what does being authentic mean to you?

Being my authentic self has always been important to me. It’s not always easy because the truth is sometimes people don’t like it - they might rather you were more like them! But it’s a core part of who I am so I do it anyway.

The more people who are their authentic selves, the richer all our lives are for it. The more people who are their authentic selves, the more that - rather than conformity - is the norm.

What does it mean to be your authentic self? I was asked once in the Q&A at an event I speaking at how it’s possible to be true to yourself in the work place without that being unprofessional? I explained that for me being your authentic self is about your values and beliefs. And not conforming to other people’s view of how you should be or look. It’s still important to be aware of the context and environment you are in though. You wouldn’t behave the same way at a wedding as you would at a funeral. You’d still be your true authentic self, but you’d do that in a way that is appropriate and respectful for the situation.

That’s the way I feel about the work-place. It’s important to be respectful of others, of the values an organisation has, and of polite professional conduct and interactions with people. But do that your own way, from your perspective and lived experience, in your clothes, your words, with your hair and, most importantly, with your values and beliefs.

What does being authentic mean to you?

It doesn’t need to be an acronym like the one above (this just came to be and seemed to fit really well with my values and authenticity so I went with it!). It doesn’t needs to be captured in any particular way (hence mine being hand-written). It just needs to be yours, for you. To live by and embrace.