I have always been authentically myself and got attacked mercilessly for it. It does not matter how you behave as soon as positive character traits can be associated with your existence it will bother people. Especially other women that like to see or think of you in a negative light. Your light is irritating their demons.
It's a movement, we're understanding our worth, loving, and caring ourselves in ways we've never given ourselves permission to before. There's got to be a shift, and the time is now.
Remote work as a safe haven for non-conformists is an intriguing idea. Would really go so far towards unlocking diverse voices without putting them in vulnerable positions
I had my leadership team listen to this talk and it sparked a deep discussion around how we can show up better for each other. More organizations need to share this with their teams. DEI is important to the fabric of business and growth of the American business culture. Great job!
The story about adjusting appearance for the C-suite hits hard. It's a vivid reminder of the challenges individuals face in conforming to outdated norms. The call to embrace authenticity is a rallying cry we all need to hear!
Leaders can't expect team members to return to work, when for so many it was and still unsafe. What are we returning to? Leaders have to invest in the development of an authentic leadership style ASAP.
When she talked about invisibility as a safety measure, it really opened my eyes. It’s sad but important for us to realize what some colleagues might be going through.
I appreciate the push for authenticity in leadership roles... not just so people like myself can have a chance but so I can feel like the people I'm working for are actually people you know?
I'm just heading back into the workforce after 3 years off for personal reasons and this is such a good reminder to stay true to myself even if it means navigating against the norm
I love the idea that working from home can be like a safe space for our authenticity because the ulterior mindsets are all a bit depressing tbh! I'm ready to start seeing it as less isolating and more protective. Thank you.
It's still astonishing to me that it's only in 23 state's in the US. Hair discrimination in the workplace should be the last thing anyone should have to worry about.
The struggle to fit into traditional leadership archetypes is something many can relate to and we definitely need a shift, thanks for bringing more awareness on the topic!
Absolutely love this perspective! It's time for leaders to embrace authenticity and create a safe space for everyone to bring their true selves to work.
This whole talk is so powerful but the conclusion really got me. Change like this begins when leaders create authentic, diverse environments where people aren't just accepted but included and celebrated. I don't know why that's hard for some people to understand.
Celebrating and elevating our differences can be hard because it challenges us to interrogate our values and beliefs. But you're right, it's time to be inclusive and celebrate our differences.
This is a major call out!!! Retention rates are the real test of effective leadership. You're 100% correct, authentic leaders create a team synergy that's unmatched. Teammates feel like they're a part of the team, and that improves retention.
This is why it's so important to seek external perspectives and opinions on things. I've never thought about how people might need to censor themselves for the workplace and I'm in a leadership position. Thank you.
Exploring how virtual spaces can provide a more inclusive environment is definitely something worth doing! She makes so many valid points about the status quo and how disheartening it is when you're made to feel like you have to sacrifice this big parts of yourself in order to fit in with that
The Crown Act revelation is eye-opening. It's disheartening to see the slow progress in legislation. This adds another layer to the complexity of the struggle for authenticity. We need more awareness and advocacy for change.
I've often felt this, and also the guardedness in making friends at work, having to be so wary of showing who you actually are. Can be pretty exhausting tbh
Someone once said that a person's success can be charted by the number of work besties they have. Ummmmm what?! That's a frightening idea because so many people feel isolated at work for a variety of reasons. But that shouldn't determine upward mobility and opportunity for promotion. But it does.
Those stats on blaq women in C-suite positions were pretty appalling honestly and quite the eye-opener. Definitely time for the corporate world to rethink their approach to leadership. I know for me anyway there's something about earning the approval of a blaq woman that just is so validating and I think bringing that into a work environment would be pretty powerful
Being the personification of values - it's not just a leadership mantra but a call for authenticity in action. Walking the talk is what separates leaders from figureheads.
The part about the Crown Act and its impact made me think about how policies can shape and inform our work environments which when you think about it are sort of just microcosms of society.
It's gut wrenching and so complex. Imagine being unsafe (psychologically, physically, emotionally) going to work??? Welp...that's a longstanding reality of so many people.
