Can You Really Be Your Authentic Self as a Manager?

Hey Friend,

We’re back. Sliding into your day with some real talk. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the question of - can we really be our authentic selves at work?

We get honest and real about the pressure to fit into old-school ideas of “professionalism”, and this episode is filled with our own stories and personal reflections. You’ll hear why authenticity isn’t about oversharing, but about aligning your actions with your values and showing up with integrity. We talk about the risks, the rewards, and how being true to yourself can actually help you—and your team—thrive.

So grab your coffee, and join us for some laughs, truth bombs, and a big virtual hug. 🤗

xo,

Kishshana & Maria

Tune in to hear:

• How to navigate the risks (and rewards!) of showing up real at work
• How to set boundaries and communicate your values as a manager
• How to find your anchor mantra to stay grounded and lead with confidence

Episode Overview

• (00:00) Welcome & Setting the Stage  
• (02:00) Personal Stories: Nails, Hair, and Professionalism  
• (10:00) Challenging the “Professionalism” Playbook  
• (18:00) Defining Authenticity at Work  
• (25:00) Risks, Rewards, and Real Talk on Being Yourself  
• (32:00) Practical Steps: How to Lead Authentically  
• (38:00) The Power of Mantras and Staying Grounded  
• (42:00) Final Reflections & Encouragement to Keep It Real

Powerful Quotes

"I felt like a ghost of myself, but as a fundraising professional, I thought that’s what you’re supposed to do." -Kishshana  

"If you are not present to yourself, everything in your life is a performance." -Kishshana  

"I am authentic. I lead with integrity. I am open, honest and direct." -Kishshana  

"The more authentic I am, the younger I look. So. Peep that, y’all." -Kishshana  

"Authenticity is showing up in a way that reflects your truth, not necessarily someone else’s expectations." -Maria  

"You don’t have to bring your whole 4th grade self, but you DO get to be you." -Maria  

"I realized there were other ways I could make a living that let me be more creative, let me feel more like myself, and that gave me a lot of confidence." -Maria  

"Boundaries are invitations to how people get to be in community with you." -Maria

Let’s go deeper 👇🏾

📖 Get Kishshana’s Book https://kishshanapalmer.com/book 

💚 Stay in Touch https://bit.ly/managemint-news   

🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode https://mangemintmadeeasy.com  

🎙️ Meet Your Hosts: 

✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer 

✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche 

Episode Resources:

• For more Management Mastery, head over to ManageMint, Inc. (https://www.managemint.co)
• “Sticky Teams” Free on-demand training: Unlocking the Secrets to a Cohesive Team (https://www.managemint.co/freeresources)

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