Be yourself. Everyone else is taken. ~ Oscar Wilde
In 2013, we launched the Women’s Executive Breakfast Series with our first topic, “Leading with Authenticity.” These informative sessions are unique: we look at some of the most pressing issues facing women professionals and how these issues impact health, physiology, and overall wellness.
The demand is high, and our first two sessions sold out. Discussions were rousing, the findings were actionable, the groups expressed they were hungry for more, and we will deliver.
Authenticity Rises to the Top
Authenticity was the number one issue uncovered during our mini-focus groups this past summer, and was echoed by CEOs and other leaders at the 2013 annual Wharton Leadership Conference. It bubbled up organically in panel discussions, during the course of conversations, and was singled out as key to both business success, as well as discipline surrounding being mindful of health and well-being.
The flip side of that coin is the impact being inauthentic can have on one’s health. The stress of being in an environment which does not embrace authenticity or align with one’s values can — not surprisingly — lead to a laundry list of health problems associated with stress:
- headaches
- GI upset
- muscle and joint aches and pains
- weight and sleep issues
- anxiety and depression
- memory impairment, to name just a few
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, check out tools you can use to Be Less Stressed.
Be Yourself and No One Else
Now that we’re well into the New Year, ask yourself, “Am I feeling the stress of not being authentic?” If the answer is yes, then decide if you’ve reached a point where you’re ready to do something about it. Then take action. To get you started, find a few tips here in “An Ode to Authentic Leadership.”