37 Successful Women Share Their Tips for Leading With Authenticity on LinkedIn and Beyond
Dreamers & Doers?
A highly curated community and PR Hype Machine? catalyzing expansive success for women entrepreneurs and leaders. ??
In today’s digital world, authenticity is essential for building meaningful connections and fostering trust.
But how can you ensure that your online presence truly reflects who you are? We asked successful women from the Dreamers & Doers collective to share the strategies.
From embracing vulnerability to weaving personal stories into their posts, the following 37 women offer actionable insights on leading with authenticity and creating a social media presence that resonates with their followers. We encourage you to explore their profiles, make a connection if it feels aligned, and save this article so you can apply their strategies as you refine your own digital presence. We can’t wait to see all the ways you uplevel!?
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Chief Creative Officer at TDW+Co , an ad agency that helps brands understand audiences, develop meaningful campaigns, and deploy relevant content across channels.
“Identify the quirks or strengths that make you unique, even if they seem unconventional. Ask your peers and mentors to give you honest feedback. Sometimes, they’ll see something in you that you didn’t think was special. Simplify your message so it’s easy for others to remember you for exactly those standout traits. When your brand is clear and genuine, it becomes easier for others to connect with and understand you.”
Founder & CEO of Chapter tOO, LLC , an organizational and leadership development consultancy leveraging data-backed people insights to optimize engagement and strategy.
“I intentionally engage with content creators from different regions around the world. I actively seek out those whose work aligns with my focus on developing leadership and personal effectiveness. By amplifying diverse voices, I ensure my social media presence is a genuine reflection of my commitment to global perspectives and community-building.”
Founder of The Sheconomist , a women’s economic advancement media company.?
“I don’t shy away from addressing historically stigmatized topics including fertility, mental health, or immigration challenges. Showing up as my most authentic, vulnerable self has allowed me to create and hold space for others, especially young women, to do the same. People gravitate toward personal stories—it helps build human connection and establishes trust. The more authentically you’re putting yourself out there, the more invincible and self confident you become.”
Founder & CEO of Save My Cents , teaching the everyday American to change their money lives, one cent at a time, by focusing on transforming one's mindset.
“In most of my top viral content, I'm recording myself doing everyday things to remain frugal. This includes me cooking in my kitchen, enjoying sunlight in my backyard, hanging out with my family and friends, and making my bed. Unlike many other personal finance creators, I am not living the life that most people expect ‘rich’ people to have. My wealth is my time, sustaining my mental health, and further developing great relationships with the people who are most important in my life. It is healing my childhood wounds, no longer being lonely, and being joyful on my own terms.”
Co-Founder of Starling Training , offering cohort-based, virtual, synchronous training designed to sharpen the skills that build productive, supportive relationships.
“I apply lessons I’ve learned from my everyday successes, failures, and mundane interactions to becoming a better manager, accelerating my career and improving business relationships. When my neighborhood coffee shop messed up my order twice in a week, I reflected on the dangers of taking your clients and coworkers for granted. When Covid-19 forced me to drop out of a powerlifting meet, I talked about resetting goals. When I got a new puppy, I talked about the critical role mentors play in onboarding new hires. I’m not afraid to share a sweaty picture of me in a singlet or cute dog photos.”
CEO & Head of Strategy at Chykalophia , a web agency combining a balanced approach to creativity and technology to deliver transformative digital experiences, bringing impactful ideas to life.
“I combine intuition with what I call 'empathy-led content.' I regularly share behind-the-scenes moments from my life as a mom and entrepreneur, focusing on the recurring struggles I hear from my community. If I've experienced similar challenges or have insights to offer, I feel compelled to share—but only if it feels right in my gut. This approach ensures my content is always authentic, relevant, and truly from my heart, not just trendy or polished.”
Founder of Waverly Ave , a consultancy working with agency owners and consultants to build a business that fits your vision, boosts your revenue, and attracts the right clients.
“I write content from real experience. Every post is inspired by a conversation I've had with a client, a prospect, or someone I'm networking with. I consistently hear from people who engage with my content that they feel like I'm reading their mind. I'm also very conscious of writing how I speak, which is informal and thoughtful. The more you lean into who you are in your content, the more your content stands out and connects.”
Founder of Airtight Concepts Inc. , a strategy firm that specializes in business optimizations and transitions for service providers looking to scale.
“Simply ‘showing up’ does not equate to being true to who we are. The goal is to connect with those who see our content on social media. For this, I spend more energy figuring out which part of who I am they could see themselves in or resonate with. I do this to stay relevant in those people’s eyes, not to please everyone.”
Founder of Quimby Digital , an agency crafting compelling social media marketing campaigns for B2B businesses.