In my experience I've had to change myself to match the company culture no matter how much my experiences already aligns with the role. It makes me feel like a chameleon and I have to be so careful about who I make actual friends with
The Crown Act was so surprising to me, especially that it was only so recently passed AND that it's only in in 23 states... like seriously?? It's 2024!!
I think creating workplaces where people are comfortable presenting in their true authentic form would be a heck of a lot to increase the work-life balance. Part of why working can be such a drag is the pretending to be someone else in all of it. Like I can still do the work whether I'm in a tracksuit, power suit or brilliant orange dress thank you very much!
Leadership archetypes definitely need to be revised. The Great Man Theory and command-and-control are outdated for sure. Time for more inclusive models that reflect todays reality.
Her final thoughts on the safety of working from home for those who can't be themselves at work really got me thinking. It's a really valid perspective that I hope more people in leadership roles will hear and consider.
This is a much needed discussion! I recently saw another TEDx talk about authenticity at work and how important it is and of course it was being given by a wyt man. I couldn't believe it and I said yeah sure it's fine _for you_ what about people whose whole self isn't *_safe_* to bring into a workplace because those in charge don't know how to interact with or treat them?
She makes some great points about how a C-suite executive should look... like who decided you couldn't be taken seriously unless you're wearing some basic suit?
I've never really thought about how people who feel like they don't "fit in" would find so much relief in not having to come in to the physical workplace and honestly why should they be made to? If they can do the job from home and feel more confident or better doing it that way they should be allowed to
The part about visibility versus invisibility really made me rethink workplace dynamics... kind of ashamed to admit I didn't realize how much could be happening below the surface. Obviously that speaks to my privilege that I've never thought about it before or been affected by it. Will definitely try to do better at noticing those small things.
Learning about the Crown Act was really illuminating for me. I had no idea about it let alone that it only happened in the last 5 years. Hate to think how many people were censoring themselves so heavily they couldn't even wear their hair the way they wanted
Interestingly, this legislative session in Colorado there was a bill to add hair length to the CROWN act legislation. This would add hair length to the 2020 bill.
It's hard to believe that there are many people who don't feel safe in their work environments. But it's our responsibility as leaders to consider who may not feel safe, and how can we make shifts to increase psychological safety. Thanks for watching!
I had no idea woman and bIack women in particular felt this way. I have a pretty corporate job and personally I wouldn't think any less of someone for wearing a beautiful bright dress. If I looked good in brightly colored suits I would want to wear them as well! But I understand what she's saying about all those feelings of looking like you don't belong and I can imagine it would be a lot worse for POC
The idea of being safer working remotely for those who can't conform to the status quo is intriguing. Definitely a fresh perspective but also somewhat saddening.
If we can challenge those in leadership roles to align their actions with the beliefs of the companies we work for it would create a foundation for trust and genuine collaboration... depending on where you work I guess 😅
Her story about the orange dress really shows the struggles with identity many face at work and it seems pretty unfair, especially in light of all the bring your whole/authentic self rhetoric that's going around at the moment. Like, bring your whole self, as long as it fits in with the status quo
The story about keeping the orange lipstick made a big impression on me... sad to think that that's the only safe way she had to express herself during work hours.
The mention of microaggressions and negative reactions is real. Authenticity should never come at the cost of safety.
One positive from the pandemic is working from home. I think everyone should have this option.
You think! I love working from home. Some employers don't get it even though it can work out more productive and cost-effective for them🤔
The best thing ever that came from it. Yep!
This is a underrated topic that needs to be discussed a lot more.
Three empowering take aways, "Know Thyself, See Thyself. And Be Thyself". Rules to live by.
Thank you!
I'm a little embarrassed but I've never thought about how remote work would provide safety for authenticity. I guess that speaks to my privilege.
Kudos to you for being open to explore the idea of workplace psychological safety as it pertains to flexible work,
This is retarded^^^^^^^^ all of it. There are so many workplace laws against discrimination against work.
I have always been authentically myself and got attacked mercilessly for it. It does not matter how you behave as soon as positive character traits can be associated with your existence it will bother people. Especially other women that like to see or think of you in a negative light. Your light is irritating their demons.
@@DaffieA its not you, its those that attack. they live in fear
Preach! The struggle for authenticity in the workplace is real. Loving the call for genuine leadership and breaking away from outdated archetypes
It's a movement, we're understanding our worth, loving, and caring ourselves in ways we've never given ourselves permission to before. There's got to be a shift, and the time is now.
