How to be an Authentic Leader

Many professionals spend a lot of time amassing knowledge from influencers and leaders they admire—and there is nothing wrong with that—except that I can predict that nothing will have fundamentally changed a year from now because it's impossible to emulate their decisions, luck, timing, and opportunities.

The leader you want to be is not outside of you but within.

If you continue mirroring others, your leadership identity won't shift to become more authentic; it will become a fusion of people you don't know who ultimately don't represent who you truly are.

The journey to authentic leadership begins not by pursuing external validation and copying others but with an inward embodiment of self-recognition and belief.

Your leadership identity is innately personal and must come from a place of genuine experience and self-awareness. It's about growing into the best version of yourself and embracing your flaws and successes.

Being an authentic leader is not an acting role. You should not be fixated on perfection but committed to continual reflection, self-empowerment, and the opportunity to effect lasting change within yourself, your team, and those around you.

I show my clients how to elevate their leadership by building out their personal stories and bringing their authentic leadership identity to the forefront of everything they do.

The most effective leaders are those willing to self-reflect, look in the mirror, and see what is beneath the surface. Creating an internal dialogue with yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a comprehensive look at yourself requires courage.

Rather than telling themselves they aren't enough, they ask themselves how to use what they have now to empower themselves and others. Shifting the focus from achieving perfection to making an impact is paramount.

Leaders who act in alignment with their true selves have a more impactful and authentic leadership presence.

The transition to becoming the leader you're meant to be starts with self-belief and self-acceptance. It involves moving beyond the transactional aspects of leadership and embracing a transformational approach rooted in authenticity and personal growth.

Focusing on who you are and your unique impact creates a genuine connection that resonates with those who become supporters, helping you build a like-minded community around you.

Embrace your individuality, believe in your capabilities, and lead with authenticity. This is the path to becoming the leader you are truly meant to be.

I'm Selina, a career strategist and leadership coach - I eat career strategy for breakfast!

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