I threw out my polyester suits.

I used to think that professionalism had to look a certain way.

Corporate, black or grey, button-down, polyester.

My first interview in high school or college where I bought a cheap two-piece woman-suit from Goody's for an internship I was applying for. It was itchy and uncomfortable, but that's what professionals wore, right?

I faked confidence and answered all the questions with what I thought they wanted to hear.

And I got the job.

I stayed in that mindset for years. Dressing the part, saying all the right things, and always presenting whatever version of professionalism I thought was acceptable to others.

But that mindset was suffocating to me, and I started to feel trapped, hidden, and insecure. I felt small.

You know what's worse? I wasn't offering the world the best parts of me. The parts of me that make me unique, the parts of me that carry passion, experience, and interest.

Have you felt hidden, or suffocated by professionalism?

Since starting Sherwood Media 9 years ago, I have realized just how wrong that mindset was. Professionals who have become friends have helped me challenge this notion and help me discover that I could be me, Elisa Trentham, and I could be "professional" as myself. Jasmine Newton looking at you, girl.

What happens when I get people on camera for an interview? Usually, they stick to the script they've memorized, the pitch they know nails exactly the message they want to send, but often, those messages have become so rehearsed that they've gotten stale.

I've interviewed business owners, scientists, and organization leaders who are all walking this crazy journey of digital media, social media, technology, and marketing what they do, hoping to appeal to a wide audience.

But I believe the most appealing thing you can do is to be authentic.

I have a policy at Sherwood Media that I don't give out interview questions before the interview. General discussion topics are the most I'll offer. Why? Because when we rehearse the script in our head, it becomes disconnected from our heart.

Instead, I create a safe space for my clients, even with cameras and lights filling the room, where we can sit, take a breath, and let our hearts reconnect when we talk about our work.

So today, if you find yourself sticking to the script, check in with yourself. Be gentle and kind, but ask the questions: What am I afraid of? and What would it feel like to be more myself?

If you've got tips for how you avoid being a stuffy-robot professional while still being a real human who is professional, let me know in the comments!