Living Your Values: The Cost of Authenticity in Leadership
Updated: Oct 29
The Challenge of Upholding Values
Ten years ago this August, a quarterback sat during the national anthem. A few days later, he knelt. This moment sparked a question that has lingered in my mind throughout my career: What happens when living your stated values threatens your livelihood, status, professional identity, and sense of belonging?
I want to approach this topic with caution. Conversations about Colin Kaepernick and his protest often become polarized. Some view his actions as a peaceful stand against racial injustice and police violence against the Black community, which he described from the beginning. Others see kneeling during the anthem as disrespectful to the flag, service members, or the United States. My goal is not to relitigate the protest or share my personal stance. Instead, I want to explore the costs individuals face when they choose to live their values and the leadership lessons we can learn from this.
The Price of Standing Firm
Kaepernick last played in the NFL at 29. He became a free agent in 2017, but no team would sign him. He later filed a grievance, alleging that team owners colluded to keep him out of the league. This grievance was settled confidentially in 2019, with no findings or admissions of guilt from either party.
While we cannot definitively say why each team passed on signing Kaepernick, we can conclude that the career he built over many years ended abruptly. The reasonable assumption is that his protest played a significant role in this outcome. Kaepernick’s new book and book tour prompted me to revisit his story, and I see at least four significant costs he incurred.
Loss of Career Opportunities: Kaepernick lost the chance to continue his career in the NFL.
Loss of Earning Potential: His protest limited his financial opportunities.
Loss of Control Over Reputation: Before 2016, he was known as the quarterback who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl. After his protest, public perception shifted dramatically. He became defined as an activist, patriot, troublemaker, civil rights figure, anti-American symbol, or agitator, depending on who was defining him.
Threats to Personal Safety: In September 2016, while still on an NFL roster, Kaepernick revealed that he received death threats.
The Quiet Yet Harmful Language of "Fit"
Once someone becomes associated with a controversial position, organizations often stop evaluating them solely based on performance. The focus shifts to whether that individual poses a risk. Questions arise about how boards, donors, and the public will react. Concerns about reputation and brand take precedence. Are they a good fit?
With over 25 years in equity, inclusion, civil rights compliance, and leadership, I have heard variations of these questions in emergency and ongoing meetings about employees. Sometimes, these concerns manifest as inquiries about leadership, promotions, or an individual's "tone" or "timing," especially when advocacy is involved. These questions act as a barometer for determining who stays and who must go.
While I cannot claim that this shift in focus explains every NFL decision regarding Kaepernick, his experience serves as a visible example of how professional consequences can arise from conviction and fidelity to one’s values.
A Commitment Beyond the Field
Kaepernick did not protest and then fade away. He committed $1 million of his own money to organizations working in underserved communities, supporting over 30 organizations in at least 15 cities. Alongside his life partner, he established Know Your Rights Camp, which has hosted free youth camps serving more than 5,000 young people and chaperones and distributed over $2.69 million in grants. On August 14th of this year, marking the tenth anniversary of his protest, the organization announced another $1 million commitment to community groups through 2027. This long-term commitment alters the narrative. While his stance cost him the identity he had built as an NFL quarterback, it also forged a new identity tied to his values, activism, philanthropy, publishing, and partnerships.
What This Asks of Us
In my work on equity, inclusion, social justice, and authentic inclusive leadership, I find that stated values are easy to express. However, the true test arises when those values become professionally and personally costly. Many of us may never face the national spotlight that Kaepernick did. Yet, we will encounter meetings, policy decisions, leadership challenges, or quiet moments where we must choose whether to speak and act.
I encourage you to reflect on the following questions: What are you willing to lose for what you believe in? If you are a leader in an organization, are you fostering a culture where people must pay a price for their values, or one where integrity and values are treated as assets and strengths?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please share your reflections below.
#livingyourvalues #OrganizationalCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Integrity #InclusiveLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #leadingpossibilities
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