What Does It Mean to Live Authentically?

Discover the voices, stories and strategies of women who are reclaiming alignment, purpose and power.

authenticity & the roles women play

A Research Study on Women and the Power of Living Aligned

About the Study

This qualitative study explores a deeply human question:

How do women express themselves authentically across the various roles they play and what strategies do they use to increase authenticity in their lives?

Across hours of interviews with women from diverse backgrounds, a rich tapestry of insight emerged — a collective story of reconnection, courage and transformation.

Whether navigating motherhood, leadership, partnership or solitude, women are reclaiming truth and choosing to live in alignment with their values.

Meet the researcher

I'm Diana, a Psychology Master Graduate, and this project has been a personal and professional journey into what it means to live aligned — especially as a woman in her 40s.

I designed this study to honour real stories, not just statistics. What emerged was a reminder that authenticity isn’t a trend — it’s a life force.

themes We Discovered

  • Redefining leadership as influence rooted in integrity, not hierarchy. Women expressed quiet power, boundary-setting, and values-driven guidance.

  • Authenticity was often linked to speaking up — for themselves, for others, and in systems where they were once silent.

  • Self-care became sacred. Women described learning to prioritise emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing after years of neglect.

  • Midlife was described as a metamorphosis. Participants embraced personal evolution, creative rebirth, and letting go of outdated roles.

  • Authenticity was not static — it was lived through moment-to-moment decisions, saying no, walking away, or choosing differently.

What authenticity looks like — in real life

  • “One of my greatest influence has been my mother, who I have seen.
    Fighting with the society … making her firm decisions … I have seen my parents, my mother or father taking strong decisions because they believed in what they want to do, so that could have been my first influence of doing what you really want to do, doesn't matter what society says.”

  • “So, what's really interesting that I've never realised about myself until I spoke to you just now, is that I'm probably least authentic when I'm with my best friends. Which is weird, isn't it? But I think that's because often I've known them for so long, we've grown up together, but they're somewhere different in their lives than I am.”

  • “I think that the confidence I got as I became more senior in my career, sort of gave me the confidence to sort of say to myself, well, if people are giving you these jobs, if they're not giving them to you because they like you, they're giving you the job because they think you can do it and your experience says they can. And so, as basic as just having a bit of confidence to think, well, maybe if I know what I'm talking about in my career, maybe I know what I'm talking about in other areas of my life.”

  • “I had … a persona that grew … out of the cultural expectations, of my familiar expectations. And I thought that that was me. I didn't know that it wasn't me. So, I felt that I'm being authentic to myself.

    But I know now that I wasn't ... I had a lot of … suffering because of it, but I didn't even know what was the cause of it; and I developed anxiety and depression.”

Share Your Experience

of Authenticity

This study may be complete — but the conversation is just beginning.
Every woman has her own definition of what authenticity feels like. I'd love to hear from you:

  • What does authenticity mean to you?

  • What roles are you letting go of — or reclaiming?

  • What keeps you aligned with your truth?

Want More on Authenticity & living aligned?

  • Get notified when full findings are being published

  • New essays, tools and reflections

  • Invitations to upcoming workshops, talks or interviews

  • Behind-the-scenes insights from the research journey

Read

The Alchemist

on Substack

At Incharge Wellbeing, my work has always been about embodied transformation — healing the nervous system, reclaiming purpose and remembering wholeness.

Through my latest research on authenticity and the roles women play, I’ve been listening deeply to women’s voices as they speak of leadership, advocacy, wellbeing, growth and choice. What emerges is more than data — it is story, truth and resonance.

My Substack is the living room of this research — a place where insights become conversations, where stories continue and where women can reflect, respond and be heard.

If something here stirs in you — a recognition, a longing, a question — you are warmly invited to join me there. Add your voice to the dialogue, or simply listen in. Both are welcome. This is a space of authenticity and of becoming.

Unlock the Power of

Your Subconscious

Use hypnotherapy or talking therapies to release patterns, phobias, reduce stress & triggers and live authentically aligned & free.

Other ways of working with Diana

I:I With diana — “The Empowered Path”

A transformative journey of personal leadership, emotional resilience and soul-aligned living — designed for those ready to take charge from within.

Not sure where to begin?
If you’re unsure which option is the best fit for you, you’re welcome to book a Clarity Call with me. This gentle, no-obligation conversation gives us space to explore your needs and find the right pathway forward together.

Connect on Instagram @inchargewellbeing

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