Authenticity is… getting over yourself and pressing post anyway.

I was having a really good chat with Dayna Byfield yesterday about something I still find hard: recording myself on camera.

Not at events. Not when I’m pitching or talking to people. That part I’m comfortable with. I read people. I notice facial expressions, body language, little cues. I’ve always communicated that way. Put me in a room and I know where I stand.

Put me on my own, talking into a camera, and it’s a completely different story.

I’ll record something, watch it back, delete it. Record again. Watch it back. Sometimes I don’t even want to listen to my own voice. I’ve overthought it more than I care to admit.

I think a lot of that comes from growing up before social media. You had different social circles and you adapted naturally. You had some control over where those versions of you existed. Now, once something goes online, you don’t get that control. Anyone can see it, interpret it, judge it, or misunderstand it.

That’s the part I’ve been learning to let go of.

What really tipped it for me recently is AI. Every time I scroll, my first thought is: is this real, or is this AI? A year ago, I could usually tell. Now, honestly, not always. Some videos look completely real.

And that’s when it clicked.

The mistakes.
The awkward bits.
The unpolished videos.

That’s becoming the proof that you’re real.

I still struggle. I still record things four, five, six times. I still don’t love watching myself back. But I’m getting to the point where I ask myself a simple question: if what I’m sharing is genuinely helpful or educational, what’s there to be afraid of?

There’s so much noise online already. Endless content with very little value. If you’re actually trying to help someone, teach something, or share something useful, why hold back?

It reminds me of running. The first time I ever went for a run, I was convinced everyone was watching me. A few years later, I realised no one cares. Everyone’s got their own problems, their own lives. Same with the gym. Same with posting content. We massively overestimate how much attention people are paying to us.

And if a couple of people don’t like it, so what. Others might get value from it. You might meet new people. You might even create opportunities you didn’t expect.

As a founder, I think it’s easier to accept that. When I was in a nine to five, I was careful. I didn’t want my views to affect my income. Now, as long as I’m intentional and clear about what I talk about, that gives me enough confidence to show up.

Going into 2026, this feels like the time.

Less polish.
More honesty.
More people talking into the camera and sharing what they know.

I know so many people with valuable experience and insight. At some point, it stops being about consuming and starts being about giving back.

And right now, being real might be the most valuable thing you can put out into the world.

Who else it taking the brave step to post themselves more online? I will support you!