Be Authentic. Be Real. We often hear these mantras, but is it achievable in today's workplace? Do we even want to be authentic? Whose authenticity is welcomed, and whose is silenced?

Authenticity isn’t just about how courageously and vulnerable we show up; it’s also about the context in which we show up. Systemic biases, rigid structures, and even our internalized beliefs often create invisible barriers that limit our ability to be authentic.

In a world that simultaneously champions authenticity and encourages us to 'fake it till we make it,' the workplace becomes a battleground for our true selves. Can we be both vulnerable and professional?