THE SUFFOCATION
The overwhelming desire to become the best version of myself positioned me to realize that I was gradually losing my true self through relentless internal and external pressures to meet expectations in ways that abandon who I really was.
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It was the breathless feeling of wearing masks so long, I'd forgotten who I was underneath and completely lost the ability to breathe and show up as my authentic self.
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This is how the term Authenticity Suffocation™ was born from my lived experience.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Through in-depth therapy and self-awareness work, coupled with deep mask research and recognition, I realized my true self was suffocating.
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In response to helping myself and others, I developed a complete mask ecosystem - understanding the internal and external workings of mask switching.
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I equipped myself with high-functioning Authentic Relational Intelligence - the ability to create and honor authentic sacredness within yourself while navigating relationships with wisdom and sacred boundaries.
THE EXPANSION
As a coach, compass and catalyst for authentic living, I realized that people spend more time at work than anywhere else in their lives - making corporate authenticity transformation ESSENTIAL, not optional.
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My years of corporate work revealed the intricate personal and relational dysfunction that causes performance erosion from onboarding to executive leadership and beyond.
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I now had the solution. Expanding into the corporate space as an Authenticity Strategist made perfect sense for maximum impact.
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OUR MISSION
My mission is to eliminate Authenticity Suffocation™ in workplaces cultures. Every day, talented individuals exhaust themselves maintaining masks that don't fit, while organizations struggle with the cascading effects of inauthentic relationships. I'm here to change that reality.
Through the proprietary ARI™ methodology I developed from my own transformation journey, I'm committed to removing the masks that sabotage both individual and collective success—transforming dysfunction that causes performance erosion from onboarding to executive leadership.
This work isn't just about improving workplace culture; it's about fundamentally transforming how people relate, perform, and thrive in their professional lives.
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OUR VISION
I envision corporate spaces where authenticity isn't just welcomed—it's the foundation for breakthrough performance. Workplaces where people breathe freely as their genuine selves, where masks are replaced with real connection, and where sustainable success flows naturally from purpose rather than pressure.
In this transformed landscape, organizations become ecosystems where authentic individuals create environments that inspire others to show up as the truest version of themselves.
This generates ripple effects of genuine collaboration, natural innovation, and performance that honors both human potential and business excellence throughout every level of leadership.
Experience & Expertise
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My journey to becoming an Authenticity Strategist has been shaped by both personal transformation and professional experience across multiple domains. My background includes extensive corporate training experience, particularly as a highly successful new hire trainer for AT&T, where I witnessed firsthand the impact of authentic vs. inauthentic workplace dynamics.
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I worked directly with management on critical onboarding decisions, where beyond the interview semantics, the real assessment landed with me—I had to see authentically what managers themselves could not. As a trainer, my role was to bring out the best from beneath the 'I really need this job' masks, helping people transition from performed interviews to authentic contribution. This shows I was already an authenticity detective before I even knew it.
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I bring trauma-informed expertise to every engagement, understanding that sustainable authenticity transformation requires psychological safety and strategic support. My certifications include Mental Health First Aid, equipping me to navigate the vulnerability that naturally arises when people begin removing masks they've worn for protection.
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With a background spanning Bachelor's in Theatre and Speech Communication, Bachelor's and Master's in Theology, and as a current doctoral candidate, plus Mental Health First Aid certification, and recognition as Honorable Mention in Marquis Who's Who, I bring both academic depth and practical expertise to authenticity transformation work.
As a speaker, coach, author, and nonprofit leader, I've guided hundreds through authentic breakthrough work—experience that taught me how to create safe spaces for profound personal transformation. This diverse background allows me to approach corporate authenticity work with both business acumen and deep human understanding.
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I lived this suffocation myself. I found the way out. Now I help others do the same. My methodology isn't theoretical—it's born from lived experience, refined through years of helping others, and proven in real-world corporate environments. I understand both the human cost of authenticity suffocation and the business impact of inauthentic workplace relationships.
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Greta Bates, TICC, CPC | Authenticity Strategist
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"The dream workplace is one where you can breathe as your authentic self"