In this episode of Coffee and Career Chats: Startup Edition, host Adel Hameed unpacks the “Authenticity Paradox”—the tension between staying true to oneself and adapting in a fast-changing world. Joined by Dr. Jana Habson, founder of Dubai’s MCM Conscious Mental Wellness Center, they explore how authenticity can sometimes conflict with leadership demands, especially in diverse cultural settings.

Dr. Habson examines the impact of collectivistic and individualistic cultures on leadership, offering insights into how these cultural differences shape perceptions of authenticity. Together, they discuss how societal norms and national backgrounds can challenge leaders to rethink what it means to be “authentic” and offer strategies to balance genuine leadership with cultural adaptability.

Whether you’re leading a team or aspiring to start your own venture, this episode provides practical takeaways on maintaining core values while being mindful of cultural dynamics in today’s globalized landscape.

Dr. Jana Habson’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janarahabson/

Links to the two articles: 

1. The Authenticity Paradox, by Hermania Ibarra, https://hbr.org/2015/01/the-authenticity-paradox.

   
   



2. When Your Good Mentor Goes Bad, by Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins, https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-to-makeover-your-mentoring 
   Music by WaveMaster from ⁠⁠Pixabay