I was in class and Simone came to do a talk with us. It's amazing watching her speak again in this clip!!
Hi Izzy! You were so engaged in class. Keep shining your brilliance in the world.
@@SimoneDRoss i will do my best!! And take your words into my next career!
Remote work as a safe haven for non-conformists is an intriguing idea. Would really go so far towards unlocking diverse voices without putting them in vulnerable positions
I had my leadership team listen to this talk and it sparked a deep discussion around how we can show up better for each other. More organizations need to share this with their teams. DEI is important to the fabric of business and growth of the American business culture. Great job!
Remote work as a safety net for authenticity is an interesting idea. It's time for leaders to rethink the traditional office culture.
The story about adjusting appearance for the C-suite hits hard. It's a vivid reminder of the challenges individuals face in conforming to outdated norms. The call to embrace authenticity is a rallying cry we all need to hear!
The call for leaders to create a safe space for authenticity is crucial. It's a responsibility that shouldn't be ignored.
Leaders can't expect team members to return to work, when for so many it was and still unsafe. What are we returning to? Leaders have to invest in the development of an authentic leadership style ASAP.
When she talked about invisibility as a safety measure, it really opened my eyes. It’s sad but important for us to realize what some colleagues might be going through.
I appreciate the push for authenticity in leadership roles... not just so people like myself can have a chance but so I can feel like the people I'm working for are actually people you know?
Absolutely! It's important to see the humanity in others.
I'm just heading back into the workforce after 3 years off for personal reasons and this is such a good reminder to stay true to myself even if it means navigating against the norm
Yes! Don't loose yourself, you have too many unique and valuable things to offer.
Know thyself, see thyself, be thyself-powerful advice! Authenticity is a game-changer in leadership.
She is pushing for real change that can make all our workplaces better.
I love the idea that working from home can be like a safe space for our authenticity because the ulterior mindsets are all a bit depressing tbh! I'm ready to start seeing it as less isolating and more protective. Thank you.
The discussion on shedding parts of our authentic selves to fit in is something I think many can relate to.
Honestly, it's painful...you shed and you deplete, then repeat (I didn't mean to rhyme lol). Then over time you become unrecognizable to yourself.
The mention of the Crown Act sheds light on the systemic issues. Authenticity should never be compromised. Great insights shared here!
It's still astonishing to me that it's only in 23 state's in the US. Hair discrimination in the workplace should be the last thing anyone should have to worry about.
My thoughts exactly!
The way she insists on leaders being the personification of their values is such a powerful call to action.
Leaders won't always get it right, but the effects are profound when leaders try and improve.
The struggle to fit into traditional leadership archetypes is something many can relate to and we definitely need a shift, thanks for bringing more awareness on the topic!
The struggle blaq women face in the workplace is real. We need systemic change to ensure equity for all.
Absolutely love this perspective! It's time for leaders to embrace authenticity and create a safe space for everyone to bring their true selves to work.
Creating safe workplaces for people to bring their whole selves to work will be the competitive advantage for sustainable workplaces.
I agree. I took a hybrid job post pandemic and feel so miserable. Working from home was the best, I took it for granted
It's a difficult balance, and not all yours to figure out. Leaders have to take a different approach to leadership, and the culture they create.
Gosh it would be wonderful if we could bring our whole selves to work, wouldn't I?
Giving you a standing ovation Sis for a powerful and much-needed word!
It was wonderful to share the TEDx stage with you!
The journey of self-reclamation is inspiring. The corporate world needs to catch up and embrace diverse leadership styles.
This whole talk is so powerful but the conclusion really got me. Change like this begins when leaders create authentic, diverse environments where people aren't just accepted but included and celebrated. I don't know why that's hard for some people to understand.
Celebrating and elevating our differences can be hard because it challenges us to interrogate our values and beliefs. But you're right, it's time to be inclusive and celebrate our differences.
Wow, powerful talk! The emphasis on knowing, seeing, and being oneself is crucial. Authenticity should be celebrated and not stifled.
Thank you for leading the conversation on authenticity Simone! You are community in action. Big love!
