Unmasking Authenticity: Sabrina K. Garba at SXSW 2025
GLG Insights | Veronica Grigoletto | March 18, 2025
SXSW 2025
Bianca Maxwell and Sabrina K. Garba
At SXSW 2025, Sabrina K. Garba, founder of Glass Ladder Group, took the stage in a fireside chat to dive into a topic that has become increasingly relevant in today’s evolving workforce: authenticity, transparency, and unmasking in the workplace. With thought-provoking insights, Sabrina and her co-host Bianca Maxwell explored the complexities of professional identity and the balance between showing up as one’s true self and navigating corporate structures.
The Workplace of Today: A Changing Landscape
One of the most compelling insights shared during the discussion was the reality that the average worker today will hold approximately 37 jobs over their lifetime. This number stands in stark contrast to previous generations, where long-term employment at a single company was the norm. As career paths become more dynamic, so does the challenge of maintaining authenticity across industries, roles, and workplace cultures.
"What is your authentic self if you jump from industry to industry?" This was a central question posed by Sabrina, leading to a deeper reflection on how individuals present themselves at work and how those shifts impact their sense of identity. With remote work becoming more prevalent, professionals are redefining what it means to be authentic when interactions are largely digital, stripped of in-person social cues that traditionally helped build workplace relationships.
The Intersection of Authenticity and Transparency
Bianca Maxwell and Sabrina K. Garba
A key distinction made during the conversation was between authenticity and transparency. While authenticity refers to the ability to show up as one’s true self, transparency is about knowing when and where it is safe to share certain aspects of oneself. The conversation highlighted the importance of reading the room, understanding company culture, and recognizing which spaces allow for vulnerability.
Sabrina illustrated this with an analogy: “Authenticity isn’t about being the same person in every setting—it’s about knowing which parts of yourself to bring forward with confidence. Just like an artist steps into a performance mindset on stage, we all have different versions of ourselves that help us move through the world. The key is not about changing who you are, but about recognizing when to lean into different aspects of yourself in ways that feel both natural and empowering.”
This concept of strategic authenticity is particularly relevant as professionals navigate workplace cultures that may not always be as inclusive or supportive as they claim to be. Employees, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, often find themselves gauging whether their transparency will be met with acceptance or used against them. This reality underscores the ongoing need for workplaces to foster environments where employees feel psychologically safe.
The Role of Leadership in Fostering Authentic Workplaces
The conversation also turned to the role of leadership in creating workplaces that support both authenticity and transparency. Data presented during the talk highlighted that 80% of employees who perceive their managers as authentic perform at higher levels. This reinforces the idea that when leaders show up as their full selves, they create a culture where others feel empowered to do the same.
Sabrina challenged organizations to move beyond performative inclusivity and actively invest in environments where authenticity is not just encouraged but valued. She called on leaders to practice emotional transparency, advocate for employees, and recognize that an engaged, valued team leads to stronger business outcomes.
Four Steps to Unmasking in the Workplace
To conclude, the fireside chat offered four actionable steps for professionals looking to unmask and show up more authentically at work:
Assess Your Environment – Take time to understand your workplace dynamics before fully unmasking. Observe leadership styles, team interactions, and company culture to identify where authenticity is welcomed and where it may need to be adjusted.
Define Your Personal Brand – Be intentional about how you present yourself. Your personal brand should align with your values and professional goals while allowing you to show up confidently in any room.
Use Strategic Vulnerability – Share personal insights in ways that build trust and connection, without compromising your emotional well-being. Authenticity does not mean oversharing; it means finding the right balance.
Lead by Example – Whether you're a manager or an individual contributor, be the example of the authenticity and transparency you wish to see in your workplace. Creating space for honest conversations can inspire others to do the same.
The Future of Authentic Workplaces
As workplaces continue to evolve, the demand for environments that embrace authenticity and transparency will only grow. Employees are seeking workplaces where they can bring their full selves to the table without fear of judgment or retaliation. Leaders and organizations that recognize this shift and prioritize psychological safety will attract top talent and create cultures of innovation, trust, and high performance.
Sabrina’s SXSW 2025 talk left attendees with a renewed understanding of what it means to unmask at work. By embracing strategic authenticity, advocating for workplace equity, and fostering safe spaces, professionals can take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive and human-centered work experience.
Glass Ladder Group will continue to drive conversations like these—because the future of work depends on it. Want to create a workplace where authenticity thrives? Let’s talk. Reach out to Glass Ladder Group today and start building a more inclusive and human-centered work environment.