Published 19 Jun 2026
Being yourself
Explore the barriers to authentic connection
Have you ever mustered up a fake smile in an uncomfortable meeting? Or nodded attentively while fighting back tears of rage? Or excused yourself to the privacy of the women’s restroom in order to compose yourself? If so, you know the personal and social costs of wearing a mask — what therapist Anna Christine Seiple describes as “the process of suppressing how we are naturally wired to conform to what’s seen by others as most acceptable, normal, or typical.” For women, we’re often called upon to present ourselves in particular ways, especially in professional contexts. We learn quickly that honing our masking skills can yield career opportunities, social networking dividends, and the respect of those in power. But what is the cost to our deepest selves? Anna Christine Seiple invites us to explore our tendencies and consider reflective questions as we examine the masks we carry with us in our daily lives.
“In day to day life, this can be as simple as demonstrating a smile and a chipper tone when someone asks how we are, when really, we’re entirely overwhelmed inside, but we don’t feel free to give voice to what’s authentically happening within.”
Cultivating an ability to lead authentically as a woman takes time, self-knowledge, and courage to be yourself. We’re reminded of an article by Nancy Pedulla in which she explores several practical ways that we can respond to the challenges of leadership. We’re delighted that Nancy has agreed to partner with Women Scholars and Professionals in developing a podcast series about wise and courageous women leaders. Watch for the first episode to drop in the coming weeks! And don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for our book club as we discuss the challenges of women leading through Kate Coleman’s book. The struggle is real, but so are the opportunities for support and growth. Join us as we learn together!
“If you are called to take on a role, you must be a full steward of the role, not holding back your gifts because of your gender.”
A note. If you head to The Well, you might notice a few little things that are different about our website — including a new landing page for Women Scholars & Professionals!
While we’re in the middle of some behind-the-scenes construction, some website features might be on the blink — so let us know if you have trouble finding anything. In the meantime, any new content will be posted here on our Substack page. Thanks for your patience with us!
You’re Invited!
Weekly Prayer is back! Join us online for 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern).
Fall Book Club. Mark your calendars and join Women Scholars and Professionals this summer for a discussion of Kate Coleman's 7 Deadly Sins of Women in Leadership. Our book clubs offer a thriving community space to discuss challenging questions in a safe environment. The first meeting will be September 25. Click through for more details!
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OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Working for Better Webinar Discussion Mark your calendars for October 1 and register for a free webinar. In a world where workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse, Working for Better by Dr. Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels offers a timely guide for Christians navigating the modern faith-at-work landscape. This event is co-sponsored by InterVarsity’s Women Scholars & Professionals and InterVarsity’s MBA Ministry. Click through to register!
Save the Date: Believers in Business. Join MBA students and professionals from across the country in New York City, February 27–28, 2026. Stay tuned—more details will be available soon at BiBconference.org.