Why you should not bring your authentic self to work

In this 2020 TEDxSeattle talk, Jodi-Ann Burey explores the nuances of what professionals of color and other underrepresented groups face when they are told to “bring your authentic self to work.” Many who do so may face backlash when navigating company cultures designed around white privilege, exposing themselves to penalties for not conforming to the dominant culture. Burey calls for people of color and other underrepresented people to focus their energies on realizing their own imaginations for racial justice on their terms. Separately, Burey outlines steps toward achieving more equitable and just workplaces, and implores company leadership and people with privilege to accept accountability for changing their cultures.
More to explore: 

• Learn more about Jodi-Ann Burey: https://jodiannburey.com/
• Listen to Jodi-Ann Burey’s podcast on health and race, Black Cancer: https://www.blackcancer.co/ 
• Luvvie Ajayi shares why you should “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QijH4UAqGD8 
• Check out Mena Fombo’s TEDx Talk, “No. You Cannot Touch My Hair!” at TEDxBristol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLQzz75yE5A 
• Learn about the cost of racism on people of color in David R. Williams’ talk, “How Racism Makes Us Sick”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzyjDR_AWzE&t=3s
• Check out Janet Stovall’s TED Talk, “How to get serious about diversity and inclusion in the workplace”:
  https://www.ted.com/talks/janet_stovall_how_to_get_serious_about_diversity_and_inclusion_in_the_workplace