🌟 Being Your Authentic Self at Work: The Power of Visibility and Vulnerability 🌈
In today’s evolving work environment, the importance of 🌍 diversity, ⚖️ equity, 🤝 inclusion, and 🤗 belonging (DEIB) is undeniable. But what does it truly mean to be your authentic self at work, especially if you’re part of the 🌈 LGBTQIA+ community or any other underrepresented group? I recently had the privilege of speaking at a 🏳️🌈 diversity event at my company, and I’d love to share some reflections on what authenticity means, why it matters, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive culture.
Choosing to Be Visible 👀
Being authentic at work is not always an easy decision. For many of us, it starts with coming out — not just once, but over and over again. Each time we meet new people or enter new environments, we have to decide whether or not to be open about who we are. This repeated process of coming out can be challenging, especially when we don’t know how others will react. For me, it has meant making the choice, again and again, to be visible, even when it feels awkward or uncertain.
When I first moved to 🇩🇰 Denmark in my 20s, I made a promise to myself: I would never hide who I am again. And when I joined Vestas, I kept that promise. For the last 13 years, I have continued to come out at work, choosing to be my true self despite the fears that come with it. In my early years at the company, there wasn’t much focus on 🌍 diversity and inclusion — no conversations, no policies, no efforts to make people feel like they belonged. But I chose to be visible anyway, hoping that one day the company would catch up.
A Changing Culture 🔄
And it did. In recent years, I’ve seen a real transformation in how we approach DEIB. This shift became particularly evident to me two years ago when I was asked to speak at the Vestas Leadership Forum (VLF) about my experience being my true self at work. Standing on that stage, in front of the company’s top 250 leaders, I was nervous beyond belief. The environment was highly formal, with everyone dressed in 👔 suits, and the stakes felt high. My ❤️ was pounding — quite literally, as my ⌚ Apple Watch later confirmed with an average heart rate of 157 beats per minute.
But I chose to share my story. I talked about why it mattered for me to be out at work, and why it’s important that we create spaces where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. And to my surprise, my vulnerability was met not with silence, but with warmth and understanding. After the speech, I received a standing ovation 👏, and over the course of the day, hundreds of my colleagues — many of them suited senior leaders — came up to thank me. Some shared their own stories, about their 🌈 LGBTQIA+ children or family members. It was a reminder that when one person dares to be vulnerable, it can inspire others to be brave too.
The Power of Authenticity 💪
Being your true self at work isn’t just about self-acceptance — it’s about making an impact that can change the entire culture of an organization. When we let down our walls, we give others permission to do the same. Authenticity is contagious, and it can lead to a ripple effect that fosters deeper connections and a more inclusive environment. It’s about recognizing that behind every professional façade, we are all human, and we all deserve to feel seen and accepted. 🤗
Questions for Reflection 💭
As we continue our conversations around 🌍 diversity and inclusion, it’s worth reflecting on a few questions that can help us foster authenticity in our workplaces:
- How can we support our colleagues in feeling safe to be their true selves?
- What barriers — both internal and external — prevent people from being authentic at work, and how can we work to remove them?
- How can leaders create an environment where everyone, regardless of identity, feels like they belong?
- What role does vulnerability play in creating a culture of inclusion, and how can we encourage it?
Creating a Culture of Belonging 🤗
At the end of the day, fostering a culture of belonging is about more than just policies and initiatives — it’s about how we treat each other, every single day. It’s about choosing to be visible, supporting others in their journeys, and remembering that authenticity is powerful. When we dare to be ourselves, we pave the way for others to do the same, and together we create a workplace where everyone can thrive. 🌱
So, let’s keep having these conversations. Let’s keep showing up for each other, being open, and remembering that at our core, we are all human — and we all deserve to be seen. 🌍✨
