A few weeks ago, I came across an interview with The Undertaker, one of the most iconic WWE professional wrestlers of all time. In the conversation, he criticized the new generation of wrestlers for portraying one character on television and a completely different one on social media. He explained that in his era, wrestlers lived their characters everywhere. The persona was not something they turned on for the cameras; it was an extension of who they were. In his view, breaking that continuity weakened the craft because credibility comes from consistency.
That comment resonated with me beyond the wrestling world. It made me realize how similar this dynamic is in the corporate environment. Regardless of whether you work in commercial roles, operations, HR, marketing, or technical fields, you develop a professional persona over the years—a style, a reputation, an identity that others come to associate with you. In reality, every interaction, every meeting, and every decision contributes to that image.
Just like in wrestling, when you drift from your established persona and start acting in ways that contradict what people know you for, something breaks. Trust becomes shaky, and credibility suffers. People sense that something is “off,” even if they can’t articulate it.
This is why understanding, valuing, and maintaining your professional style is far more important than most people realize.
When the professional mask slips
After spending years in a company, your work style becomes a core part of your identity. Some individuals are known for their reliability, while others are recognized for their calm presence under pressure. Some are appreciated for their strategic thinking or commercial drive, while others excel in empathy, fairness, or problem-solving abilities. Regardless of what defines you, it shapes how colleagues, clients, and stakeholders perceive your actions.
This reputation doesn’t develop overnight; it grows gradually, interaction by interaction, layer by layer. Over time, you build what I would call “reputation equity.” People begin to know what to expect from you. They trust your approach and rely on your consistency.
The problem arises when you roam from your established style. This shift can result from changes in leadership, a desire to impress, feelings of insecurity, or simply exhaustion. Suddenly, your communication tone may change, your decisions might no longer align with your values, or your behavior could seem unpredictable. Often, this change is subtle, yet its effects can be profound. Just as wrestling fans lose interest when a character becomes inconsistent, colleagues can quickly sense when your professional persona no longer aligns with your actions.
The fragility of playing a role you can’t sustain
Many professionals fall into a trap when they try to reinvent themselves abruptly or shape their image based on what they believe others expect of them. They might try to appear more political or aggressive, or present themselves as something they are not. While they think they are adapting, they are actually creating a fragile version of themselves that can easily crumple.
Always keep in mind that a persona that lacks authenticity is exhausting to maintain.
Inconsistencies start to emerge, and people notice when your enthusiasm seems forced or when your tone shifts depending on the audience. This misalignment creates internal tension, which can lead to stress, conflict, or even burnout. Moreover, because the persona is artificial, it cannot provide emotional stability. You find yourself constantly “performing,” and performances are unsustainable in the long run.
In contrast, authenticity fosters resilience. When your style reflects your actual core values and strengths, your decisions feel natural, your leadership gains credibility, and your relationships deepen. You stop wasting energy pretending; instead, you operate from a place of certainty, and your reputation grows stronger over time.
This is why the character you choose to portray in corporate life cannot be an act. An act will eventually expose itself. However, an authentic identity — one rooted in your true values — becomes unshakeable.
Rediscovering your true identity:
One of the most transformative experiences professionals can have is rediscovering their true selves. This process often begins with reflecting on core values. Values are not just abstract concepts; they serve as an internal compass that shapes how you act, lead, and interact with others. When your actions align with your values, you feel grounded. When they don’t, everything becomes more complicated and arduous.
Understanding your natural strengths and weaknesses is equally important. The more clarity you gain about how you operate at your best, the easier it becomes to stay true to your authentic style. Many people realize that their struggles are not due to a lack of skills but instead because they are working too far from their true core.
This is where executive coaching becomes invaluable. A coach acts as a mirror, helping you uncover blind spots, reconnect with your values, and articulate the professional identity you aspire to embody. I have witnessed this numerous times during coaching sessions: the moment a person gains clarity about their true identity, everything shifts. Communication improves, confidence increases, decisions become clearer, and authenticity transforms from a potential vulnerability into a source of strength.
Coaching does not aim to change who you are. Instead, it helps you become more consciously, intentionally, and consistently yourself.
Authenticity is not a luxury; it is a professional strategy
To conclude the analogy, in wrestling, credibility is established by embodying your character outside of the ring. Similarly, in the corporate world, credibility is built by living your values beyond the meeting room. Both environments reward consistency and penalize dissonance.
If you have spent years developing a professional style, do not abandon it lightly. Protect it, strengthen it, and understand it. Let it guide you, because your authenticity is not just your identity — it is your power, your stability, and your long-term professional asset.
If you ever feel disconnected from your authenticity, remember that coaching can help you find your way back.
Alexander Martinez
