Is "being your authentic self" in the workplace always the best strategy? According to a recent Fast Company article, 6 in 10 employers have fired Gen Z employees for "unprofessional behavior" tied to authenticity. In this episode of The Good Leader Podcast, Ang and Jerrod unpack what "authenticity" really means at work and explore why it's causing generational clashes. They dive into leadership biases, shifting definitions of success, and the tension between personal identity and professional expectations.
If you’ve ever struggled with balancing who you are with what your workplace demands, this episode will help you navigate clarity, boundaries, and what it means to grow as a leader.
Host: Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, everyone! Welcome to a bold episode of The Good Leader Podcast. Today, we're diving into one of the most talked-about workplace topics: authenticity. What does it really mean to be your "authentic self" at work, and is it always a good thing? Spoiler alert: not always.
Ang: That’s right. We’re calling some serious B.S. on how “authenticity” is used in workplaces today. It’s become a buzzword, but are we even defining it the same way? Does it mean being unfiltered? Boundless self-expression? Or is it something deeper? We’re unpacking it all—so buckle up.
Jerrod: And hey, if you’re Gen Z, this one’s for you. We’ve got stats, stories, and practical takeaways from a fascinating article about Gen Z getting fired for “being their authentic selves.” Yeah, it’s a thing, and we have thoughts.
Ang: You’ll also hear how this debate connects to leadership, boundaries, and cultural shifts in the workplace. Plus, a game-changing framework to help you (and your team) navigate the tricky balance between staying true to yourself and showing up professionally.
Jerrod: Because let’s be real: showing up as your entirely unfiltered self? That’s not leadership. But neither is hiding behind a mask. The answer lies somewhere in between—and we’ll show you how to find it.
Ang: Stick around for insights on how to communicate expectations, redefine professionalism, and ultimately foster workplaces where authenticity and accountability coexist.
Jerrod: Ready to rethink authenticity? Let’s get into it.