The Privilege of Authenticity.
Corporate culture, as it exists today, was largely shaped by a homogenous group of white men in the early 1900s. Traits such as assertiveness, directness, and emotional restraint were emphasized and became the standard for professional conduct. As women and other diverse groups began to enter the workforce, they were expected to adopt these norms, even though they often did not reflect their own styles of working and communicating. This bias, whether we realize it or not, still affects how women are perceived in professional settings.
I often felt this pressure early in my career—trying to fit into expectations that didn’t feel true to who I am. But now, I’m unapologetically me. I have ADHD and much of my working style is shaped by this. People who have worked with me know to expect late night emails, the inability to sit through long events, my tendencies to switch back and forth between multiple tasks, and the occasional typo (editing is not where I shine!).
I also know that I often say the things you aren’t supposed to say, and am not always the most delicate. That’s just who I am, and I am so happy to be at a stage in my career where I have fully embraced this, however, I’ve come to realize that the freedom to be authentic is something many people don’t have the luxury of, especially when the consequences can be severe—financially or professionally.
For many, embracing authenticity in the workplace comes with huge risks, especially if you don’t have the financial security or social capital to fall back on. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or in a role where your job security is on the line, standing out or not conforming can cost you everything. And if you’re an immigrant, you may not have the networks to support you or have the key relationships that make pushing back against the status quo feel like less of a risk. For those starting out, “fitting in” might feel like the only viable option.
The reality is that breaking away from these norms and being truly authentic requires privileges that many people don’t have access to. It’s not just about embracing who you are; it’s about the freedom to do so without jeopardizing your career, your livelihood, or your sense of safety.
Apart from the safety net I am privileged to have to take the risk of being myself, I also have to acknowledge something uncomfortable: I am objectively closer to the beauty standard of Western society, which can afford a lot of privilege and leniency when it comes to being different. As frustrating as it can be, sometimes my assertiveness and directness comes across as “cute” (evidenced by men chuckling or smiling condescendingly when I speak up, but I digress). My quirks are often seen as charming rather than disruptive. This is a privilege I’m aware of, and it’s something I’ve learned to recognize in conversations about authenticity and workplace culture.
It’s important to acknowledge other forms of privilege that play a huge role in how we are treated and the opportunities we get. For example, not being a visible minority or having an accent can make it easier to navigate professional spaces. Being university-educated is another privilege that can significantly open doors. These are all factors that affect how easily we can fit into a system that was designed by and for people who already hold power in it.
As I’ve been reflecting on my privilege I asked an objective outsider—ChatGPT—what kinds of privilege I might have based on first appearances. It pointed out things like fitting conventional beauty standards and appearing youthful. These are privileges I sometimes take for granted, but they absolutely affect how I’m perceived and what doors open for me. It made me realize how much privilege plays into the way we experience life and work.
Interested in examining your own privilege?
Use the following ChatGPT prompt and reflect on your results, no matter how uncomfortable!
ChatGPT, I’d like you to help me reflect on my privileges. Based on the information I’m providing, can you help me analyze – what advantages do I have based on my appearance, profession, education, and location?
UPLOAD YOUR HEADSHOT
Here’s some information about myself:
I identify as:
My profession is:
My education level is:
I live in:
Age:
Physical disabilities:
My family background is:
I have access to professional networks:
My first language is:
Based on these details, please tell me what privileges I might have that I may not have considered. How might these factors (appearance, career, education, location, etc.) impact how I’m perceived in society, and how might they affect my experiences and opportunities?
Written by Paisley Churchill – Startup Consultant & Family Caregiver Advocate
