Tips for Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity

Careers don't stall from a lack of talent. They stall from misused transparency. We've been programmed to: "Just be yourself." "Bring your whole self to work." "Use Authenticity as your edge." But that advice for high-achieving leaders can backfire faster than slamming the gas on a car stuck in mud. You see, being real isn't the problem. Being unfiltered is. I've coached brilliant executives who shared too much, too soon: ⚠️ Promotions quietly passed over ⚠️ Influence unintentionally diluted ⚠️ Credibility questioned without a word spoken Not because they weren't capable. But because they were unfiltered when they needed to be intentional. Early in my executive career, I shared a tough moment in a leadership meeting. I thought I was being honest and transparent. What I was really doing was expecting my team to hold my processing, when what they needed was my presence. A mentor later told me: "Save the story for after the storm. Lead first, reflect later." That moment changed everything. My teams became more engaged, creating other leaders who were equally if not more connected. That's Cultural Intelligence. It's not about hiding yourself to fit in. It's about honoring your role and adapting. Here's how to practice strategic authenticity: 1/ Check the intention: Is this to connect, or to offload? 2/ Lead first, share later: Save the behind-the-scenes until the team is steady 3/ Read the room: Every layer of you isn't for every audience 4/ Protect your edge: Emotions are valid, but timing makes them powerful 5/ Stay human, but hold the helm: Don't confuse access with leadership Because executive presence isn't about being polished. It's about being purposefully impactful. The real flex? Knowing what to say, when to say it, and who's earned the right to hear it. That's not faking it. That's leading with strength, not spilling for approval. 💬 Drop "STRATEGIC" in the comments if you're learning to lead with intentional authenticity. ♻️ Tag a leader who shows up real, and wise. DM me 'EDGE' for The Authenticity Paradox: How Not to Self-Sabotage as a High-Achieving Leader. #StrategicAuthenticity #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipEdge

“I'm just being honest.” Years ago, a colleague said this after ruthlessly critiquing a project that I'd invested my heart into. That encounter left me with an important lesson on authenticity. ↳ Being ''authentic'' isn't being unfiltered. It's being intentionally impactful. The standout leaders get it: → Authenticity requires balance → Self-expression needs boundaries → Growth demands self-awareness Real authenticity is: 1. The Courage to Guide Others Not: ''This idea is terrible'' But: ''Here's what could make this stronger...'' 2. The Wisdom to Honor Limits Not: ''I don't work past 6pm, period'' But: ''I'm most effective when I protect my recharge time'' 3. The Heart to Lift Others Not: ''You always miss deadlines'' But: ''Let's find a way to hit these targets together'' 4. The Strength to Show Vulnerability Not: ''Everything is falling apart'' But: ''Here's what I'm learning through this struggle'' 5. The Grace to Bridge Differences Not: ''That's not how I'd do it'' But: ''Have we considered this perspective?'' Remember: Raw honesty breaks connections ↳ Refined authenticity builds bridges Your voice matters ↳ How you use it matters more What’s your take on this balance? Image Credit: Adam Grant

❓Feeling stuck in “professional mode” on LinkedIn? You’re not alone. When I first started creating content, I worried that showing more of my personality might confuse clients or reduce my credibility. I kept it polished, formal—safe. But here’s what I’ve learned: The creators thriving on LinkedIn aren’t just experts. 🌟 They’re human. 🌟 They’re relatable. 🌟 They’re authentic. So how do you strike the right balance between professionalism and personality? Here’s the framework I share with my clients: 💥 60/20/20 Content Ratio: 60% Professional Advice: Share your expertise to solve problems. 20% Personality Posts: Stories from your career that let your voice shine. 20% Passion Posts: Causes, hobbies, or values that make you you. 💥 Define Your Personal Brand in 3 Words: Ask colleagues or friends to describe you in 3-5 adjectives. Use these words to guide your tone. 💥 Speak Your Content: Record yourself explaining an idea and transcribe it. It keeps your tone natural and relatable. The result? 🔥A personal brand that’s credible, authentic, and deeply engaging. If you’ve been holding back, it’s time to give this a try. What’s one thing you’d like to share that feels more you?