Embracing Transparency, Authenticity While Defining The Line Between Personal Life & Professional Journey

This past year has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and an ongoing quest to understand how my true self can impact both my personal and professional life. As I’ve dug deeper into what it means to show up authentically, I’ve realized that the lessons I’ve learned about myself are the key to finding balance and clarity in everything I do. These 32 revelations have transformed my approach to professionalism, relationships, and life in general.

1. Authenticity Is My Power

I’ve learned that the more I lean into who I truly am, the more successful and fulfilled I feel. Whether in personal relationships or business, showing up as myself has opened doors I didn’t know existed. It also has defined and shaped who I work with, people I am friends with and so much more.

2. Transparency Breeds Trust

Being transparent with others—whether clients, colleagues, or friends—builds trust and sets the foundation for strong relationships. Transparency has become my cornerstone for meaningful connections. YOU WILL FIND YOUR HUMANS this way.

3. Not Everyone Will Understand Me, and That’s Okay

Not everyone is going to love me, and that’s perfectly fine. I’ve learned to stop wasting energy trying to win people over who aren’t aligned with my values.

4. Personal and Professional Aren’t Always Separate

I used to think there was a clear divide between personal and professional life. Now, I’ve realized that my personal values and authenticity are central to how I navigate my career. The core of who I am is personal don't let the professionalism stigma blind your core.

5. My Core Circle is Everything

Surrounding myself with people who accept me for who I am has been one of the greatest shifts in both my personal and professional life.

6. Vulnerability Is Strength

Vulnerability, once something I avoided, has proven to be a source of strength. Being open about challenges and struggles invites connection rather than judgment.

7. I Am My Best Asset

The more I’ve embraced the fact that I am my own best asset, the more I’ve been able to grow professionally. My unique perspective and skillset are valuable, and I’m learning to stand confidently in that.

8. Boundaries Are Empowering

Setting boundaries has been a game-changer. It’s not selfish—it's necessary for preserving my energy, focus, and mental well-being.

9. Listening Is Underrated

Be present in your one-on-one moments. Listening is essential in both building relationships and making informed decisions.

10. Being Unapologetically Myself Isn’t Just About Me

By being myself, I inspire others to do the same. Authenticity is contagious, and it creates space for others to be real too.

11. It’s Okay to Be a Work in Progress

Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. I’ve accepted that I’m still learning, evolving, and growing, and that’s the beauty of life and career. STAY LEARNING!

12. Self-Awareness Drives Professionalism

The more self-aware I am, the better I can navigate professional settings. Knowing my strengths, weaknesses, and triggers allows me to approach challenges with grace.

13. I Don’t Need to Please Everyone

People-pleasing was a default setting I’ve worked hard to undo. Pleasing everyone leaves you empty; I now focus on pleasing the people who truly matter.

14. Confidence and Humility Can Coexist

Confidence in my abilities doesn’t mean I can’t also be humble. In fact, the two traits complement each other in unexpected ways.

15. Saying No is a Form of Self-Care

Learning to say no has been crucial in maintaining my sanity and ensuring I’m aligned with the right opportunities.

16. Connection Is More Important Than Networking

I’ve stopped focusing on collecting business cards and started focusing on meaningful connections. It’s made a world of difference.

17. Not Every Opinion Matters

Feedback is valuable, but not every opinion needs to shape my path. I’ve learned to filter out the noise and focus on what truly resonates.

18. I Can Be Both Soft and Strong

Embracing my softness and vulnerability hasn’t weakened me—it’s made me more resilient and adaptable in difficult situations.

19. Mentorship is a Two-Way Street

I’ve learned as much from those I’ve mentored as I have from my mentors. Professional growth comes from being open to learning at all levels.

20. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable

Burnout is real, and I’ve learned that taking time for myself is essential for showing up fully in every other area of my life. I take priority so I can take care of my circle.

21. My Voice Matters

Whether in meetings or personal conversations, I’ve realized that my voice—what I have to say—matters. I no longer shrink away from sharing it. In fact, I now know I do not fit where mavericks are not embraced.

22. Detours Can Lead to Beautiful Destinations

Not everything in life or business goes according to plan, but I’ve learned that the detours often lead to the most meaningful growth.

23. Aligning Personal and Professional Values is Key

When my personal and professional values align, I feel more fulfilled and focused in both realms.

24. Not Every Battle is Worth Fighting

Learning when to let things go has brought me immense peace. Some battles just aren’t worth the emotional toll.

25. Community is Vital

Finding a professional community that supports and challenges me has been invaluable for growth and motivation. Don't leave your community in one industry.

26. Comparison is the Thief of Joy

I’ve let go of comparing myself to others. My journey is uniquely mine, and comparison only detracts from my success. Me vs me always.

27. Clarity Comes Through Action

Overthinking gets me nowhere. Clarity comes from taking action, even if it means making mistakes along the way. Business moves at the speed of decision, we can learn from action - standing still doesn't get us far.

28. Emotional Intelligence is as Important as IQ

Navigating relationships, both personal and professional, requires emotional intelligence—understanding my own emotions and those of others.

29. Feedback is a Gift

I’ve learned to embrace feedback, even when it’s tough. It’s an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.

30. It’s Okay to Walk Away

Not every relationship, job, or opportunity is meant to last. I’ve learned to walk away when something no longer serves me, without guilt.

31. My Energy is My Most Valuable Currency

Where I spend my energy directly impacts my success and happiness. I’ve learned to invest it wisely.

32. Love Those Who Love You

At the end of the day, the people who love me for who I am are the ones who matter. I’ve stopped chasing validation from those who never will.

Owning My Authenticity

This year has been about learning, unlearning, and fully embracing who I am—flaws and all. Transparency, to me, means showing up authentically in every space I occupy, knowing that my value doesn’t change based on external opinions. I’ve learned that while not everyone will love me, those who do accept me are the ones I need to invest in. Professionally, this has meant aligning with people and opportunities that allow me to show up as my true self, and walking away from those that don’t.