Earlier this month, I had the honor of attending a Women’s Leadership Series program sponsored by the Maine Women’s Fund. The focus was authenticity, a topic near and dear to me. It’s something I believe in and strive for always. Be yourself. Sounds simple, eh? For many women in business, it’s not.

When I reflect on my own career, I realize there were times I wasn’t true to myself. I remember working for one marketing communications firm where I was expected to be the expert, to always have the answers. What a sham. It never fit me, and, ultimately, it was one of the reasons I walked away from a good job.

Fortunately, to a great extent, I have come into my own. I am very comfortable being myself, I believe the answers are in the room, and I don’t pretend to be one person at work and another at home. The area where I have the most room to grow now is to show up glitches and all – to be human, to fail publicly, and to embrace the beauty of imperfection.

One of the ideas shared during the leadership program that will continue to inspire me forward: “Authenticity is a lifelong curriculum and a minute by minute choice.” I love this. It’s true. Knowing ourselves and sharing openly with the world is a journey, but we have the opportunity to make choices every day whether to assimilate or to show up as we are.

I encourage women everywhere, and men for that matter, to tap into their authentic selves, to bring forth their natural gifts, and to contribute to the world in a way that’s in alignment with their core identity. Be real…it’s what the world (and business) needs.