Bring Your Whole Self to Work

• Authenticity in leadership challenges the myth of work-life separation

• Personal experiences are assets that enhance leadership skills

• Sharing our whole selves fosters inclusivity and stronger connections

A recent chat with a bright, aspiring biotech leader opened my eyes to something important: 

She’d been following me on social media for a while, and at my TEDx talk, she met me—and my family—in person for the first time. Afterward, she shared that she'd always pictured me as solely career-focused, without kids. It was a gentle reminder of how easy it is to show only one side of ourselves at work.

Let's be honest, as leaders, we often keep our personal lives under wraps, worried that sharing too much might make us seem less committed or capable. But here's the thing: our experiences outside the office—whether it's juggling family life, overcoming personal hurdles, or pursuing our passions—aren't holding us back. They're actually our secret weapons, making us more empathetic, resilient, and well-rounded leaders.

When we dare to bring our whole selves to work, something magical happens. We become more relatable and we create an environment where others feel safe to do the same. This authenticity builds stronger connections, fosters inclusivity, and ultimately makes us all more effective leaders.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t note that being vulnerable often requires psychological safety, which can’t be found everywhere—if your workplace isn’t psychologically safe, it may be time to focus on finding, or building, an environment that is. 

I want this newsletter to be a place where we can all be our full selves—where we can start a Mirror Movement, sharing the full spectrum of experiences and perspectives that make us who we are. I plan to use this space to do just that, getting even more vulnerable than elsewhere online. 

That’s also because this space belongs to us—and that means we can do things our way. 

So, let’s consider this our collective reminder to let our true colors shine. Our unique experiences and perspectives are what will make this community so brilliant! 

Keep shining, 

Sheila 

This week, challenge yourself to share a personal story or aspect of your life with your team or colleagues. It doesn't have to be deeply private—it could be about a parenting challenge you're facing, a hobby you're passionate about, or a personal goal you're working towards. 

The key is to choose something that shows a different facet of who you are beyond your professional persona. When you do, you’re not only allowing others to see you more holistically but also creating an environment where authenticity is valued. This simple act can foster deeper connections, increase trust, and encourage others to bring their whole selves to work.

My TEDx Talk: 

My TEDx talk "Focus on the Mirror, Not the Glass Ceiling" has been released!

In this talk, I explore a powerful idea: What if the key to truly shattering the glass ceiling is finding the right mirrors? 

I'd be honored if you could take a few minutes to watch the talk and engage with it on YouTube. Your support is crucial for helping this message reach a wider audience.

Here's how you can help amplify this message:

1. Watch the talk here

2. Like the video

3. Leave a thoughtful comment

4. Share it with your network