Losing Yourself in a Job vs. Strategic Code-Switching for Survival

2025-04-21

“You’ve changed.” But... have you really? Or have you just learned to survive? In this episode, we’re diving into the nuance and necessity of code-switching, compartmentalization, and adaptation, not as signs of betrayal, but as sacred acts of self-preservation. For many Black professionals, especially in predominantly white or high-pressure environments, shifting how you show up is not about inauthenticity, it’s about making it through. So let’s talk about it: What does it really mean to be strategic vs. inauthentic...

“You’ve changed.”
But... have you really? Or have you just learned to survive?

In this episode, we’re diving into the nuance and necessity of code-switching, compartmentalization, and adaptation, not as signs of betrayal, but as sacred acts of self-preservation. For many Black professionals, especially in predominantly white or high-pressure environments, shifting how you show up is not about inauthenticity, it’s about making it through.

So let’s talk about it:

What does it really mean to be strategic vs. inauthentic at work?
How do you know when you’re protecting your peace... or slowly losing yourself?
Who gets to define authenticity, and why is that so loaded?
What toll does long-term compartmentalization take on the body, mind, and spirit?

RESOURCES

Are you a woman leader who is depleted, exhausted and looking for a way out? Check out Trenia's limited series podcast The Burnout Rescue Plan. Click here to listen.

Want to chat with David? Visit https://strivequity.com/

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