Can you succeed in corporate America without pretending to be someone you're not?

In this episode of Just Us with Liz & Kere, we revisit one of television's most iconic characters—Steve Urkel—to unpack a surprisingly powerful lesson about authenticity, code-switching, confidence, and the masks we wear to fit in.

Using the legendary Steve Urkel vs. Stefan Urquelle storyline from Family Matters, Liz and Kere explore what happens when we allow other people's expectations to define who we are. They discuss authenticity in the workplace, the pressure Black women often face to conform, and why embracing your full self may be the key to both success and fulfillment.

Then, in a special Boss It or Toss It, they rank some of television's most unforgettable characters—from Waldo and Carlton Banks to Janine Teagues, Fred Sanford, Jazz, Franklin, Charlie, and more—based on their commitment to individuality and authenticity.

If you've ever felt pressured to wear a mask at work, this conversation is for you.

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00:00 Welcome to Just Us with Liz & Kere

03:03 Teachable Moment: The Book of Family Matters

04:58 Why Steve Urkel is the ultimate lesson in authenticity

09:44 The creation of Stefan Urquelle and the workplace mask

11:31 When other people's expectations become your identity

12:24 Myra, self-worth, and being loved as your authentic self

18:32 Why authenticity wins in the end

19:34 The lesson: Stop wearing masks for other people

20:37 Helping young people discover their own version of "cool"

22:24 The history and reality of masking in Black culture

23:24 Bringing your whole self to work

24:49 Sponsor Break

26:40 Boss It or Toss It: TV's Most Authentic Characters

32:25 Waldo Faldo – Authenticity without apology

34:11 Carlton Banks – Staying true to yourself

35:24 LaVita Alizé Jenkins – Lovably authentic

37:00 Jerome in the House – Boss or Toss?

38:28 Sheneneh – Iconic but too much?

40:01 Madea enters the conversation

40:39 Janine Teagues (Abbott Elementary)

43:16 Sandra Clark (227)

45:03 The Upshaws debate

47:10 Fred G. Sanford

48:32 Jazz from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

49:58 Franklin from Peanuts

51:39 Charlie from Black-ish

53:15 Final thoughts: Authenticity matters

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