Why Beyoncé pretends to be someone else

“Bring your full self to work.”

How many times have you heard this advice?

It makes sense. Research shows that people trust authentic leaders. If you’re faking it, people will sense it, and trust disappears.

But here’s something that might surprise you.

Sometimes, pretending to be someone else is exactly what you need.

Wait. Didn’t I just say authenticity matters?

Let me explain.
 

The secret trick Beyoncé uses before going on stage

Before stepping in front of thousands of fans, Beyoncé doesn’t think of herself as Beyoncé.

She becomes someone else entirely.

Her alter ego is called Sasha Fierce. Sasha is bold, doesn’t get nervous and owns the stage.

And it works. The moment Beyoncé steps into Sasha’s character, the stage fright disappears.

She’s not the only one. Classical musicians do something similar. Before a big concert, they imagine playing like their favourite artist: A cellist might channel Yo-Yo Ma, a pianist Martha Argerich.
 

Why does this actually work?

Here’s what’s happening in your brain when you adopt another persona:

It creates distance from your anxious self. When you’re “being” someone else, you’re not trapped in your own nervous thoughts.

It also shifts your attention. Instead of monitoring yourself (Am I sweating? Did I sound stupid?), you’re focused on one simple task: becoming that person.

And finally, it activates helpful patterns automatically. When a cellist imagines Yo-Yo Ma, their brain starts copying his style without conscious effort. The emotion, the presence, the confidence - it all comes along for the ride.

They don’t try to play with more emotion. They just step into that person’s shoes - and the emotion follows naturally.

How to use this at work

You don’t need to be on a concert stage or in front of thousands of fans. This works for the everyday moments too.

Before a presentation:

Think of a leader or speaker you admire - someone who commands a room naturally.

As you walk in, imagine you become them.

How would they stand? How would they start and what energy would they bring?

Don’t overthink it - just step into their shoes.

When you need more authority:

Think of a coach, mentor, or leader who communicates with clarity and confidence.

Before your next difficult conversation, imagine you’re them.

You’ll come across more direct, grounded and sure of yourself.

The bottom line

Authenticity matters when people need to trust the real you.

But in high-pressure moments - when nerves are taking over - stepping into someone else’s shoes can be exactly what you need.

You’re not being fake - you’re borrowing confidence until yours catches up.

Who will you become in your next presentation?