The beautiful truth about identity is that it’s not fixed; it’s fluid, a living tapestry that is constantly rewoven as we progress through life. Identity is intertwined with the roles we play, the experiences we gather, and the wisdom we accrue. As these elements shift, our sense of self transforms with them, like a river gradually changing course.
The following are some of the powerful forces that shape and reshape our identity:
Life Stages Identity naturally evolves as we pass through life’s chapters: childhood, adolescence, parenthood, elderhood. Each stage brings new relationships, new responsibilities, and a new understanding of self. The role of mother may transform a woman’s identity, while the role of grandmother reveals still other aspects of herself. These transitions invite us to explore previously hidden facets of ourselves, allowing our identity to unfold in tandem with life’s changing seasons.
Trauma Life-altering experiences—for example, a serious illness like cancer—can leave an indelible mark on our sense of self. Trauma shifts our inner landscape, reshaping how we view the world, our relationships, and our purpose. A survivor of such a transformative ordeal may find that they’ve stepped into a new self: one that is informed by resilience, a recognition of fragility, and a profound awareness of life’s brevity.
Context Who we are often depends on where we are. When we step into a new environment, we are given permission to explore and express different parts of ourselves. A Westerner traveling in India might discover a freer, more spiritual side of themselves. These contextual shifts might seem out of character to friends back home, but they reflect a deeper, authentic expansion of identity. We are not one fixed self; we are many selves, shaped by place, time, and setting.
Choice Most empowering of all, identity can be transformed by conscious choice. The values we embrace, the goals we set, and how we decide to live our lives all shape our identity. You might choose to embrace a healthier lifestyle, follow a new spiritual path, or change your career aspirations, and this might become a central feature of your identity. Identity, when chosen with intention, can become an empowering declaration of our values, shaped not by circumstance but by will.
Embracing the evolution of identity requires openness and curiosity, a willingness to release old versions of ourselves to make way for new ones. Your identity is not a rigid set of characteristics; it’s a mosaic, a collection of experiences, roles, choices, and contexts. Each phase, each challenge, each conscious decision adds color and texture to who you are. Let identity be a fluid companion, a shapeshifter that mirrors your growth, your resilience, and your boundless potential.
Identity In The Workplace
Identity is at the center of any meaningful conversation around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Each individual brings to the workplace a unique blend of history, culture, values, and experience. When we understand and honor these differences, we unlock the potential for workplaces to be more than spaces of productivity—they become places of transformation, innovation, and genuine connection.
Identity is the pulse that drives diversity, allowing us to harness the brilliance found in our differences. Distinct perspectives enable fresh ideas and groundbreaking outcomes, breaking free of the predictable. Embracing diversity is a commitment to valuing the kaleidoscope of viewpoints that fuels creativity and drives progress. When each person is truly seen, we open the door to richer possibilities. Equity is rooted in an awareness of identity, with all its nuances and complexity. When we center this awareness in our pursuit of fairness, we become more attuned to the subtle biases and power dynamics that shape our interactions and opportunities.
This clarity enables us not only to acknowledge these imbalances, but to dismantle them. Equity calls for leveling the playing field, creating an environment where every individual has fair access, free from the weight of discrimination and systemic barriers. In doing so, we foster a culture where all voices can be heard. Inclusion is the active embrace of difference, welcoming diverse thoughts, ideas, and perspectives, and celebrating the richness they bring. It goes beyond merely opening the door to varied identities, instead weaving them into the very fabric of the organization.
True inclusion is about creating spaces where all voices resonate, where each individual feels not just accepted but truly valued. It’s about cultivating an environment where every person can contribute authentically and help shape the path forward. At the heart of it all is belonging—the deepest expression of identity in the workplace. Belonging is a sense of connection, of being seen and valued. When people feel they belong, it transforms the workplace from a transactional space into a community. Belonging drives engagement, promotes well-being, and inspires loyalty. It turns a job into a calling and colleagues into allies. To create a workplace rooted in DEIB is to build a culture where every identity is honored, every voice matters, and every individual knows they have a place and a purpose.
Excerpted from Healing Leaders by Raj Sisodia and Nilima Bhat. Reprinted by permission of Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
