Case studies
As part of our Authenticity in the Workplace project, we’ve invited students to submit questions to professionals from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds, including individuals who identify with diverse communities.
These conversations offer valuable insights into what authenticity means in different contexts.
The case studies below feature real questions from Nottingham students exploring how to bring your most genuine, confident, and authentic selves to work.
By engaging with these perspectives, you can better understand how to navigate workplace culture, embrace your individuality, and build meaningful, authentic careers when you graduate.
Abiodun Michael Olatokun FRSA LLM - Barrister
Summary
This blog explores how individuals can identify genuinely inclusive workplaces by looking beyond surface-level statements and examining real patterns, behaviours, and cultures. Drawing on lived experience, it also highlights the importance of allyship, addressing microaggressions, and authenticity as foundations for both personal empowerment and effective professional practice.
Topics covered:
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How to assess whether a workplace is genuinely inclusive
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Looking beyond employer messaging to real cultural indicators
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Using informal conversations and peer insight during recruitment
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Examining hiring, retention, and progression patterns
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Allyship through listening, data, and education
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Creating spaces for cultural sharing and understanding at work
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Understanding and responding to microaggressions
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Practical steps for documenting and addressing discrimination
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The link between authenticity, confidence, and professional effectiveness
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Why feeling empowered at work enables better advocacy and performance
Read Michael's full career insights story
Esther Mukuka - Communication is key for bringing equality to the workplace
Summary
This case study explores how flexible working, honest communication, and adaptive routines help balance parenting with professional responsibilities. It also reflects on the importance of having courageous conversations about race and gender, and how organisations can drive meaningful change through inclusive leadership practices.
Topics covered:
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Letting go of the idea of “perfect” work/life balance
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Adapting to changing family and work demands
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Benefits of a four-day working week and compressed hours
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Improving productivity and reducing parental guilt
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The importance of open, transparent communication with employers
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Navigating conversations about race and ethnicity at work
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Using evidence to challenge workplace culture and influence leadership
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The case for increasing women in senior leadership roles
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Organisational targets and positive action initiatives
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Leadership development programmes and mentoring
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Embedding inclusion into business strategy
Read Esther's full career insights story
Joe Patternoster - Disability in the workplace? I consider it my superpower
Summary
This case study shares a Joe’s experience of managing invisible illnesses, including epilepsy and ulcerative colitis, in the workplace and the importance of openness and trust with employers. It highlights how authenticity, flexible working, and supportive management enable Joe to perform at their best while balancing health needs.
Topics covered:
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Living and working with invisible illnesses
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Deciding whether to disclose a condition during recruitment
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Hybrid working and flexibility around medical appointments
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Reasonable adjustments and supportive management practices
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Building trust through openness with employers
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Setting boundaries and understanding personal limits
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Supporting mental health at work
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The importance of authenticity and bringing your whole self to work
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Mutual commitment between employee and employer
Read Joe's full career insights story
Marie Reynolds - Bringing your unique strengths to the workplace as a woman
Summary
This case study shares a professional woman’s reflections on authenticity, gender, and parenthood in the workplace, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. It explores how supportive cultures, flexible working, and open communication help women thrive while balancing career and family life.
Topics covered:
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The benefits and challenges of being a woman in the workplace
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Managing a career alongside parenting responsibilities
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Gender bias and the shift toward more balanced leadership teams
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The importance of authenticity and building genuine connections at work
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Speaking up professionally and giving constructive feedback
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Whistleblowing and raising concerns appropriately
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Barriers to women in senior leadership roles
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Flexible working and retaining women after having children
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Menopause awareness and workplace support
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ESG, diversity, and closing the gender pay gap
Read Marie's full career insights story
Kathryn Moss - Using my neurodivergence as a strength at work
Summary:
Kathryn shares her experience of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life and how embracing her authentic self has transformed her wellbeing and work. Her story offers practical insights into workplace adjustments, supportive networks, and what truly helps neurodivergent colleagues thrive.
Topics covered:
- Late autism diagnosis and how receiving it in adulthood reshapes self-understanding.
- Masking at work before diagnosis: the emotional labour, anxiety, and exhaustion of appearing “neurotypical.”
- Communicating neurodiversity to colleagues and the benefits of authenticity in the workplace.
- Role of neurodivergent staff networks, including peer support, advocacy, and organisational change.
- Examples of practical reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working, written instructions, and sensory supports.
- How organisations can better support neurodivergent employees, from accessible processes to staff education.
- Why bringing your authentic self to work matters, and how understanding your own needs strengthens wellbeing and performance.
Full case study published on Thursday 22 January