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Ep 3: Authenticity
Just because it’s real doesn’t mean it needs to be revealed.
"Be authentic." It's a phrase thrown around in leadership circles, corporate training, and social feeds like a badge of honour. But what happens when authenticity is mistaken for overexposure?
In this episode of Reclaiming HER Leadership, Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster unpacks the misconception that being your “authentic self” means sharing your entire life story at every turn. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
Using a powerful metaphor of personal “gifts,” Dr. Freeman-Foster reframes authenticity as a layered, intentional practice that includes boundaries, discretion, and ownership over your story. She breaks down what it really means to show up as your genuine self while protecting the parts of you that not everyone deserves access to.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- The real definition of authenticity (hint: it’s not “tell-all”)
- How to assess your why before sharing personal information
- Why protecting your story is an act of leadership, not secrecy?
- A layered example of a disclosure that shows authenticity in action
- How to decide who’s earned the right to receive your truth?
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction: Authenticity vs. Open Book
00:35 Defining Authenticity
01:12 The Gift Analogy
02:18 Levels of Authenticity
03:28 The Importance of Discretion
04:02 Conclusion: Sharing with Intention
This episode allows you to set boundaries around your personal story—without guilt. Being real doesn’t require you to be an open book. You get to choose the chapters you share.
🎧 Listen and reflect on what authenticity means in your leadership journey.
📢 Share this episode with someone who must remember that authenticity and privacy coexist.
Authenticity is power—but so is discretion. Protect your peace, and share with purpose.
Subscribe to our Newsletter for ongoing support and inspiration: https://www.leidoswel.com/join-our-community
📘 Grab Navigating Rough Seeds Navigating Rough S.E.A.S. - Soul Eroding Assimilation-Forcing Systems: A Playbook for Navigating Workplace Trauma and Reclaiming Power, Wellness, and Joy., Dr. Freeman-Foster’s bestselling best-selling book, at https://www.leidoswel.com/, or on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
Join our community for Black women leaders
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leidoswel
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LEIDOSWEL
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toniciaff
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@dr.toniciafreeman-foster7600
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drtoniciafreemanfoster
View all episodes
By Dr. Tonicia Freeman-FosterJust because it’s real doesn’t mean it needs to be revealed.
"Be authentic." It's a phrase thrown around in leadership circles, corporate training, and social feeds like a badge of honour. But what happens when authenticity is mistaken for overexposure?
In this episode of Reclaiming HER Leadership, Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster unpacks the misconception that being your “authentic self” means sharing your entire life story at every turn. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
Using a powerful metaphor of personal “gifts,” Dr. Freeman-Foster reframes authenticity as a layered, intentional practice that includes boundaries, discretion, and ownership over your story. She breaks down what it really means to show up as your genuine self while protecting the parts of you that not everyone deserves access to.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- The real definition of authenticity (hint: it’s not “tell-all”)
- How to assess your why before sharing personal information
- Why protecting your story is an act of leadership, not secrecy?
- A layered example of a disclosure that shows authenticity in action
- How to decide who’s earned the right to receive your truth?
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction: Authenticity vs. Open Book
00:35 Defining Authenticity
01:12 The Gift Analogy
02:18 Levels of Authenticity
03:28 The Importance of Discretion
04:02 Conclusion: Sharing with Intention
This episode allows you to set boundaries around your personal story—without guilt. Being real doesn’t require you to be an open book. You get to choose the chapters you share.
🎧 Listen and reflect on what authenticity means in your leadership journey.
📢 Share this episode with someone who must remember that authenticity and privacy coexist.
Authenticity is power—but so is discretion. Protect your peace, and share with purpose.
Subscribe to our Newsletter for ongoing support and inspiration: https://www.leidoswel.com/join-our-community
📘 Grab Navigating Rough Seeds Navigating Rough S.E.A.S. - Soul Eroding Assimilation-Forcing Systems: A Playbook for Navigating Workplace Trauma and Reclaiming Power, Wellness, and Joy., Dr. Freeman-Foster’s bestselling best-selling book, at https://www.leidoswel.com/, or on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
Join our community for Black women leaders
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leidoswel
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LEIDOSWEL
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toniciaff
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@dr.toniciafreeman-foster7600
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drtoniciafreemanfoster