"Be authentic" is a mantra in modern leadership and career advice.
And it’s good advice—until it isn’t.
Here’s the hard truth: authenticity can hold us back.
When we equate being authentic with staying the same, we risk shutting the door on growth.
Growth requires us to step into discomfort, try new things, and even challenge parts of our own identity.
That doesn’t mean being fake; it means allowing ourselves to evolve.
Think about it this way: if a caterpillar insisted on staying true to its "authentic" self, it would never become a butterfly.
Leadership is no different.
To lead effectively in a changing world, you need to balance authenticity with adaptability.
It's about honoring your core values while building new skills, perspectives, and ways of working to meet the demands of the future.
Ask yourself: Am I clinging to an outdated version of myself because it feels safe? Or am I allowing myself to grow into who I want to become?
Authenticity isn’t a fixed state—it’s a journey.
Growth is the ultimate expression of authenticity.