“LinkedIn requires radical authenticity to be impactful, which basically means throwing perfection and a polished business tone of voice out the window. Usually I ask myself three key questions before posting. Would I talk this way if I were out to lunch with a coworker? Would I share this advice with a mentee or close friend? Is there a simpler way to convey my message? Typically, this combination packs the punch I need to craft a better post.”
Founder of Brave by Design , a sales consultancy taking the guesswork out of landing bigger clients, so you can actually hit your revenue goals.
“I look for a-ha moments during my day, usually from a conversation I've had or something I've read. I'll pull on that thread and turn that into a post, because if I found it useful, I know others will too. Pro tip: read whatever you draft aloud before hitting send to make sure that it sounds totally natural.”
Founder & CEO of SUPERBANDS , a nonprofit 501c3 dedicated to reshaping the fan experience to change the stigma of youth mental health.
“I believe in sharing the good, the bad, the ugly, the polished highlights, and the behind-the-scenes struggles of everything that makes me unique. Whether it is glimpses of building a nonprofit or the challenges of being a working mom, it's about building genuine connections, not just a curated image. By embracing authenticity, I've found that my audience responds with loyalty and trust, and it's more fun to be myself!”
Founder of RYLEN , a design lab creating sustainable solutions that not only address global challenges but transform lives.
“My strategy is to interweave my personal experiences and values into every post, whether it's sharing the lessons learned from our projects or the stories of communities we work with. By documenting the challenges and the incremental progress along with the successes, I invite my audience into a more genuine dialogue. This approach allows for a deeper connection and a more honest representation of my journey, fostering an environment where true engagement can flourish.”
Disability Public Speaker, DEIA Consultant, & Content Creator at Blindish Latina LLC , helping organizations become more inclusive and accessible through speaking and training.
“I use a conversational writing style with contractions and short sentences to communicate like I speak in real life. I'm also not afraid to share content about my mental health, challenges as an entrepreneur, videos of me dancing and traveling, and stories about my disability journey. If I've shared too much informational content in recent posts, I switch it up with some vulnerability and more personal posts.”
Co-Founder of Relatable Nonprofit , a company empowering people to transform their nonprofit careers into thriving consulting businesses.
“Thinking about social media, especially LinkedIn, as a journal helps me create authentic content by reflecting on my experiences and sharing stories. I always focus on tailoring the topics to what my audience will find useful. It's not about putting random thoughts out there; everything is intentional, aimed at providing value and insights that resonate with my followers.”
CEO of Safina & Shekhtman, Inc , a design consultancy creating pioneering digital experiences that span websites and apps, AR/VR interfaces, and AI-powered applications.
“I refuse to adopt a dry and corporate tone. Instead, I'd much rather make jokes, include emojis, and drop popular phrases at the end of my post or newsletter. My newsletter has helped me significantly improve how I show up online. I try to be personal, provide a lot of bold opinions, and always illustrate my points with examples. I love good dialogue too, so my ratio of likes to comments is very solid!”
Founder of Clapping Dog Media , a results-driven SEO agency that helps businesses increase organic traffic and visibility through strategic, data-informed optimization.
“Steer clear of clickbait or exaggerated claims like, ‘I made $10,000 overnight.’ Instead, focus on being real—sharing both the successes and setbacks in business. It’s this honesty that people truly connect with and relate to.”
Vice President of People at ThreeFlow , an enterprise software that allows benefits brokers and insurance carriers to manage the entire placement process in one shared system.
“Mix planned content with spur-of-the-moment shares. I blend professional insights and personal reflections to give followers the real me. This approach helps me build true connections while staying true to my values.”
Founder & CEO of Ninety Five Media , a woman-owned and -operated digital marketing agency specializing in creating high-converting content.
“Show the imperfect journey, rather than only the end result. I read Crushing It by Gary Vaynerchuk in my early days of entrepreneurship. In that book, he talks about the beauty of social media in bringing your audience along the journey with you. I've made sure to incorporate that strategy into everything I've done since then. This has helped me build an audience who have seen everything—from when it was just me, to growing our team, expanding our services, and all of the pain points along the way. This vulnerability and behind-the-scenes vantage point has built relationships and brand loyalty we wouldn't otherwise have.”
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Co-Founder & CEO of Plenty , a wealth platform revolutionizing how couples manage their finances and uncovering powerful insights into couple dynamics and financial management.
“I focus on bringing authenticity to the forefront. Plenty addresses a problem we’ve experienced ourselves, and we’re passionate about helping other couples solve. Finance can be unnecessarily complicated, which makes navigating it together even harder. So I share the real, unfiltered experiences of our journey—our daily operations, market insights, and the challenges we face. This transparency not only highlights our genuine efforts but also helps others see the real impact of what we’re doing. This makes our social media presence both authentic and valuable.”
