense of safety in our nervous systems.  When we lead from that place, others feel it too.

3.     None of us are “above” or ‘below’ anyone else. Even within hierarchies and systems, remembering our shared humanity supports stronger relationships and outcomes.

4.     Being authentic isn’t about constantly wearing your heart on your sleeve, but about knowing when to lead with your voice and when to listen and learn. True authenticity is a long-term game.

5.     When challenges arise, remembering that we already have what it takes. Personal and professional transitions, setbacks, or changes provide space for evolution and opportunity for resilience and growth. Part of that process is learning to let go of what no longer serves us, so we can move forward with clarity and alignment.

Authenticity is a daily practice, and not a final destination. Some days it’s hard to make authentic choices that are more aligned to who we truly are. Whether in our personal lives or within complex workplace systems, it’s about leaning into alignment, curiosity, and growth, while keeping a sense of play and perspective along the way. It’s about nurturing self-trust and confidence in our own judgments, even when it feels challenging. And sometimes, perhaps it may even help to imagine swapping that mask for a tiara (or your equivalent!), a playful reminder to step into our own authentic power. I am grateful I could share this experience with a fantastic group of self-leaders.

When has choosing authenticity opened a new opportunity or perspective for you?