Is the public version of you the real you?

We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.

Monique Hayward

Absolutely. What you see is what you get. For me, there has to be congruency between who I am and how I show up. Whether that’s in a business meeting, on stage, or online. I’ve always believed that authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every meaningful connection, both personal and professional. Read more>>

Erin Newman

I’m pretty much the persona of an open book. I don’t hold back much, especially if I have something to say. That’s not to say I don’t hold back at times, but people who know me well, aren’t surprised when I speak up. Read more>>

Andrew Trego

Pretty much, yeah. What you see on social media and at weddings is genuinely who I am — maybe just the most caffeinated version of myself. I’m naturally high-energy, I genuinely care about making people happy, and I really do think about this stuff as much as it seems like I do. Read more>>

Carolyn Hsiao

Yes, we are a professional team, who values maintaining integrity in the public’s eye, as well as, behind the scenes. Read more>>

Jacki Cohen

100% yes. Piggybacking on my previous answers to questions in this interview. I am what you see. Honest and real. That is probably why being interviewed or doing Social Media Lives is easy for me. I think that is why I have heard the public enjoys my social media presence. It is because they feel like they know me. Read more>>