Thank you for taking to to watch! Love you BIG
Great talk, elegant speaker
Getting the job is all about fitting in. People that do the hiring are also looking for people they know they'll get along with. Sad but true.
The connection between authenticity and talent retention is a wake-up call. Leaders, let's embrace and leverage the power of diversity!
This is a major call out!!! Retention rates are the real test of effective leadership. You're 100% correct, authentic leaders create a team synergy that's unmatched. Teammates feel like they're a part of the team, and that improves retention.
This is why it's so important to seek external perspectives and opinions on things. I've never thought about how people might need to censor themselves for the workplace and I'm in a leadership position. Thank you.
Thank you for watching and being open to the perspective I shared.
Exactly, we are also taught to wait our turn meaning sit back and watch others be great!!!
The time is now, and it's your turn! Walk in your light, elevate your superpowers, show up authentically, and GO GET IT!
Exploring how virtual spaces can provide a more inclusive environment is definitely something worth doing! She makes so many valid points about the status quo and how disheartening it is when you're made to feel like you have to sacrifice this big parts of yourself in order to fit in with that
Those sacrifices of authentic self leave such an empty feeling. There's an ROI to authentic leadership.
Yes .. Yes and MORE YES!!! Super proud of you Simone. Big love!
Agree. I have been fully remote since 2020. I don't miss the office one bit.
The Crown Act revelation is eye-opening. It's disheartening to see the slow progress in legislation. This adds another layer to the complexity of the struggle for authenticity. We need more awareness and advocacy for change.
All of these systemic barriers need to change, and it starts with awareness and advocacy.
Asé. Indeed. Here. Here.
I've often felt this, and also the guardedness in making friends at work, having to be so wary of showing who you actually are. Can be pretty exhausting tbh
Someone once said that a person's success can be charted by the number of work besties they have. Ummmmm what?! That's a frightening idea because so many people feel isolated at work for a variety of reasons. But that shouldn't determine upward mobility and opportunity for promotion. But it does.
Those stats on blaq women in C-suite positions were pretty appalling honestly and quite the eye-opener. Definitely time for the corporate world to rethink their approach to leadership. I know for me anyway there's something about earning the approval of a blaq woman that just is so validating and I think bringing that into a work environment would be pretty powerful
The struggle with how to look in a C-suite is real and we need more stories like this to challenges what's considered "the normal look"
We had the pleasure of seeing this talk in the live audience, and Simone Ross did an amazing job. What an inspirational TEDx talk!
Thank you for the positive energy, I could feel it.
Being the personification of values - it's not just a leadership mantra but a call for authenticity in action. Walking the talk is what separates leaders from figureheads.
The part about the Crown Act and its impact made me think about how policies can shape and inform our work environments which when you think about it are sort of just microcosms of society.
You're so right.
Even just the title of this talk says so much 💔
Yes, I thought the same thing.
It's gut wrenching and so complex. Imagine being unsafe (psychologically, physically, emotionally) going to work??? Welp...that's a longstanding reality of so many people.
It’s clear that many corporate cultures are lagging behind personal development. Comes down to the company I think, and how much they actually care.
Agree!!
This makes me sad to think there might be so many people feeling uncomfortable at work
Amazing job by an amazing woman!
It’s inspiring to hear her urge leaders to really know themselves. It really does all start with knowledge of self.
It's the pillar of effective leadership, many leaders don't go down the path of truly understanding themselves.
This was a necessary talk! I love EVERYTHING about this!
I realized immediately how beneficial it was for mentally to remote work.
Loved the emphasis on radical self-awareness! Knowing yourself is the first step towards contributing to an inclusive and authentic workplace!
Everything starts from within, that's the hardest work and it's never finished.
Simone, you rock!
In my experience I've had to change myself to match the company culture no matter how much my experiences already aligns with the role. It makes me feel like a chameleon and I have to be so careful about who I make actual friends with
Powerful and meaningful, thank you Simone
The Crown Act was so surprising to me, especially that it was only so recently passed AND that it's only in in 23 states... like seriously?? It's 2024!!
I think creating workplaces where people are comfortable presenting in their true authentic form would be a heck of a lot to increase the work-life balance. Part of why working can be such a drag is the pretending to be someone else in all of it. Like I can still do the work whether I'm in a tracksuit, power suit or brilliant orange dress thank you very much!
