My roadmap for authentic living
Many of us talk about values—what's important to us, how we want to live—but do you have a playbook for how those values show up in your daily life and work? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. A year ago, I didn’t either.
As an executive coach, I’ve long prided myself on knowing my core values and helping others define theirs. But something was missing. I hadn't taken the time to truly understand what those values looked like when translated into action. It wasn’t until I worked with a branding strategist, digging deep to uncover not just what I thought I believed in, but what my soul longed to express, that things clicked. I wasn’t interested in the expectations of my upbringing or societal norms—I wanted to connect to the values that felt most true to me.
Through that journey, I identified five key values that resonate deeply with who I am: Soul. Passion. Connection. Empathy. Kindness. But it’s not just about naming these values. It’s about bringing them to life in a tangible way—because when I live these values with intention, I feel the most connected to my true self.
Here’s what that looks like for me in practice:
Be a pop of color in a sea of gray. This is about standing out, being unapologetically myself, and bringing energy and creativity into every space I enter.
Are you present? Authenticity requires presence. It’s about being fully engaged in each moment, in every conversation, and with every person.
Express yourself. Don’t hold back. Whether through words, actions, or creativity, this is about showing up fully, without censoring or dulling your light.
Make a million generous assumptions. Lead with empathy and always assume good intent in others, no matter the circumstances. It’s a shift in mindset that changes how we relate to the world.
Give everyone an inspirational experience. Whether it’s through a simple interaction or something more significant, I strive to leave others uplifted, motivated, or seen in a new way.
When I consciously align with these principles, I lead with greater clarity, intention, and authenticity. And the more I focus on living these values out loud, the more deeply connected I feel to my purpose.
What values can you put into action this week? Share your thoughts below.
For the world needs who you were made to be.
