Organizations play a crucial role in fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported to share their experiences. By implementing systems that encourage boldness and authenticity, companies can help women leaders address challenges openly and authentically connect with their teams. Catalyst research supports this, indicating that inclusive leaders who encourage authenticity see a 17% increase in team performance.

Research by Korn Ferry highlights that embracing authenticity can significantly enhance leadership potential, particularly for women. A 2022 study at Simmons University found that when women feel they belong and can be authentic at work, their confidence soars (71%), and they become more engaged (60%) and happier (46%). This is echoed by McKinsey & Company’s “Women in the Workplace” report, which emphasizes that companies with greater gender diversity are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability.

The Challenge of Authenticity

Despite its importance, authenticity at work is often elusive. Women, in particular, may feel pressured to conform to organizational norms, sometimes at the expense of their values. This internal conflict makes the stories of women leaders who courageously “speak their truth” all the more powerful and inspiring.

As Oprah Winfrey famously said, “I had no idea that being your authentic self could make me as rich as I’ve become. If I had, I’d have done it a lot earlier.” Her journey underscores the transformative power of authenticity in achieving success.

Organizations play a crucial role in fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported to share their experiences. By implementing systems that encourage boldness and authenticity, companies can help women leaders address challenges openly and authentically connect with their teams. Catalyst research supports this, indicating that inclusive leaders who encourage authenticity see a 17% increase in team performance.

Building a Supportive Community

Witnessing women overcome imposter syndrome and embrace authenticity is truly inspiring. When women leaders cultivate self-awareness, they begin to redefine their roles within organizations, leading with confidence and authenticity.

Self-awareness is the foundation upon which authenticity is built. Women leaders must hone skills that enable them to speak up, understand their values, and assert their presence in their careers. Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Her words inspire women to break barriers and embrace their unique contributions.

The Impact of Coaching and Community

Coaching plays a pivotal role in empowering women to step confidently into leadership positions. By recognizing and embracing their unique talents, women leaders can transform their professional and personal lives. Authenticity may manifest as speaking up, choosing battles wisely, or finding balance between career and life. These skills are honed through practice, learning from peers, and engaging in energizing networking opportunities, such as those offered in our Women’s Leadership Forum cohorts.

In essence, acquiring new skills and perspectives unlocks the authentic leader within. If you’re a woman leader striving to bring your true self to work, we invite you to join the conversation. Engage with us and seize the teachable moments available through our programs. As Sheryl Sandberg aptly put it, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” When women are empowered, they lead with authenticity and make an indelible impact on their organizations and beyond.

Indra Nooyi’s insights further emphasize this: “The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better.” Together, let’s create a community where authenticity is celebrated, and women leaders can flourish.

In my book, Reclaiming The Fire in Your Belly, I address how you can reframe and start to create different results in your life. It will help you name your own limiting mindsets and offer tools to reconnect with power and possibility. By naming what you’ve been feeling in your gut and your heart that you weren’t previously able to name, you can address it and, in the process, become empowered.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Accelerate your professional growth and executive presence with the WOTW Navigator program. This journey is designed to help women cultivate the vision and capabilities needed to succeed within their organizations.

Participants will gain access to:

• Custom development plan based on the McGuckin Method of Professional Development, including behavioral assessments, aspirations, and more
• Monthly 90-minute virtual learning sessions delivered by WOTW CEO, Audrey McGuckin, along with facilitated peer learning conversation, a proven impactful learning method
• Five customized 1:1 executive coaching sessions, aligned to the women leader’s PDP and the virtual learning sessions
• One ticket to the  Women’s Leadership Summit, a 1-day in person leadership event with the extended WOTW Community
• Exclusive access to research, thought leadership and practical development tools.

Connect with us now and take your career to the next level!