Many high achievers, who seemed to have everything figured out, still struggle with a fundamental question: How do you succeed authentically when being authentic feels risky? The LGBTQIA+ community has been navigating this challenge for generations, and their insights offer profound lessons for anyone seeking to thrive while honouring their true self.

This kind of authenticity isn’t comfortable. It requires ongoing courage, daily choices to show up as yourself rather than as who you think others want you to be. It means accepting that not everyone will understand or approve, and finding the strength to thrive anyway.

The resilience advantage

There’s an extraordinary resilience that develops when you’ve had to fight for the right to exist authentically. People who’ve navigated discrimination, rejection or marginalisation often develop exceptional skills: the ability to read complex social dynamics, to advocate effectively under pressure, to maintain grace while facing hostility and to build community in unlikely places.

These aren’t just survival skills – they’re leadership superpowers. The same resilience that helps someone navigate coming out or transitioning creates individuals who can handle uncertainty, lead through crisis and inspire others to find courage in difficult moments.

One of the most powerful insights from the LGBTQIA+ experience is the concept of chosen family – deliberately building community with people who see, value and support your authentic self. This isn’t about rejecting biological family or traditional structures, but recognising that we all need spaces where we can exist without pretence.

In professional contexts, this translates to intentionally cultivating relationships with colleagues, mentors and peers who encourage your growth rather than your conformity. It means seeking out environments where your unique perspectives are valued, not just tolerated.

The daily practice of courage

Courage isn’t a one-time decision – it’s a practice that deepens with repetition. Every day presents moments where you can choose authenticity over approval, truth over convenience, growth over comfort. These micro-decisions compound over time.

This practice becomes particularly powerful when you realise that your courage gives others permission to be courageous too. When you show up authentically, you create space for others to do the same. Your willingness to be different becomes an invitation for others to embrace their own uniqueness. It’s about recognising that your struggles, your unique perspectives and your hard-won wisdom aren’t obstacles to overcome but gifts to share.

Organisations often talk about wanting diverse perspectives while unconsciously rewarding conformity. True innovation comes from lived experience of being different – from understanding what it’s like to see the world through a marginalised lens, to solve problems creatively when traditional resources aren’t available, to build bridges across difference.

The LGBTQIA+ community has a long history of creativity, resilience and community-building born from necessity. These experiences create individuals who can think outside conventional frameworks, who understand the power of inclusive design, and who can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with sophistication.

This authenticity also creates a differentiation advantage. In a world full of people trying to fit in, those who stand out thoughtfully and purposefully become memorable, valuable and influential. You become a magnet for others seeking to live more authentically.

Thriving authentically requires strategy, not just good intentions. My top tips include:

1. Identity integration

Rather than compartmentalising different aspects of yourself, find ways to bring your whole self to your work and relationships. Your unique combination of experiences, perspectives and values is your competitive advantage.

2. Support system architecture

Deliberately build networks of people who encourage your authentic growth. This includes mentors who’ve navigated similar challenges, peers who share your values and advocates who can amplify your voice.

3. Courage conditioning

Start with smaller acts of authenticity and build toward bigger ones. Like physical fitness, courage grows stronger with consistent practice.

4. Legacy thinking

Consider how your willingness to be authentically yourself might impact others. Your courage becomes a gift to future generations who will face similar challenges. When you give yourself permission to be different, to pursue unconventional paths, to challenge limiting assumptions, you create permission for others to do the same.

Audacious living

The audacity to thrive isn’t about being loud or demanding attention – it’s about the quiet courage to honour your authentic self regardless of external pressure to conform. It’s about recognising that your differences aren’t deficits to overcome but distinctive strengths to develop and share.

In a world that often rewards conformity, choosing to celebrate and leverage your uniqueness is indeed audacious. But it’s this very audacity that drives innovation, builds genuine confidence, and creates the kind of meaningful impact that extends far beyond individual success.

Your courage to be different isn’t just personal development. It’s a contribution to a world that desperately needs the gifts that come from authentic diversity of thought, experience and perspective.

words by Karl Green

Karl Green is a performance and wellness coach at Wishfish Coaching & Development and Secrets from a Coach. For more information visit: wishfish.org.uk and secretsfromacoach.com. A special five-part Secrets From a Coach podcast series for Pride Month is now available.