Podcast Episode #44: Aligned and Authentic
Subtitle: Authenticity. Fire. Real Alignment.
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[Opening] You are listening to Basement Chronicles with Lisa Dublin—episode number 44: What is Authenticity?
Hey, you made it! Welcome to my basement. I'm Lisa Dublin, a health and life coach, and I help professional and executive women live, lead, and speak with confidence. Because developing your confidence and deepening your faith in God is the best formula for an amazing life. So are you ready? Let’s go.
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[The Spark: A Compliment That Made Me Pause] Yesterday, I went to a networking event and ran into someone I’d just met the week before at another event. She looked me in the eye and said, “You’re deeply authentic. That’s why people are drawn to you.” The way she said it—full of feeling—stopped me in my tracks.
And it got me thinking: what IS authenticity? What does it mean to me? What does it mean to you?
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[Two Definitions of Authenticity] The first one comes from CJ Quinney—Carlos Quinney—one of the powerhouses behind Eric Thomas and The 9 to 5 Millionaire. He said:
"When you see somebody who has the it factor, it’s usually because they are fully comfortable with who they are."
Let that sit.
Now here’s mine:
Authenticity is the ability to stitch every part of your life with the thread of who you really are.
It’s a living thing. An action. It’s the same thread in every scene of your life.
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[What the Greats Say About Authenticity] Let’s hear from a few voices who’ve spoken about authenticity:
• Brene Brown: "Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are." • Ferdinand Foch: "The most powerful weapon on Earth is the soul on fire." • Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." • Anonymous: "Authenticity isn’t about oversharing. It’s about alignment. When your words, actions, and spirit agree—you become unstoppable." • And lastly: "God does not anoint the mask. He anoints the real you."
Which one hit you the hardest?
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[So How Do You Grow in Authenticity?] Here are practical ways to deepen your authenticity:
1. Spend Quiet Time With Yourself Get still. Reflect. Who are you? What do you like? What drains you? Don’t answer based on what you should feel. Be unfiltered. You’ll be surprised what you find.
(Download the worksheet in the show notes to guide you through this process.)
2. Name What’s Not Working Be ruthless with your self-assessment. Are you saying yes when your spirit says no? Are you over-delivering just to be liked? Don’t spiral. Don’t condemn yourself. Let conviction—not shame—guide you. You are still whole. Nothing missing. Nothing broken.
3. Tell the Truth to Yourself “I’m scared.” “I don’t want to do this.” “I’m tired of performing.” Speak it. Own it. Act on it.
4. Embrace Your History Without Shame You don’t need to tell everyone everything—but don’t hide your story from yourself. What if your testimony is someone else’s survival guide?
5. Align Your Actions With Your Values Make a list of your top 10 values. Then ask:
* Do I speak, work, and dress in alignment with them?
* Which top 3 guide my life? If you’re not living by them, it’s time to recalibrate.
6. Speak From Your Heart Especially if you speak for a living—ditch the jargon. Drop the mask. You don’t need polish, you need fire. Let your tone match your conviction.
7. Accept That Not Everyone Will Like You And that’s okay. You don’t like everyone either. When you’re authentic, you attract real followers—not fans. True believers. The tribe that’s for you.
Can you be okay with being misunderstood? Passed over? Still stand in who God made you to be?
And just a reminder—authenticity isn’t a license to be rude. Even when you’re a straight shooter, always clothe your words in grace.
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[Final Word] Maybe authenticity is just… being a human being.
Thank you for listening.
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[Coaching Call to Action] I know you prioritize your growth and success. If you feel stuck in any area of your life, consider life coaching. My signature program—How To Get Unstuck: Total Transformation—has helped so many professional and executive women break limiting beliefs, set firm boundaries, level up in their careers, and become the best versions of themselves.
How badly do you want to get unstuck? How badly do you want to be the best version of you?
Take the first step now: go to LisaMDublin.com/coaching and book a consultation with me.
Let’s talk about your coaching needs—because the life you want is totally possible. You.
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[End] See you in the next podcast. Bye!
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