Founder of Miss Tourist , a go-to site when it comes to planning an extraordinary vacation, trusted by more than 300,000 people monthly.
“I've embraced a radical ‘no-edit, no-prep’ challenge for my video content. I commit to single-take, unscripted videos without cuts, filters, or any pre-recording primping. This means I hit record without checking my hair, adjusting lighting, or curating my background. This raw, caught-off-guard approach captures my most authentic self, complete with bedhead, natural lighting quirks, and real-life backdrops. It's fostered a surprisingly deeper connection with my audience, who appreciate seeing real, everyday life.”?
Founder & CEO of Code Financial Services , empowering small businesses with tools and guidance to thrive, going beyond bookkeeping to support business growth.
“I make it a point to share both the victories and challenges of balancing my career and personal life. I weave in personal anecdotes about managing finances for my family, showing the real-world applications of the advice I give. My strategy is to keep my content practical and relatable, ensuring it resonates with others navigating similar paths. Authenticity, for me, means being transparent about the ups and downs; not just the successes.”
Founder & CEO of Grow With Community , a consulting agency empowering businesses and creatives to transform their audience into communities through proven growth strategies.
“As a community builder, I focus on shining the light on others. I enjoy highlighting the work and accomplishments of those around me by sharing what someone is up to, celebrating their achievements, or simply recapping who I've been connecting with lately. This approach helps keep my connections active, resulting in meaningful and authentic community-building.”
Founder of Marissa Pick Consulting LLC , a strategic consulting firm focused on digital transformation, content marketing, social media strategy, personal branding, and more.
“Put simply, don't be afraid to be yourself online. Embrace your quirks, share your story, and have fun along the way. Remember, social media is all about building relationships and connecting with others. Go ahead and let your personality shine. Have fun, take chances, and be respectful and honest.”
Founder of Yevedzo Coaching & Consulting , equipping professional women to live and lead with confidence, authenticity, and impact while embracing their unique identity.
“Use your voice and take up space. My goal is to sound the same on LinkedIn and in real life. If I would never say it in real life, I’m not going to post it. Perfection is overrated. Being yourself is the in thing. With me, what you see is what you get!”
Founder & CEO of Sage Haus , a platform helping busy parents reclaim their time by outsourcing the mental load and creating home systems to support a healthy division of labor.
“I find the bravery to embrace vulnerability, especially in my role as a working mom. I share the messy, hard moments—the chaos of balancing work with kids' schedules, the guilt of missing milestones, and the exhaustion that comes from trying to do it all. By openly discussing these challenges, I show that it’s okay to struggle. Perfection isn’t the goal. This authenticity not only helps me process my own experiences but also fosters genuine connections with others who are navigating similar paths. We bond over the real, unfiltered moments, creating a supportive community that values honesty over perfection.”
Founder & CEO of Dora L. Rankin Consulting , coaching founders and women leaders to live their purpose and create their highest earning potential.
“LinkedIn is a grand space to network. Every social media post is an opportunity to open up a conversation. Human connection through social media content develops the like, know, and trust factor that is especially important as you’re linking arms on LinkedIn.”
Founder of The Candid Collective , a one-woman ghostwriting agency that delivers world-class storytelling that sells your products and services.
“I use a very alternative profile picture—featuring me, mid-air literally jumping for joy, with a bouquet of sunflowers in my hands. My curly hair is over my face. It's a candid photo, which fits our brand personality and vibe. When people land on my LinkedIn profile, comments about this photo are usually the number one direct message I receive after connecting with someone, so there's definitely something here!”
Head of Marketing at Position2 , an AI-centric growth marketing firm committed to helping innovative companies thrive by delivering best-in-class digital marketing and creative design.
“My posts and my engagement on my followers' posts represent a mix of my values, ethics, interests, and community. I lead from a space as a parent, a marketing leader, politically active democrat, and Brown transgender woman. I share content that is connected to those identities. I post personal content from the perspective of those affiliations and communities in a way that provides value for my readers. I try to avoid being too preachy or too aggressive. I also try to mix my content up so it's not strictly focused on one identity. If my content strikes you in a positive way—that's terrific. If it doesn't—scroll on by.”
Chief Grant Writing Unicorn of Learn Grant Writing , a program helping you learn to write grants and make money doing it.
“Develop your character diamond. Your North Star is why you do the work you do. For me, that's inspiring other women to try their hand at entrepreneurship. Next, explore your quirks. What makes you fabulously weird? The bottom of the diamond is your kryptonite. What do you struggle with? It's likely so relatable. The final corner of the diamond are your passions. When you present all sides of you, you will feel more fully expressed and motivated to show up!”
