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.
DJ Mike Justis
Who I am at my core: my values, my heart, my compassion, that’s all real. That’s me. But when I step into the public eye, I turn up the volume. I’m loud, bold, outgoing. I’m the life of the party. I take the spotlight, the way a quarterback leads the play. That’s the version the world knows: DJ Mike Justis. Read More>>
Allyssa Stevenson
Yes and no. The version of me that shows up on a wedding day is definitely me—but it’s a more amplified version. I like to say I “put on my wedding day hat,” where I step into the role of leader, problem-solver, and calm in the chaos. But if you caught me outside of work, you’d probably be surprised at how introverted I really am. Read More>>
Emerging Business Leaders
What you see from Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) is the real us — a family-oriented group that keeps it real and stays deeply committed to helping our community. We don’t put on a show or try to be something we’re not. Every day, we bring authenticity, transparency, and heart to everything we do. Our public presence reflects our core values: integrity, service, and collaboration. Read More>>
