Authentic

A bold call to rethink authenticity at work
Workplace dynamics in recent years have been a dizzying storm of broken promises. Companies that once encouraged employees to "come as you are" and bring your full, authentic self to work are now shutting down initiatives, part of an ongoing cycle of trading on our identities when it's convenient and profitable.
Jodi-Ann Burey, writer and critic known for her TED talk "The Myth of Bringing Your Full, Authentic Self to Work," delves into the dangers of disclosure in environments that aren't built for our well-being. With insights from pop culture, academic research, and interviews with other professionals of color, Burey argues that we deserve better than shallow ploys for representation.
Our physical and emotional health are at risk, and too much is sacrificed-for ourselves and for collective progress-when our full potential is blocked by racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. Authentic is a powerful reckoning-and now is the time to reclaim our agency. Even at work.

Jodi-Ann Burey is a writer, critic, and sought-after speaker on race, culture, and health equity. Her essays appear in various arts, business, and literary publications. Jodi-Ann created and hosts the prose and poetry salon Lit Lounge: The People's Art and the Black Cancer podcast. She was born in St. Catherine, Jamaica; lives in Seattle, Washington; and will always call New York City home.