Authentic Leadership. It’s about the journey, not the destination

Imagine a world where leaders are more than? common buzzwords— "synergize this" and "optimize that”. A world where leaders are actually?their truest selves - their authentic selves. Effective leadership is born from the authentic leader who fosters?engagement and growth, even when it speaks to?inconvenient truths into the heart of status quo corporate America.

Ah, authenticity—the secret sauce of leadership that's about as rare and sought-after as a five-leaf clover. It's that elusive quality that, when you stumble upon it, makes you sit up a little straighter and pay attention. It resonates, doesn't it??

The time is now for authenticity in leadership especially for women leaders. The old guard is changing, the carousel of time is bringing forward a new set of rules and players. And within those rules, the game of Simon Says is over. It's no longer about mimicry—it's about mastery of self.

After all of these years of practice, research, and observation of some of the best leaders in the world (I'm looking at you Nicole Sahin Jeanne Mariani Sullivan Lori McIntosh Emma Sinclair MBE Stephanie Buscemi ), it’s clear to see that leadership is not a title or a rung on a ladder but a continual act of growth. These inspiring humans - whose leadership transcends across populations - lead by learning, lead by doing, and, most importantly, lead by being true to themselves.

When a woman in the hot seat steers by her own compass, we all feel the magnetic pull. Self-reflection, that clever sleuthing within our own minds, can unearth the treasure trove of values and passions we're sitting on. It's like finding your grandmother's old jewelry box and discovering it's full of diamonds. And when leaders polish those gems and wear them proudly, my goodness, they don't just walk into the room—they practically glow in the dark. Trust and loyalty? They're the inevitable followers, tripping over themselves to catch some of that shine.?

authenticity might just be the greatest disrupter of our time

The truth is, authenticity might just be the greatest disrupter of our time. It's the crackle in the static, the unexpected note in the chorus. For those who dare to harness it, authenticity? paves a golden path that sets the right example for others.? Follow these 5 Steps on the Path to Authentic Leadership and start your journey.

1. Start with the person in the mirror. There is no other place to start. You have to be willing to be open and honest with yourself. If you think that self-reflection as a pathway to authentic leadership is a feel-good, easy-peasy exercise for the self-absorbed, it's not. Let's get one thing straight: self-reflection isn't just lounging around in a mental hammock, it's the gymnasium of the brain. You don't get those authenticity muscles by accident; it takes some heavy lifting—and I'm not just speaking metaphorically. There is no short-cut, no smoking gun to fast track authenticity muscle memory. You have to put in the time. From my own experience and that of amazing female disrupters just like you, trust us, it’s worth it.??
2. Disrupt out loud and in good company. Being authentic starts with the willingness to be seen—the good, the bad, and the oh-so-human. It's about embracing the possibility of failure and yet stepping into the ring. Because that's where personal brand becomes more than a marketing ploy—it becomes the story of you, raw and unfiltered. Grasp this, and you'll realize that the uphill battle for authenticity is not a solitary trek. No, it's a climb made on the shoulders of mentors and champions, the whispers of allies, and the occasional lift from a well-timed piece of feedback. This collective journey, a shared narrative across different lives, brings an unmatchable strength to those at the helm.
3. Practice Journal, coaching, mindfulness. I can practically hear your eye roll. Or maybe that is me putting myself on you, because my reaction for years to this important step was always: Are you kidding me? Followed by my eye roll. And, yes, I get the irony as a writer who is obsessed with how people think and why they think that way. What I found in the early days, after fulfilling half of my commitment to a nightly practice, was that this step is the workout regimen of champions. And for women vying for the leadership title, it's about turning the very act of vulnerability into your corner(wo)man.?It's confronting those fear-induced phantoms in the mirror and realizing they're just paper tigers you can punch through. Because, at the end of the day, it's not just about shadow boxing with your insecurities—it's about understanding them, shaking hands, and then showing them the door. With every gut-wrenching leap over our fears, we become a little more lion and a little less lamb. And when the pride of authentic leaders stands together, what a fearsome pack we make. This is the spirited rally cry of women who lead the transformative work of disruption, which thunders at the glass ceilings with a velvet glove.?
4. Incorporate doubt into your origin story. And what about those tricky moments of doubt? The 'imposter syndrome' that clings like a shadow? You got this!? Simply (yup, I said it: simply) reframe and own your narrative. Every so-called weakness, every moment of trepidation, is simply a part of your unique leadership tale—a tale that can pivot the direction of seas of skeptics and win the hearts of the hardened boardroom.

1. Embrace the never-ending journey. As you sip your morning coffee and scroll through this post, ask yourself: what's my authenticity factor? How can I lean a little more into the discomfort of being truly me, with all my quirks and dreams? How can I inspire trust not just through my words but through a palpable integrity that comes from living my values?

Forge your path, embrace your voice, and remember—authenticity isn't a destination; it's a journey that breathes life into every step of leadership. Wear your values not as badges, but as the very essence of your leadership skin. In a world hungry for the real deal, it's the authentic leaders who will feed the masses and, by example, foretell a future where leadership is synonymous with truth.?