Ah! How incredible it must feel to be unashamed, unapologetically you. Creating personas and code-switching is far beyond anything you've ever had to do. From the workplace to the classroom, at church, or social events, you perfectly fit-in, feeling comfortable in your skin, or do you? In my latest book, Simply Complex: Leading out of Authenticity, I use a twelve-pillar model to enable self-improvement, leadership development, or team building. A leader has the power to influence another person's actions or decisions, but it is up to the individual to choose how they will show up. As a leader, one of your most significant responsibilities is to create a physically and mentally safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for people to thrive. But what if you grew up in an unhealthy environment, have been in abusive relationships, come from a dysfunctional family, or are crippled by failures and mistakes? If shame creeps in and takes up residence, it can be as debilitating as an addiction. You are leaking its venom on the purest of dreamers who believe that they can succeed without creating a persona to fit in. After spending almost a quarter-century in a work environment where I felt my drive, creativity, voice, and authenticity gradually dissipate, I was motivated to write a book based on real-life experiences to help guide people to lead out of authenticity. When you embrace your true identity, no one can shame you, silence you, or define you. Unmask your persona and show the world the best of you.
