Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism: How to Stay True to Your Brand While Growing Your Business

Let’s get one thing straight: professionalism doesn’t have to mean boring. In fact, if you’re trying to fit into a mold that doesn’t feel like *you*, you’re doing both yourself and your brand a disservice. The truth is, your authenticity—what makes you uniquely *you*—is your biggest asset in business. It’s what draws people in, makes them trust you, and keeps them coming back for more.

But how do you balance being your authentic self with the expectations of professionalism? How do you lead a boardroom full of seasoned executives with a septum piercing, or stand in front of a group at your old Catholic school with purple hair and still command respect? Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not only possible—it’s powerful.

The Power of Authenticity in Business

When I was first making a name for myself in the world of business, I had this nagging thought in the back of my mind: *Should I tone it down?* I had a fresh tattoo sleeve, I had a septum piercing, and my style definitely leaned more towards edgy than traditional. The idea of "professionalism" seemed to contradict everything about my personal style.

But here’s the thing—I realized that my fashion hair and tattoos weren’t just about aesthetics; they were part of who I am. They represented my creativity, my boldness, and my refusal to fit into a box. And the more I embraced that, the more I attracted clients and collaborators who resonated with my vibe. People didn’t just hire me because I was good at what I do; they hired me because I was unapologetically *me*.

Your authenticity is what sets you apart in a crowded market. It’s the thing that makes your brand memorable. When you show up as your true self, you give others permission to do the same, and that’s a powerful thing in any business relationship.

Redefining Professionalism

So, let’s talk about professionalism. The traditional view of professionalism often conjures up images of suits, conservative hairstyles, and a certain level of detachment. But in today’s world, those old rules are being rewritten. Professionalism is no longer about fitting into a specific mold; it’s about showing up with integrity, delivering on your promises, and treating others with respect—regardless of how you look.

I’ve walked into countless meetings, conferences, and events with my fashion hair on full display and at one point, my septum piercing gleaming, I’ve led boardrooms full of men in their 50s and 60s who probably expected something different. And you know what? I’ve never once lost a client because of it. In fact, I’ve gained more respect by being true to myself. People appreciate authenticity, and they respect someone who is confident enough to be who they are, no matter the setting.

The key is to balance your authenticity with professionalism in a way that feels true to you. Here’s how:

1. Own Your Look

- If you’ve got a unique sense of style, own it. Don’t hide it or downplay it. Confidence is magnetic, and when you’re comfortable in your own skin, others will be comfortable with you too.

2. Focus on the Value You Bring

- Professionalism is about delivering value, not about how you look. If you’re showing up, doing great work, and exceeding expectations, no one is going to care whether you have a sleeve tattoo or a nose ring.

3. Know Your Audience

- While authenticity is key, it’s also important to know your audience and the context in which you’re operating. You don’t have to change who you are, but you might adjust how you present yourself in certain situations. It’s all about finding that balance between staying true to yourself and respecting the environment you’re in.

4. Communicate Clearly and Confidently

- Your communication style is a huge part of how you’re perceived. Whether you’re in a meeting, on a call, or speaking at an event, clear and confident communication goes a long way in establishing your professionalism. Your style might be edgy, but your message should be polished.

Personal Stories: Breaking the Mold and Thriving

Let me share a couple of personal stories that illustrate how authenticity and professionalism can go hand in hand.

Not long ago, I was invited to speak at my former Catholic school—a place where I had walked the halls in a uniform, following strict rules. Fast forward to 2019, and there I was with purple hair, standing in front of former teachers and faculty. I’ll admit, I had a moment of doubt. *What are they thinking about me right now* But as I spoke, sharing my journey and insights, I saw the room leaning in, hanging onto every word. Afterward, my former teachers told me how proud of me they were and that they always knew I was destined for great things. It reminded them—and me—that true professionalism is about the message, not the look.

And then there was the time I was hired to teach workshops at a university. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. What if they looked me up on social media and decided I wasn’t “professional” enough? But instead of hiding who I was, I embraced it. I showed up as my authentic self—edgy, creative, and full of personality. And guess what? The workshops were a hit. The students connected with me because I was real, and the university was thrilled with the results.

These experiences taught me that authenticity isn’t just acceptable—it’s desirable. When you show up as your true self, you attract the right opportunities, the right clients, and the right collaborators.

How to Balance Authenticity and Professionalism in Your Brand

Now, let’s talk about how you can apply this to your own brand. Whether you’re rocking bright colors, bold fashion, or simply a personality that doesn’t fit the traditional mold, here’s how to balance authenticity with professionalism:

1. Define Your Brand Values

- What do you stand for? What are the core values that guide your business? When you’re clear on your values, it’s easier to make decisions about how you present yourself and your brand.

2. Be Consistent

- Consistency is key to building trust. Whether you’re posting on social media, meeting with clients, or speaking at events, make sure that your brand’s voice, tone, and style are consistent. This helps reinforce your authenticity and establishes your professionalism.

3. Showcase Your Personality

- Your personality is a huge part of your brand. Don’t be afraid to let it shine through in your content, your interactions, and your presentations. People connect with people, not just businesses, so let them see the real you.

4. Deliver Exceptional Results

- At the end of the day, professionalism is about delivering results. Make sure that you’re backing up your authenticity with high-quality work and excellent service. When you consistently deliver, your unique style will be seen as a strength, not a liability.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Brand’s Superpower

In a world where everyone’s trying to fit in, standing out is your superpower. Whether it’s your purple hair, your tattoos, or just your bold personality, embrace it. Your authenticity is what will make your brand unforgettable and your business unstoppable.

Remember, you don’t have to choose between being authentic and being professional—you can be both. And when you strike that balance, you’ll find that your brand not only grows but thrives.

So, go ahead and break the mold. Be unapologetically you. The world needs more people who are brave enough to show up as their true selves, especially in business.

---

Ready to embrace your authenticity and elevate your brand? Let’s connect! Whether you’re looking for a one-on-one strategy session or guidance on how to infuse more of *you* into your brand, I’m here to help. Together, we’ll create a brand that’s not just professional but unforgettable.