Most people don’t show up fully authentic at work—and often for good reason. From the very first interview, we learn to polish our image: spotlight strengths, hide weaknesses, and adapt to company culture. Over time, this habit turns into a professional mask, keeping emotions in check and values under wraps. While it may feel safe, the cost is high—burnout, distrust, and missed opportunities for real collaboration.

Think about it: workplaces are full of “playbooks”—the right way to network, the perfect communication style, the proven formula for success. But the colleagues who stand out, the ones who inspire trust and energy, rarely follow a script. They’re authentic. They show up as themselves.

Authenticity isn’t about charisma or extroversion—it’s grounded in psychology and neuroscience. Studies show that when people stay true to their values, practice vulnerability, and build self-awareness, they don’t just lift the mood. They drive innovation, deepen engagement, and strengthen resilience across teams.

To better understand how authenticity shows up in the workplace, I spoke with

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