S11 E7: The Authenticity They Want vs. The You They Can't Handle with Madison Butler
I Hate It Here
Why Madison wrote Let Them See You
Madison explains how her experiences as a Black woman and early public trauma motivated her book.
Today, we're talking about a topic that shouldn't be controversial but somehow still is, which is being authentic at work!
As most of you already know, most workplaces either treat authenticity like a performance or punish you the second you actually show up as yourself.
I'm joined by Madison Butler, who literally wrote a book about this, and we're getting into why authenticity feels so dangerous, why corporate America says they want it but freaks out when you deliver, and how to practice authenticity without tanking your career.
If you've ever felt like you're performing a version of yourself at work instead of just existing, you’ll probably relate to this discussion!
Quantum Workplace helps leaders build thriving teams that fuel business success. We give leaders at every level a clear path forward—by unlocking critical talent insights across engagement, performance, and development. With clarity and confidence, people leaders can act decisively, scale leadership quality, and strengthen connection and performance.
Trusted by thousands of people-focused companies, Quantum Workplace makes it easier to keep teams aligned, empowered, growing, and valued on the path to business success. Visit quantumworkplace.com to learn more.
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:53) Something New Madison Wants to Learn This Year
(00:09:12) What Prompted Madison to Publish a Book?
(00:14:45) What Authenticity at Work Means in 2026
(00:25:00) Why Does Being Authentic at Work Still Feel Dangerous for So Many People?
(00:30:25) Madison’s Personal “Toolkit”
(00:36:55) Is the Average Exec Constantly Trying to Grow, or Complacent in Their Power?
(00:45:37) Building Authenticity at Work Without Turning it Into Weird Cultural Theater
(00:48:36) How to Practice Authenticity in a Way That is Safe and Strategic
If you love I Hate It Here, sign up to Hebba’s newsletter! It’s for jaded, overworked, and emotionally burnt-out HR/People Operations professionals needing a little inspiration.
https://workweek.com/discover-newsletters/i-hate-it-here-newsletter/
And if you love the podcast, be sure to check out https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here for even more exclusive insider content!
Follow Madison:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluehairedunicorn/
Follow Hebba:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ihateit-here/videos
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hebba-youssef
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hebbamyoussef
The AI-powered Podcast Player
