Navigating Change with Authenticity

There’s a quiet tension that many of us carry When you step into spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind. You’ve worked for the seat. You’ve earned your place. But when you get there, you feel it… That invisible pressure: To shrink. To soften your voice. To adjust the volume of your identity until it fits comfortably within someone else’s definition of "professional.” It’s not always said out loud. It’s in the looks. The microcorrections. The way your ideas are heard differently. The way your presence is treated like a disruption when it’s actually a contribution. You can be included in the room and still feel like you’re performing for acceptance. Because “diversity” is the invitation. But “belonging” is what happens when you no longer have to explain yourself to be understood. And for those of us from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds That moment is often delayed, if it arrives at all. You were never meant to blend in. You were meant to broaden the lens. To bring the story, the rhythm, the lens that the room didn’t know it needed until you showed up. Things I’ve Learned Navigating Spaces That Were Never Built With People Like Me in Mind: 1. Don’t confuse proximity with power. Being in the room doesn’t always mean you have influence yet. But presence is the first form of disruption. And if you’re the first or the only, your very existence there is a signal that the status quo is shifting. 2. You don’t have to erase yourself to be respected. You don’t need to change your tone, name, cadence, or essence to sound “credible.” Authenticity is not a liability it’s a form of leadership. 3. Belonging is not about being accepted as you are it’s about being unchanged by the pressure to conform. And that’s a deeper kind of success: staying whole in systems that quietly ask you to split. Hetes some Practical tips for Navigating These Spaces With Integrity: 1. Show up without shrinking. You don’t owe anyone a diluted version of who you are. Rehearse being yourself in full—not just the version that’s easiest to digest. 2. Ask the uncomfortable questions—even when it shakes the room. Your silence won’t save you. Your voice might just save someone else. 3. Build a circle that reminds you who you are. Find mentors, peers, and mirrors who affirm your value outside of titles, roles, or recognition. If you’ve ever felt like you had to earn your belonging twice Once through performance, And again through proving you're not a threat… You’re not imagining it. You’re just navigating a world that hasn’t fully caught up with your presence. But keep showing up. Keep expanding the room. And when you feel the urge to shrink, remember this: You’re not here to fit in. You’re here to reshape what belonging looks like. For yourself and for everyone still waiting behind you.

"𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗜 𝗮𝗺" 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆—𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲 One of the things I often hear in my coaching practice is, "That’s just how I am. If people don’t like it, that’s their problem." or "This is how I am, and people like me don't fit in this office/culture/environment." When I moved to the U.S. and started my professional career, I found myself in a cultural pickle. Growing up in Guatemala, I was taught to deeply respect my elders and strangers. In Spanish, this respect is often expressed through formal language, using "usted" instead of the more informal "tú." Naturally, I carried this value with me and continued to address elders, strangers, and superiors in English with the same tone of deference. But over time, I noticed something: My respect was being misinterpreted as submission. I wasn’t being met with the same respect I was offering, and, in some cases, I was outright taken advantage of. My authenticity—rooted in deep respect—wasn’t serving me in this new context. That’s when I made a deliberate decision: I would still honor my core value of respect, but I would express it differently. I began showing up in ways that were supportive, challenging, and helpful—on equal footing with others. I stayed true to my values but adapted my behavior to better fit the environment. Authenticity doesn’t mean rigidly clinging to "who we are" without regard for context. It means being grounded in our values while choosing behaviors that align with our goals and the situation. Values are our anchor, but behaviors are our choice. Being authentic doesn’t mean refusing to adapt—it means showing up in ways that are intentional, values-driven, and effective. What’s one behavior you’ve adapted to stay true to your values while navigating a challenging context? #Leadership #Authenticity #Values #Adaptability #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalGrowth #OrdinaryResilience

This is a season of change for leaders in both business as well as the public arena. Recently, I've been reached out to by several rising stars who are taking on new leadership roles, perhaps the first major ones of their careers. To each, I offer 'congratulations', and — more importantly — a caution. Do not assume that your promotion means you have all the answers. Assume that you do not. The impulse to take command and take action is tempting, if only to justify to yourself and to others the wisdom of your selection. A great leader doesn't know all the right answers; they know all the right questions to ask that lead them to the right answers. The "L" in "Leadership" holds the formula to achieving success: 👂 Listen. 📖 Learn. 💡 Lead. This requires you to be vulnerable — the hardest thing for a new leader to show to the people they lead. But the willingness to listen and learn doesn't break trust; it builds it. It doesn't distract you from your strategy; it distills it. It doesn't soften the final consensus; it solidifies it by making everyone feel ownership of it. We look ahead toward a season of change as well as challenge, and I look forward to the leaders who will meet it with empathy, authenticity, and receptivity. #Leadership #LeadershipAdvice #Business #Authenticity #LeadershipSkills #ContinuousLearning #SuccessMindset #LeadershipDevelopment

