Authentic leadership is changing the way we think about workplace culture. In today’s rapidly shifting professional landscape, where the next generation of employees demands connection, authenticity, and inclusion, leaders are faced with a critical question: How can I foster a workplace where people bring their full selves and thrive?
In this blog, we’ll explore key insights from leadership coach and corporate veteran Lasha Murray, founder of The Unapologetic Leadership Coach. Lasha’s mission is clear: to help leaders embrace authenticity, build intentional relationships, and create communities where teams feel valued and inspired to perform at their best.
This post is for you if you’re a leader, manager, or ambitious fundraiser who:
Wants to learn how to lead authentically while driving results.
Needs tools to foster meaningful connections in your team.
Is seeking strategies for engaging Gen Z and younger professionals effectively.
Let’s dive in as we unpack what authentic leadership means and how you can apply Lasha’s wisdom—and her BANG framework—to build stronger, more connected teams.
The Challenges of Staying Authentic in Traditional Workplaces
One of the biggest struggles young professionals face today is staying true to themselves in workplace environments that often value conformity over individuality. As Lasha explains, this stems from outdated policies and cultural norms that haven’t caught up to the way younger generations operate and show up.
Think about it:
Dress codes that dictate “professionalism” based on suits and polished shoes.
Resistance to visible tattoos, bright clothing, or hairstyles that challenge outdated standards.
Leaders who dismiss Gen Z for being “lazy” when, in reality, they’re redefining what it means to work efficiently and purposefully.
Authenticity isn’t just about appearances—it’s also about voice and thought. Many younger professionals feel stifled when their ideas or unique perspectives are shut down because they don’t align with “how we’ve always done it.”
Why Authenticity Matters to Young Professionals
Lasha highlights how Gen Z is leading the charge when it comes to authenticity. This generation values workplaces that:
Foster belonging and inclusion.
Encourage open, honest communication.
Recognize individuality while promoting collaboration.
As leaders, it’s up to us to adapt. When we give employees the permission to be themselves, we open the door to:
Greater creativity and innovation.
Deeper connections that drive engagement.
A stronger tie to the organization’s mission and values.
The Impact of Authentic Leadership
Lasha shares a personal story that illustrates the importance of authenticity in leadership. Early in her career, a manager told her to “tone it down,” criticizing her energy, bright clothing, and ever-changing hairstyles. The message was clear: If you want to succeed here, conform.
Lasha tried to fit in. She dimmed her light, wore dark clothing, and kept her personality tucked away. While she still produced results, something critical was missing: her true self.
Months later, a new leader stepped in and offered something transformative—permission to be authentic. That encouragement flipped a switch. Lasha began showing up as herself again, and her energy, creativity, and leadership flourished.
Here’s the takeaway: Authentic leaders don’t ask their teams to shrink themselves to fit a mold. Instead, they create spaces where individuality is celebrated, innovation thrives, and people feel empowered to contribute fully.
Introducing the BANG Framework: A Blueprint for Authentic Leadership
Lasha developed the BANG framework to help leaders create meaningful connections and lead with authenticity. The acronym stands for:
B – Belonging
A – Authentic Work Environments
N – Networking and Relationships
G – Growth Potential
Let’s break it down.
1. Creating a Sense of Belonging
Belonging is the foundation of a thriving workplace. It’s more than allowing someone to “sit at the table”—it’s creating a space where they feel welcomed, valued, and heard.
Action Steps for Leaders:
Ask your team: “Do you feel like you belong here? What can I do to support you?”
Reevaluate policies that exclude individuality, like outdated dress codes.
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that go beyond lip service and foster real representation.
When employees feel a sense of belonging, they’re more likely to:
Be innovative and take risks.
Collaborate across teams.
Bring their full selves to their work, driving deeper engagement.
2. Fostering Authentic Work Environments
Authenticity in the workplace goes beyond appearances—it includes embracing diversity of thought. Leaders must create an environment where people feel safe to voice their ideas, share feedback, and contribute to decision-making.
How Leaders Can Encourage Authenticity:
Normalize open conversations about what authenticity means to individuals.
Challenge unconscious biases that limit individuality or stifle creativity.
Ask yourself: “Am I creating space for different perspectives, or am I expecting everyone to think like me?”
When leaders embrace authenticity, they build trust, unlock creativity, and create a workplace culture where everyone feels free to thrive.
3. Building Networks and Relationships
Lasha distinguishes between networking (surface-level connections) and relationship-building (deeper, trust-driven bonds). Leaders must facilitate both to help their teams grow.
Practical Tips for Leaders:
Host opportunities for networking within your organization, like team lunches or cross-department projects.
Teach employees how to network effectively.
Encourage relationship-building by fostering genuine conversations, not just work-related discussions.
Why it Matters:Relationships are the new currency. The stronger your relationships—inside and outside of your organization—the more opportunities you create for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
4. Focusing on Growth Potential
Authentic leadership means investing in your team’s development. When employees see a clear path for growth, they’re more likely to feel committed to the organization.
Steps to Foster Growth:
Create succession plans and opportunities for internal advancement.
Offer mentorship, coaching, and professional development programs.
Recognize and celebrate individual progress.
Growth-focused leadership shows employees that you’re not just invested in what they can do for the organization today—you care about their long-term success.
Why Community Matters More Than Ever
Today’s workforce—particularly Gen Z—values community and connection above almost everything else. They want to work in environments where relationships are prioritized and where they feel part of something bigger.
When leaders intentionally build community:
Teams work together more effectively.
Employee retention improves.
Workplace cultures shift from transactional to transformational.
Lasha emphasizes that community-building starts with empathy and curiosity. Leaders must take time to understand their teams:
What motivates them?
What challenges are they facing?
How can I help them grow?
Small actions—like walking the floors, volunteering together, or simply checking in—can have a huge impact.
The Mindset Shift Leaders Need
Lasha’s advice for leaders is simple yet powerful: Adopt a growth mindset.
To thrive in the modern workplace, leaders must be:
Open to change.
Willing to challenge old ways of thinking.
Committed to learning, unlearning, and evolving.
When you lead with empathy, authenticity, and curiosity, you build a culture where everyone—regardless of age, background, or position—feels seen, valued, and inspired to contribute their best.
The Future of Leadership is Authentic
Authentic leadership isn’t just a trend; it’s the key to building workplaces where people feel connected, engaged, and empowered. By embracing Lasha’s BANG framework—Belonging, Authenticity, Networking, and Growth—leaders can transform their teams and organizations.
The future of work demands leaders who:
Champion individuality.
Build intentional, meaningful connections.
Foster communities that inspire innovation and collaboration.
Remember this: When you lead authentically, you empower others to do the same. And that’s how workplaces become thriving, impactful spaces where everyone can succeed.