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Workplace pep talks about “authenticity” keep multiplying, but a new conversation argues those mantras can be dangerous for some employees. On Code Switch, B.A. Parker speaks with author Jodi-Ann Burey about her book, Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work, and why the advice to always be open or vulnerable can harm Black women in professional settings.
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- Visibility can bring scrutiny. When you reveal more of yourself, you may also invite biased judgment.
- Vulnerability is unequally rewarded. Some people gain trust for openness while others face penalties.
- Power and identity intersect. Historical and institutional forces shape which expressions are accepted.
Jodi-Ann Burey’s core claim: authenticity is not universal
Burey examines how the idea of being authentic assumes a level playing field. She argues that this ideal ignores how race, gender, and position change the costs of revealing personal truths.
For Black women, appearing “real” at work can mean losing professional credibility or encountering stereotypes. Burey suggests rethinking workplace norms rather than asking marginalized workers to adapt more.
Highlights from the Code Switch interview
In the episode, Parker and Burey unpack real-world examples and research. They trace how popular HR talk often fails to protect the most vulnerable staff.
- Stories of employees who paid a price for openness.
- Analysis of why “bring your full self” benefits some groups more than others.
- Practical questions leaders should ask before promoting authenticity as policy.
Other episodes that explore work and wellbeing
Code Switch and NPR have aired related conversations about class, technology, and workplace culture. These episodes dive into how labor and mental health collide.
- Who counts as “working class” in today’s economy
- How constant AI exposure can damage concentration
- The mental cost of the hustle culture
How to listen and support public media
You can stream the episode through Code Switch or subscribe to NPR’s podcasts. NPR+ offers extras for listeners who want an enhanced experience.
- Sponsor-free listening for many shows
- Bonus content and early access for members
- Support helps sustain public-interest reporting
Credits for the episode and production team
The Code Switch episode was produced by Christina Cala and edited by Dalia Mortada. Jodi-Ann Burey is the author of Authentic: The Myth of Bringing Your Full Self to Work, and her conversation with B.A. Parker brings research and lived experience into the studio.
