This week, the brilliant Dr. Chelsea Shields and I continue the conversation about something that’s at the heart of every powerful brand and every transformational leader: authenticity.

We go deep into what it means to show up fully as yourself in your brand, your business, and your life. From emotional intelligence to the way you use your voice and body to communicate, this conversation is a masterclass in being seen and felt as the real you.

Chelsea and I talk about how hard it can be—especially for women—to strike the balance between being authentic and being perceived as credible. We break down the subtle cues that create trust (or mistrust), like body language, tone of voice, and what Chelsea calls “safety signals.” We also explore the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why being polished and perfect often isn’t what people actually connect with.

If you’ve ever felt like you need to be a certain version of yourself to be “taken seriously” or you’ve struggled to feel truly seen in your business, this episode is for you. We wrap things up with actionable tools you can use right now to show up more authentically, communicate with impact, and build a brand that doesn’t just look good—it feels right.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why authenticity isn’t about being the same in every room

• The unique pressure women face to perform "authenticity"

• How to use your voice and body to communicate clearly and powerfully

• Why emotional intelligence is non-negotiable for leadership

• What it really means to create safety and trust

• How honesty and consistency build a brand people believe in

• The difference between an authentic brand and an inauthentic one (hint: people feel it)

Connect with Dr. Chelsea Shields

https://www.brandthropologieagency.com