Revealing Your True Self, Love Letter To Vans Shoes

August 10, 2023

What Does Authenticity Mean?
“Honoring your commitments and being truthful with yourself and others”  

| Authenticity Report

Welcome to our weekly guide exploring the meaning of Authenticity as it relates to our personal and professional life, bringing you the latest insights, curated news, and guest authors from our community.

➡️ This week, we explore:
• Unmasking & revealing who we genuinely are
• Curated insights in Authenticity Roundup
• One's love for his Vans shoes

photo: Milada Vigerova / unsplash

Revealing Your True Self: Embracing Who You Really Are

Imagine a super smart leader at work who always looks super confident.

But deep down, she worries that people will think she's not strong if she shows any weakness or makes a mistake.

So, she pretends everything is perfect even though inside; she's really stressed.

This happens a lot because we often feel pressure to fit in and be like everyone else.

But these masks can be a problem. They hide who we really are and make life complicated.

We put on different masks for different reasons – to impress others, to act tough, or to seem perfect.

Sometimes, we do it without realizing it.

But guess what?

Knowing when we're wearing these masks and how they affect us is important.

There's a quote that asks if people like you for who you are or for the fake mask you put on.

It's like taking off a costume and being yourself.

This is a big deal because it helps us make real friends, feel better about ourselves, and be less worried.

So, let's learn how to be brave and show our true selves, just like a guiding light.

| Authenticity Roundup

This week's curated reads from web

• Navigating the Milli Vanilli Line: Balancing Authenticity and AI in Creativity

In an era where AI can compose content with finesse, the boundary between genuine creativity and AI-assisted work is explored through the lens of the infamous Milli Vanilli scandal, prompting us to consider the degrees of authenticity we're willing to embrace in our creative endeavors.

Read More → mark schaefer 

• Authenticity, Charisma Count for US Presidential Candidates

In today's US presidential landscape, authenticity, and charisma have taken center stage unlike, in the past, as voters seek candidates who exude genuine trustworthiness and relatability. This shift underscores the crucial role of authenticity in conveying credibility and charisma in forming emotional connections, with historical examples like Obama, Clinton, and Reagan highlighting how these traits can resonate deeply with voters, making them more vital than ever in capturing the electorate's hearts and securing victory.

Read More → voa

• Authenticity's Impact on Consumer Choices 

As influencer credibility dwindles due to authenticity concerns, brands are pivoting towards user-generated content (UGC) to influence consumer purchasing decisions, with 90% of surveyed individuals expressing a preference for genuine customer endorsements over influencer promotions. The future of retail marketing lies in fostering authentic relationships, leveraging UGC, and embracing tailored social commerce strategies to rebuild consumer trust and engagement.

Read More → total retail

• Hip-Hop at 50: Unleashing Authenticity and Shaping Global Culture

As hip-hop marks its 50th anniversary, its seismic impact on global culture surpasses that of rock 'n' roll. From music and dance to education and politics, hip-hop's authenticity-driven influence continues to reshape and inspire contemporary society, leaving an indelible mark across generations.

Read More → union-tribune

A Love Letter to My Favorite Childhood Brand, Vans

Have you ever wondered how a brand can transcend generations, firmly embed itself in culture, and yet remain consistently authentic?

Growing up, Vans wasn't just a shoe; it was an identity, a lifestyle, and a culture. But have you ever paused to reflect on why some brands, like Vans, have such a profound impact?

From the punk energy of the Vans Warped Tour to collaborations with icons like Karl Lagerfeld and The Museum of Modern Art,

Scott Hancock’s latest piece delves deep into the soul of Vans - a brand that didn't just fit into the culture but actively shaped it.

Join him on this nostalgic journey and discover how Vans remains both authentic and relevant even today.

Read More → adweek

| Authenticity 500

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