Feeling like an outsider and attempting to conform to societal norms can lead to a loss of self-identity and a longing for true belonging.

Ritu Bhasin, a child of immigrants, has navigated her own journey of self-acceptance and emerged as a leading voice in equity, empowerment, and belonging.She’s also a passionate advocate for authenticity and helps others stand in their power in high-conformity workplaces.

Her books, The Authenticity Principle and We’ve Got This, provide strategies and a framework for living more authentically and cultivating your relationship with yourself. She’s on the show today to share insights from her books and her journey towards self-acceptance and aligned choices.

In this episode of the Branding Room Only podcast, you’ll learn about how to courageously choose to be who you really are and create an unshakeable sense of belonging. She’ll share her framework for navigating challenging professional settings while still maintaining authenticity, and also reveal the key to experiencing true belonging.

1:24 - Ritu and I discuss how we define personal branding, the three words that describe her, and her favorite quote and 10-minute hype song

9:38 - How Ritu is a reflection of what happened to her in her childhood and the transformative power of therapy

17:04 - Ritu’s career journey (from joining big law for the wrong reason to becoming a business leader and DEI consultant) and legacy as a driver

24:20 - Why Ritu wrote The Authenticity Principle, the core message behind it, and the Three Selves we all possess on the authenticity spectrum

31:09 - How to tell the difference between hiding versus adapting who you are in the moment, especially in high-conformity environments

34:06 - The big “A-ha” moment that led to Ritu’s second book and how you unlock the beauty of belonging

43:21 - What to do if you’re struggling with being your authentic self in professional settings

47:22 - What Ritu will never compromise about herself and her brand and when she feels she’s in her best element professionally

Mentioned In Embrace Who You Really Are & Unlock a True Sense of Belonging with Ritu Bhasin

The Authenticity Principle: Resist Conformity, Embrace Differences, and Transform How You Live, Work, and Lead by Ritu Bhasin

We’ve Got This: Unlocking the Beauty to Belonging by Ritu Bhasin

“Osaka Riddim Mix” by DJ JEL | The Soca Boss on SoundCloud

Vernā Myers

“A Tribute to My Mother Joan Donna Griffith”

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.

PGE Consulting Group LLC is dedicated to providing a practical hybrid of professional development training and diversity solutions. From speaking to consulting to programming and more, all services and resources are carefully tailored for each partner. Paula Edgar’s distinct expertise helps engage attendees and create lasting change for her clients.

To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at [email protected], and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.