Coach at KCH Coaching and Advisory , helping women build joyful and impactful careers that surpass the expectations of their lineage, our society, and even their mentors.
“Everything I write on LinkedIn is a reflection of what's alive for me right now—an a-ha moment from a client session, a story from my own life that feels resonant right now, or a response to something happening in business or culture. I never press publish on anything that feels repetitive or derivative of something else I've seen online. In fact, I follow very few people in my industry for that reason.”?
Founder & CEO of Dr. Claire SPEAKS! LLC , a human-centered advisory consultancy advancing health equity, social justice, and organizational wellness.
“I unapologetically center our shared humanity and highlight the importance of racial and social justice, intersectional mental health, and health equity. I try to lead with empathy and authenticity. My strategy is to share what is truly on my mind and heart. I have found that compared to the posts that are pre-scheduled, the posts that I write in the moment receive the most engagement.”
Female Founder Strategist of FundHER , an accelerator committed to championing women founders, offering unparalleled support and funding pathways.
“Fully embrace the practice of building in public. I openly share both the successes and the struggles of my entrepreneurial journey. This not only humanizes the process but also resonates deeply with my audience. This approach is central to how I work with women founders as well, encouraging them to be transparent and authentic in their own journeys. By building in public, we create a ripple effect of trust and openness that leads to unexpected opportunities and stronger, more meaningful connections.”
Founder & CEO of Laura DiFrancesco LLC , an education and publishing company focused on empowering women to dream and live with wild ambition.
“We blend a consistent aesthetic across our brands with a transparent look into our day-to-day life and customer experiences. For example, we love sharing collaborative posts of life behind the scenes, the We Grow Together Podcast clips, guest reviews, brand experiences, and speaking engagements. This approach helps us tie together our professional and personal endeavors. It not only reinforces our brand identity but also fosters authentic connections with our community on LinkedIn, Instagram, and beyond; staying true to our mission of building meaningful relationships with diverse entrepreneurs.”
President & CEO of Anchored Training and Kirkpatrick Partners , offering digital media development and transforming learning and performance professionals into strategic partners.
“I’m a strong advocate of walk-and-talks, often starting my day with an early morning walk. During these walks, I frequently record voice notes to capture my thoughts and share them with my team. They then transform these insights into authentic, genuine content. I prioritize maintaining a consistent presence on social media, ensuring that my online persona is a true reflection of my personal and authentic self.”
Co-Founder of WeNatal , a company transforming the fertility space with the first prenatal supplement optimized for her and him.
“My co-founder, Vida, and I are energized when we connect with others. Because of our personal experiences, we are deeply passionate about improving access to fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health education. From the start, we have strived to create a space that offers both reliable, trustworthy education and genuine support. It is our authentic enthusiasm for both the mission and the premium product itself that makes it seamless for us to genuinely engage on social media.”
Founder & CEO of Growth Assembly , a go-to-market consultancy and advisory, transforming marketing, sales, product development, and customer success.
“Before sharing anything, I ask myself two key questions. Will this help someone today? Would this have helped me in a former season of my professional journey? If the answer to either question is a resounding yes, then I know I'm on the right track.”
Founder & CEO of Admin Boutique , providing the dynamic team a small business needs to thrive.
“I incorporate behind-the-scenes moments into my content, showing the raw, unfiltered side of my work and life. I also take social media detox days, stepping away from the screen to gain perspective and return with a refreshed, authentic voice. Lastly, I use storytelling to share not just successes, but also challenges and lessons learned—making my journey more relatable and genuine.”?
??? Social Media Connoisseur & Digital Marketing Strategist | Speaker | Content Marketing Evangelist ?
1 周Thank you so much for the inclusion within this amazing post! Such amazing insights shared within!
Congratulations Meg !
Digital retail & consumer strategy | National personal finance & retirement expert | Book author in 2025
2 周Such great tips from everyone!
From Thankless & Endless to Client Bliss ?| Biz Consultant & Quiz Alchemist | Owner of Airtight Concepts | Become an Opportunity Magnet by Leveraging Your Expertise | maikosakai.com
2 周The word "authenticity" has been one of the buzz words for a while. Thank you Dreamers & Doers? for this opportunity to think deeper into what it meant for me. That alone is a huge takeaway. On top of that, I got to be featured in this value-packed article asking with 36 trailblazing women. That's literally ?? on top!
Head of Marketing @ Position2 | Driving Revenue, Brand Activation | Digital Marketing | Content Marketing | Social Media Marketing | Experiential Marketing | Marketing Operations | Featured in NASDAQ & Bold Journey
2 周Honored to be featured with this talented group of women.