Introduction
I want to talk about authenticity.
What does that really mean?
How can you ensure that your delivery comes through as truly authentic?
We hear it all the time: 'be authentic, be authentic, be authentic.'
It’s a common phrase online and across social media, but rarely do we actually get to see someone explain what that really looks like or how to practice it.
You might be thinking, 'Well, I can just be myself.' And yes, that’s true, being yourself is important.
But is that enough?
Does that truly capture the essence of authenticity in your business and personal brand?
TheOpenMike Podcast with Leonard Kim
To delve deeper into authenticity, I want to give credit to Leonard Kim, a social media influencer based out of L.A. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing him on The Open Mike podcast (episode 32). If you haven’t listened yet, I highly encourage you to check it out.
Leonard shares some valuable insights on what authenticity looks like, both online and in personal branding.
I want to share an excerpt from that conversation with you today.
Leonard breaks down authenticity into five levels of exposure, which is a concept that I believe can help you understand how to truly connect with your audience in an authentic way.
The Five Levels of Authenticity
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Level 1: Your Daily Life This level is the most basic form of authenticity. It’s about showing up as yourself in your day-to-day grind. For example, right now, I’m sharing a piece of my work day with you. I’m not polished or edited; I’m simply giving you an unfiltered view of my thoughts and experience. When you share your unedited daily life, it connects with people because they see the real you, no filters, no show.
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Level 2: The Good Things You’re Doing At this level, you're showcasing the positive contributions you're making. Whether it's the charitable work you're involved in, your commitment to your customers, or your contributions to your team’s development, this is where you show what you’re doing well. People love seeing how you are helping others, it's not just about business success, but also about having a positive impact on the world.
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Level 3: The Not-So-Good Things This is where you get real about the challenges you’re facing. It's about showing the human side of your story. Leonard shared his experience of losing everything, sleeping in his car, and eventually moving back in with his grandmother. He didn’t hide the struggles. He showed that despite setbacks, there’s always a way forward. By sharing these moments, you connect with your audience on a deeper, more relatable level. Perfection isn’t the goal, people resonate with honesty.
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Level 4: Vulnerability in Tough Times The next level involves showing vulnerability, particularly when things aren’t going well. Leonard shared how, after facing financial struggles, he publicly admitted to being in a tough spot. Despite being a well-known influencer, he was candid about his hardships. That rawness led people to step forward and offer him opportunities, simply because he was honest about his situation. This is where true trust is built: by being open, not just about success but about struggle as well.
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Level 5: Your Deepest, Most Private Moments The fifth level is the most private aspect of your life. These are the things that remain behind closed doors, your personal family matters, your deepest fears, or your confidential business struggles. This level is important because it helps you establish boundaries. Not everything needs to be shared, and part of being authentic is knowing when to protect your privacy and maintain a sense of dignity.
Applying Authenticity to Your Business
Now, how can you apply these levels to your business? The first step is recognizing that authenticity doesn’t just mean being 'real' or 'honest' at the surface level.
It’s about creating a story that others can connect with at multiple levels.
Authenticity builds trust. When you share not just your wins but your challenges, your audience sees you as more than a brand, they see a real person with real struggles, values, and growth. This deepens the connection with your followers, employees, and clients.
At the same time, authenticity allows you to stand out in a crowded marketplace. In an age where audiences crave transparency, showing that you’re willing to be vulnerable and open about both your success and challenges can set you apart.
Final Thoughts: Being Honest with Yourself
Authenticity is about being honest with yourself first and foremost. It’s about knowing what to share, how much to share, and, more importantly, knowing why you're sharing it. The world doesn’t need you to be perfect, it just needs you to be genuine.
- I'd love to know where you stand on the authenticity scale?
- How do you integrate it into your business?
- What part of your journey are you willing to share with your audience?
Feel free to drop a comment below or connect with me directly.
Always here to help you start, grow, and thrive. Let me know how I can support your next big move.
