How Showing Up as an Authentic Leader Benefits Your Company, from Armis CRO Brian Gumbel

Forge Ahead

Brian Gumbel had a secret that he thought could end his career. It wasn’t until he joined a supportive work environment that Brian felt that he could come out as gay. When he did, the results surprised him.

Brian found that showing up as his true self changed how he connected with people at work. “If you can be your true, authentic self, you'll be able to share things,” Brian says. “You build deeper relationships and more interesting conversations. You connect with people differently. Everybody has their own story. No matter what that story is. And I think that's so exciting. And I tell my teams, ‘Don't just take off your hat, leave it at home and put on your work hat when you come into the office. Just be yourself. It's one life, and everybody's going through things. It's better to be open about things that we can all support each other.’”

Now, eleven years later, work environments are more accepting and inclusive. Companies welcome diversity among their employees and benefit from their unique perspectives.

In this episode of Forge Ahead, Brian talks about his personal journey coming out, and why it’s critical to show up authentically as a leader.

Visit www.forgeaheadpodcast.com for the full Show Notes or to learn more about the show.