Does donning a smile and exuding warmth make you less of a Thought Leader?

One of the most common stereotypes I have encountered in the corporate world is "How a Leader should look or behave with people around them" so that they are taken "seriously".

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As a woman in a world (and board rooms) that is hugely male dominated, having a smile or a sense of humor was seen as a career limiting trait.

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Often well-meaning mentors and leaders would walk up to me and advise me to maintain a "straight jacketed persona" to be seen as a "strong" leader. In my heart, I knew they meant well and I tried; I genuinely tried to fit into the mould. But the harder I tried the worse I felt. Classic imposter syndrome set in and I felt miserable at workplace.

As someone who believes in positive intent and loves to laugh, you can imagine the stress it put on me for the longest time!

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Luckily, I met some amazing leaders (both men and women), who wore their expressions and emotions unapologetically. They wouldn’t shy away from laughing, sharing a hug or a meal and spread joy while they went around paving the path for great outcomes professionally!

I have seen them soar and be amazing leaders while they lived their authentic self (tagging a few of them in the post).

These Leaders are a huge reason why I have stopped pretending to be someone I am not. They have reinforced the belief that you bring in your best when you are able to bring in your "whole self" to work!

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Cut to 2024, you would often catch me laughing out loud or sharing a fun meal with my colleagues. You will also find me leading forums, making toughest of decisions or anchoring some of the most complicated situations in the organization.

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I have come to firmly believe that "Leadership is about exuding confidence and competence in any form that comes naturally to you".

Let us not assume or create one type of persona/stereotype as the only way a Leader is identified with!