What does it really mean to be authentic at work?

In this episode of Empowered & Out: The Career Coaching Podcast, Coach Jon sits down with Amanda Millar—lawyer, ADHD coach, leadership consultant, suicide prevention trustee, and the first openly LGBTQ+ President of the Law Society of Scotland—for an honest conversation about authenticity, leadership, inclusion, and mental wellbeing.

Together they explore why so many professionals still feel they need to hide parts of themselves at work, how inclusive leadership directly impacts organizational success, and why mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.

Amanda also shares her personal leadership journey, the lessons she wishes she knew earlier in her career, and why curiosity—not certainty—is one of the most important leadership qualities.

Whether you're a leader, manager, HR professional, LGBTQ+ employee, or simply someone trying to build a career where you can truly be yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights and meaningful reflection.

You'll learn:

• Why authenticity looks different for everyone

• The hidden cost of masking at work

• How great leaders create psychological safety

• Why inclusion is more than policies and ERGs

• The connection between mental wellbeing and workplace culture

• How curiosity creates stronger organizations

• Advice for LGBTQ+ professionals navigating authenticity

If you've ever wondered whether you truly belong at work, this conversation is for you.

Podcast Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Meet Amanda Millar

01:20 Amanda's Career Journey

07:10 Finding Her Leadership Voice

13:00 Advice to Her Younger Self

15:15 What Authenticity Really Means

20:05 Common Misunderstandings About Authenticity

26:30 LGBTQ+ Mental Health Matters

34:15 Creating Safe Workplace Cultures

37:00 One Leadership Habit That Changes Everything

39:00 What Inclusive Organizations Do Differently

44:15 Advice for LGBTQ+ Professionals

52:40 Hope for the Next Generation

1:00:20 Rapid Fire Questions

1:02:15 Amanda's Final Message