The Paradox of Authenticity; A Leadership Discussion for Women

How many times have you heard or read that you will be more successful as a leader if you are "true to yourself," "authentic," or that you should "just be yourself." Is this good advice? Despite the fact that authenticity has been recommended so often that it has become “the gold standard of leadership,” the author of this Harvard Business Review cover article cautions against it. We’ll explore together what it means to be authentic and the notion of being "true to self" and its potential downsides. Come prepared to discuss, having read the article: What type of authenticity is the author recommending and why? How can we get comfortable with being "playful" in the author’s words, to explore "what kinds of leaders we might become?" What new leadership behaviors might you personally try out that might serve you well? What special insights and success stories can we share and apply as women leaders?  Reflect on your own beliefs and experiences and expect to listen to colleagues and dialogue  (not debate), as we examine the complex and important subject of leadership authenticity.

Laura V. Page is a highly experienced management consultant who has assisted hundreds of profit, government and nonprofit organizations on issues of communication, conflict resolution, team building and leadership development. In 2015, Laura returned to the University of Wisconsin – Madison and she is the Area Director of Leadership and Management Programs for the Division of Continuing Studies, after 20+ years as an independent consultant. Before starting her own firm, Laura was the Manager of Business Counseling for UW-Madison's Small Business Development Center.  Previously she was a management consultant in Chicago with Ernst & Young (EY). Laura holds a Master's degree in Management Development from UW- Madison, and a Master's in Marketing, a for-credit Certificate in Administration, and a Bachelor's in Philosophy from Northwestern University.  Laura is a member, service award recipient, and designated "Master Trainer" of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) – formerly the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), SouthCentral Wisconsin Chapter, and she is an active member of the Greater Madison Area chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).