There's no correlation between attire and IQ or EQ. If I feel good, safe, and am healthy my output is higher.
Outstanding job Simone!
Thank you Soror
Leadership archetypes definitely need to be revised. The Great Man Theory and command-and-control are outdated for sure. Time for more inclusive models that reflect todays reality.
Her final thoughts on the safety of working from home for those who can't be themselves at work really got me thinking. It's a really valid perspective that I hope more people in leadership roles will hear and consider.
Inspiring speech! The shift towards authentic leadership engagements is overdue. Time for leaders to truly see and be themselves.
This is a much needed discussion! I recently saw another TEDx talk about authenticity at work and how important it is and of course it was being given by a wyt man. I couldn't believe it and I said yeah sure it's fine _for you_ what about people whose whole self isn't *_safe_* to bring into a workplace because those in charge don't know how to interact with or treat them?
She makes some great points about how a C-suite executive should look... like who decided you couldn't be taken seriously unless you're wearing some basic suit?
What about people that are not in the c suite?
I've never really thought about how people who feel like they don't "fit in" would find so much relief in not having to come in to the physical workplace and honestly why should they be made to? If they can do the job from home and feel more confident or better doing it that way they should be allowed to
The part about visibility versus invisibility really made me rethink workplace dynamics... kind of ashamed to admit I didn't realize how much could be happening below the surface. Obviously that speaks to my privilege that I've never thought about it before or been affected by it. Will definitely try to do better at noticing those small things.
Learning about the Crown Act was really illuminating for me. I had no idea about it let alone that it only happened in the last 5 years. Hate to think how many people were censoring themselves so heavily they couldn't even wear their hair the way they wanted
Interestingly, this legislative session in Colorado there was a bill to add hair length to the CROWN act legislation. This would add hair length to the 2020 bill.
Excellent Talk!!! Yesssssss!!! Speak on it!
I agree, I am safer working remotely. And happier.
these “Authentic Agreements” could really turn leadership on its head.
That's the goal! It's time to turn leadership on it's head. Our workforce and business sustainability depends on it.
Outstanding footage!!! Yessssss!!!
I've never made the connection about how remote work would be safer for non-status quo individuals.
It's hard to believe that there are many people who don't feel safe in their work environments. But it's our responsibility as leaders to consider who may not feel safe, and how can we make shifts to increase psychological safety. Thanks for watching!
I had no idea woman and bIack women in particular felt this way. I have a pretty corporate job and personally I wouldn't think any less of someone for wearing a beautiful bright dress. If I looked good in brightly colored suits I would want to wear them as well! But I understand what she's saying about all those feelings of looking like you don't belong and I can imagine it would be a lot worse for POC
Awitte giiirrrl do it. So proud of you
The idea of being safer working remotely for those who can't conform to the status quo is intriguing. Definitely a fresh perspective but also somewhat saddening.
If we can challenge those in leadership roles to align their actions with the beliefs of the companies we work for it would create a foundation for trust and genuine collaboration... depending on where you work I guess 😅
Great Talk Simone!!! =-)
I've never had to work a corporate job but I know about having to censor myself and I can't imagine having to do that on a daily
holy shh I didn't even know the crown act was a thing or even that it only passed 4 years ago??
Wow, interesting...
Interesting talk, but changing corporate culture is easier said than done.
Agreed, but it takes leaders like us to make shifts.
Good ❤
It's verry okay 👌
If it's not safe for you to be who you are at work just because the color of your skin then your workplace is effed
I completely get where she's coming from but I can't help but feel like working from home might could just perpetuate a cycle of division
The stats about women of color in leadership positions are really alarming....
Her story about the orange dress really shows the struggles with identity many face at work and it seems pretty unfair, especially in light of all the bring your whole/authentic self rhetoric that's going around at the moment. Like, bring your whole self, as long as it fits in with the status quo
Je suis désolée je ne comprends pas anglais je parle français merci
The story about keeping the orange lipstick made a big impression on me... sad to think that that's the only safe way she had to express herself during work hours.
අම්මට හුකන්නද ad වලට දාල තියෙන්නේ