The word “authentic” traditionally referred to any work of art that is an original, and not a copy.
Perhaps nobody would argue with the definition of “authenticity” in the art world but in the business world, the word seems to have a bad reputation mostly to the rigid views of what being yourself or authentic really means.
Some write that “being yourself” can lead to reputational trade-offs such as oversharing political beliefs, sharing personal insecurities, venting raw emotions and dressing however you like (Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, HBR 2025).
But I’d argue that being authentic doesn’t mean being rigid in your actions and beliefs, protecting your identity at all cost or even being unwise.
It’s the opposite.
It means viewing yourself as a work in progress and evolving your identity, so that you can develop a style that feels right to you (Herminia, Ibarra, HBR 2015).
The key terms to authenticity then, are your personal evolution and what feels right to you.
I believe that authenticity is and will become an even stronger driver of success in the future as a key component of identity-level leadership presence.
Identity-level leadership presence is the expression of your values, self-belief, emotional maturity and a sense of purpose.
It’s the energy, clarity and influence that emerges from your deepest sense of self. It’s the kind of leadership presence that is:
- Authentic and not performative;
- Consistent across all interactions,
- Embodied in communication and how it makes others feel
- Aligned with words and actions and
- Stable under pressure, as it’s based on self-trust.
Why does this type of presence matter for your success?
You As A Leader
The changing business landscape (AI, uncertainty…) requires leaders more than ever to inspire others and give people purpose which increases the bottom line. How exactly? When you are evolving and in touch with what feels right to you, you are better able to connect to yourself and others. And when you show up as yourself, you are modelling a behaviour that inspires others to bring their own originality “to work” which in turn increases levels of their well-being and contribution. You lead by example and in a way that feels natural to you.
You As a Human Being
When you are authentic you enjoy increased levels of well-being, including positive mood, energy, relaxation and flow. You don’t have to rely on charisma or strategy. You influence without pushing, you communicate with clarity, make faster decision and trust yourself. You also increase your chances for aligning with businesses and people that match you, and whom you can best work with.
You As a Brand
Developing your leadership identity increases your originality and visibility, the characteristics that are unique to you and that help you standout in your unique way. This learning about yourself shows up in your personal brand, how others perceive you and your differentiating (market) value.
Evolving into your next level identity-level leadership presence requires deep work but it’s rewarding.
For now here is a six stage framework for quick shifts.
Here is a 6-stage framework:
- Rebuild Your Leadership Identity from the Core.
Challenge your beliefs. Currently, you could be leading/living from outdated identities that you aren’t aware off, such as “I must be always in control.”
One of the questions you can ask yourself is: “What kind of a leader do I want to be know for?”
- Learn to regulate your nervous system
Evaluate how you show up. It’s hard to trust a person who shows up anxious, rushed or triggered.
Adopt practices that regulate your nervous system such as breathing exercise, grounding before meetings and slower pacing in speech and movement.
- Strengthen you internal story
Challenge your inner dialogue. Shift your dialogue from self-critical to supportive.
One of the questions you can ask yourself is: “What’s the story I’m telling myself?”
- Embody your values
Align your values and behaviour. People follow leaders who live what they teach.
Choose three non-negotiable values that drive your actions in order to create integrity.
- Master communication
Evaluate how you speak. For example, practice speaking more slowly, passing, reducing fillers and avoid over-explaining.
- Practice your ‘Entry’
Check your energy before entering a space. Your influence begins the moment you enter a room. For example. Are you calm, curious, confident… Ask yourself what kind of energy do you want to bring to others?
Developing your leadership presence identity rooted in authenticity increases your well-being and self-esteem, perceptions and influence on others and your originality and potential to standout in your unique way.
Instead of just doing what leaders do or imitating others, you start embodying the identity of a leader that feels right to you.
And just being yourself makes you successful.
Articles:
‘When Authentic Leadership Backfires’, Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic (HBR, 2025).
‘The Authenticity Paradox’, Herminia Ibarra (HBR, January, February 2015).
Image: Alamy, President & CEO Stripes Beauty Cara Kamenev speaks at the 2025 Forbes Healthcare Summit at Murphy Alumni Hall, New York, United States. 04th Dec, 2025.