Dare to Be Yourself at Work!

So how can we foster this authenticity within teams, while preserving unity, shared purpose, and performance? Here are a few insights.

Why is it so vital to be yourself at work?

It fuels engagement : According to Gallup, employees who feel free to be themselves at work are twice as likely to be engaged in what they do. Authenticity builds a bridge between personal values and professional purpose.

It sparks innovation : Original ideas often spring from unique perspectives. When individuals are encouraged to express their singularity, creativity blossoms.

It enhances well-being : Constantly conforming to external standards is exhausting — and meaningless. Working in an environment where you feel accepted and valued for who you are reduces stress and boosts satisfaction.

The barriers to authenticity at work

Despite its benefits, being yourself in a corporate setting remains a real challenge. Here are the most common obstacles:

Fear of judgment : Many employees hesitate to express their true thoughts or emotions, afraid of appearing weak or unfit. While emotional intelligence is gaining recognition, it’s still often seen as a “soft” topic in many organizations.

Rigid corporate cultures : When conformity and hierarchy take precedence, authenticity suffocates. In such environments, rules overshadow values — and the human connection gets lost.

Lack of exemplary leadership : If leaders don’t lead by example, authenticity won’t take root. A leader’s transparency and vulnerability set the tone for the entire organization.

How to create an environment where authenticity can thrive

Foster a culture of active listening : Encourage empathy and open dialogue so everyone feels heard and respected. Tools like discussion circles or feedback rituals can help.

Adopt authentic leadership : Leaders play a central role in creating trust. By sharing their own experiences and vulnerabilities, they inspire their teams to open up too.

Celebrate differences : Inclusion is not a slogan — it’s a daily practice. Celebrate diversity in backgrounds, ideas, and skills through training, cultural theme days, or “Walk in My Shoes” programs. These moments are opportunities to connect deeply with others.

Promote work-life balance : Authenticity thrives when people are fulfilled in every sphere of life. Offer flexible schedules, remote work options, and well-being initiatives like mindfulness workshops or stress management sessions. At Châteauform’, we believe that to have happy clients, you must first have happy Talents!

Interview with Marie Wiriath, from Marque & Team, creator of the seminar “Dare: From Self-Censorship to Action!”

EA: Marie, what inspired you to create this seminar?

• MW: Throughout my coaching sessions, I noticed how many managers hold themselves back — even when their company trusts them completely. When taking on new roles or responsibilities, they often feel imposter syndrome creeping in, limiting both their comfort and performance.
  That’s why I designed the “Dare” seminar: two days to equip them with practical tools that strengthen self-confidence and the courage to act.

EA: What do participants usually expect?

• MW: They’re looking for security and freedom. They want to stop holding back — to speak up without fear of conflict, defend their opinions, take things less personally, and stop over-performing just to feel legitimate!

EA: It sounds like a transformative experience — what do participants say afterward?

• MW: Weeks later, I often hear, “Marie, you won’t believe what I just did!” I love that moment. They naturally adopt new postures, say and do things they wouldn’t have dared before with authenticity and grace. The result? Always positive. I like to say their inner saboteur went on vacation and now, they can finally act at their full potential.

EA: To reach that level of openness, the environment must be just right, no?

• MW: Absolutely. The seminar is hosted at Châteauform’ Neuville-Bosc — the very birthplace of the Châteauform’ concept. The setting, the team, even the round “Tournesol” room — everything nurtures trust and authentic exchange.
  Before each session, I meet participants individually to ensure they’re ready to commit fully and openly. And during the seminar, I give it my all — to make those two days a safe, transformative space. 

  There’s a deep need today for these rare moments when we can drop the mask, show our vulnerabilities, and connect without fear of judgment.
  I look forward to every edition — the next one will take place on March 14–15 at Châteauform’ Neuville-Bosc.

EA: Thank you, Marie, for sharing your inspiring journey.

Companies that dare to embrace authenticity

Some trailblazing companies have already made authenticity part of their DNA:

Patagonia : Encourages employees to live their environmental values both at work and in their daily lives.

Zappos : Famous for its vibrant culture, where authenticity is a superpower. Employees personalize their workspaces and celebrate their quirks. Their mantra: “A little weirdness is a strength.”

Salesforce : Promotes authenticity through transparency and inclusion, with its Ohana (“family” in Hawaiian) culture encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work.

The Body Shop : A pioneer in ethical and inclusive business. Its teams are encouraged to speak up and embody the brand’s social and environmental commitments every day.

What’s in it for these forward-thinking companies?

Choosing authenticity benefits both people and organizations:

Greater engagement : Employees don’t just work for a company — they work with it, as part of a shared mission.

Stronger attractiveness : Talents gravitate toward places where they can truly be themselves — where it feels good to grow, learn, and belong.

Sustainable performance : Authentic environments encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving. Obstacles turn into opportunities — or as we like to say, setbacks into sparkles.

At Châteauform’, we dare to be ourselves every day!

At Châteauform’, we deeply believe authenticity is a powerful driver of team cohesion and performance.

Our inverted pyramid and values give every Talent the freedom to be fully themselves. And we go even further: we encourage our Talents to take time to live their passions.

That’s the story of Pascaline Molia, a Châteauform’ Talent who took three weeks off to join the organization of the Vendée Globe — her lifelong dream.
“I offered myself this gift,” she says. “I came back stronger than ever.”

Listen to Pascaline’s full story in our podcast “Au Fil des Rencontres”:  “Can’t — I’m at the Vendée Globe!”

Because only truly humanist companies — those that place people at the heart of everything — can offer such transformative moments of self-expression and fulfilment.