In a recent coaching session with 20 executives–all leaders in their industries–something stood out: many were still holding back. Despite their CVs and professional accolades, they weren’t speaking with their true voice. Instead, they were hiding parts of themselves—things they were told to suppress decades ago when they were young managers or starting out in their careers.
And it didn’t make them great speakers.
Here’s the thing: as a leader, when you hide who you are, people notice. Your team feels it. Your audience can sense it. Authenticity is critical to leadership. when you aren’t bringing your full self to the table, it weakens your message and your impact.
We’ve seen this a lot recently with spokespeople during major food recalls and in other crises. When the leader holds back – the audience thinks the company is not being transparent.
Your staff won’t know you’re doing this. They will just notice you look scared, tight, nervous, and stiff.
And the audience won’t trust you.
Wall Street won’t either.
Why do we do this?
I’ve been there. When I was a young 20-something television producer in Minneapolis, I had a manager who told me my ideas came from my “first dates,” implying I wasn’t capable of generating my own creative thoughts. In my 30s, a manager in Chicago said I was being “too much myself.” I tried to tone it down, and it made me overly serious—too intense, not fun, and certainly not authentic.
We all encounter the pressure to conform, to mold ourselves into something that doesn’t feel authentic in our careers. But the truth is, when we hide parts of ourselves, we lose the very thing that makes us powerful leaders.
We coach executives in their 40s and 50s—men and women alike—who are still carrying the weight of these past criticisms. They’re still holding back their true voice, still editing their body language, still playing small because they were once told, “Don’t be so much yourself.”
Here’s the wake-up call: your audience needs you to be YOU.
Why Authenticity Matters in Leadership
Being authentic doesn’t just make you more relatable—it makes you more trustworthy, influential, and effective. When you lead as yourself, you set a powerful example for your team. You show them that it’s okay to bring their full selves to work. And in doing so, you create an environment where others feel empowered to speak up, share ideas, and lead confidently.
But authenticity isn’t just about being real. It’s about being strategic in how you present yourself and ensuring that your true voice comes across in every interaction.
Here Are Some Ways You Can Show Up Authentically:
- Acknowledge the Stories You’ve Been Told Start by identifying the limiting beliefs or stories you’re carrying with you. Were you told to “tone it down” early in your career? Were you advised to speak less or act differently? Recognizing these influences is the first step to releasing them.
- Embrace Your Unique Voice Stop trying to conform to what others expect of you. Instead, embrace what makes you you. Whether it’s your tone of voice, your body language, or the way you express ideas—lean into it. Authentic leaders don’t fit molds—they break them.
- Be Clear and Consistent in Your Message Authenticity doesn’t mean you say whatever comes to mind. Be thoughtful about your message and consistent in how you present yourself. Whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or speaking in front of an audience, clarity and consistency build trust.
- Use Body Language that Matches Your Words Body language is key. If you’re holding back, your body will give you away. Practice open, confident gestures that align with your message. Your non-verbal communication should reinforce your words, not contradict them.
- Get Comfortable with Vulnerability Being authentic often means being vulnerable. It’s okay to admit mistakes, show emotion, or share personal stories. This doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human and relatable. Remember, leadership is about connection, and connection comes from being real.
- Remember: Your Team Can Tell Whether you realize it or not, your team knows when you’re not fully present or being yourself. If you’re hiding behind a mask, they feel it. Show up as the real you, and you’ll inspire others to do the same.
Putting it Into Practice
The next time you’re on stage, in a meeting, or in front of the camera, remind yourself: there’s only one YOU. And the world needs that version of you, not the filtered, toned-down, or second-guessed version.
Your authenticity is what will build trust, inspire your team, and create lasting influence. The more you practice showing up as your true self, the stronger your leadership will become. So, whether you’re giving a presentation or leading your team through a challenge, remember: be YOU, and watch the impact you create.
If you’re finding it hard to break free from the old narratives or the advice that’s been holding you back, consider this your sign to let go. Embrace the leader you are meant to be. Authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s the key to leading with confidence and connection.
Next time you find yourself holding back, ask: What would it look like if I brought my full self into this moment? Chances are, it’ll make all the difference.
Need help nailing down your authentic self? Reach out to Janicek Performance Group for help with your executive presence.