I recently was talking with friend who is a C-suite executive, discussing some challenges with strong personalities on the ELT. I asked her, "What would happen if you stopped filtering yourself and matched their energy?" Her pause told me everything: she'd been performing leadership instead of living it. For months, she'd been navigating two defensive, dismissive colleagues by staying "collaborative and open." The high road felt right in theory. In practice? Nothing changed. They kept bulldozing through conversations while she kept adjusting, softening, accommodating. The hardest part was the the adjustments she was making, thinking that it was the "right" way to show up, wasn't in alignment with her values. Sound familiar? Here's what I've learned watching leaders build strong teams: You can be authentic to who you are without being toxic. And strong teams need authentic leaders. Toxic leaders tear others down to build themselves up. They use "honesty" as a weapon and "directness" as an excuse for cruelty. Authentic leaders? They show up as themselves—edges and all—while still lifting others up. They're direct without being destructive. Firm without being harsh. Clear while being compassionate. How they show up every day reflects their values. And when they behave in ways that are misaligned--because none of us are perfect--they take accountability for it. The magic happens when you stop performing the version of leadership you think people want and start embodying the version that is truly you. When my friend finally dropped her filter, something shifted. Not just in her—in the entire dynamic. Her colleagues respected her directness because it came with consistency and care, not contempt. The team engaged on a different level. Meetings became more productive. Trust deepened because everyone knew where they stood. Authenticity isn't about saying whatever comes to mind. It's about aligning your actions with your values, even when it feels uncomfortable. Especially when it feels uncomfortable. Your team doesn't need you to be perfect. They need you to be real. The strongest teams aren't built on politeness—they're built on trust. And trust starts with leaders brave enough to show up as themselves. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶? #AuthenticLeadership #ExecutiveTeamDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment

Navigating life's inevitable changes is complex, often uncomfortable, yet essential for personal growth. This Harvard Business Review article delves into the concept of "identity paralysis," a term used to describe the struggle of moving on from past identities to embrace new ones, which can leave us feeling stuck, frustrated, and hopeless. Here are strategies for overcoming identity paralysis, backed up by research: (1) Mark a Distinct Break with the Past. Create a symbolic event that signifies the end of an old chapter. Whether it's a significant birthday, a new birth, or another milestone, these moments can help you acknowledge the transition and start anew. (2) Craft a Compelling Personal Narrative. Link your past to your present by shaping a story that connects the two. This narrative should be authentic and shareable, helping you and others understand your journey and the reasons behind the changes. (3) Acknowledge and Work Through Emotions. It's important to recognize and address the emotions tied to your past identity. By understanding and processing these feelings, you can prevent them from hindering your transition to a new self. I'd add an additional tip, based on my work and experience: embrace curiosity in the face of change. Curiosity encourages us to view challenging transitions as opportunities for learning and growth rather than threats. This mindset can transform the way we approach new identities, making us more open to experimentation and less fearful of failure. Encouraging curiosity about oneself and one’s potential can indeed pave the way for smoother transitions by fostering a more flexible and adaptable approach to change. Embracing these strategies can lead to a healthier adjustment to new roles and identities, promoting personal development and well-being. Whether you're transitioning careers, roles, or overcoming personal trials, remember: change, though challenging, is a pathway to growth, and curiosity can be your guide. #HumanResources #Innovation #Growth #Reflection #Career #Leadership #Awareness https://lnkd.in/es7G5atn

Currently nominated as the most underrated statement of 2024: Navigating the tightrope between authenticity and expectations as a woman leader is challenging. We face an onslaught of traditional biases. Plus, and the fear of being perceived as "too much" or "not enough" is real. But here’s my invitation to you: imagine what could happen if you embraced your true self—your values, your integrity, your unique leadership style—and led with that unwavering confidence. What if, instead of trying to fit into preconceived molds, you created a new narrative where your authenticity becomes your greatest strength? Here’s how you can lead with authenticity and inspire others to do the same: Own Your Story: Your journey is unique and valuable. Share it with your team to build deeper connections and trust. Authenticity fosters respect and loyalty, driving your team to rally behind your vision. Lead with Integrity: Stand firm in your values, even when it’s challenging. Integrity in leadership builds credibility and sets a powerful example for your team to follow. Encourage Inclusivity: Create a culture where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. When people feel seen and heard, engagement and innovation thrive. Be Transparent: Open communication is key to authentic leadership. Transparency breeds trust and empowers your team to take ownership of their roles in achieving shared goals. Foster Courage: Lead by example in showing that it’s okay to take risks and embrace failure as a part of growth. When your team sees you stepping out with courage, they’ll feel empowered to do the same. Let’s rewrite the narrative together—one where women leaders are celebrated for their authenticity and courage, driving not just success, but meaningful change in their organizations. Stand tall, lead with authenticity, and watch as your true self becomes your most powerful leadership tool. 🔽 🔽 🔽   👋 Hi, I'm Lisa. Thanks for checking out my Post!    Here is what you can do next ⬇️    ➕ Follow me for more data insights     🔔 Hit the bell on my profile to be notified when I post    💬 Share your ideas or insights in the comments   ♻ Inform others in your network via a Share or Repost #digitaltransformation #finance #cfo #data #businessanalytics