True Leadership: Embracing Authenticity and Influence (YGT??#72)

Hello and happy Sunday,

Welcome to another. YOU GOT THIS! Newsletter.

Yes, the word “career” doesn’t always inspire warm feelings—sometimes, it seems loaded with expectations of climbing higher, achieving more, and constantly moving forward. But isn’t a career, at its core, about finding fulfillment in the work we do?

For me, a career means waking up energized, feeling whole, and knowing that you’re living in alignment with your values. It’s about a balance that lets you be seen and heard while allowing space for a rich private life. True fulfillment is feeling at ease in your work, knowing that it brings you closer to the life you want.

As a coach, I see this every day: A career that truly resonates isn’t just about titles or achievements. It’s about those powerful moments of reflection when clients begin to see the bigger picture. One client, for example, found that it wasn’t her job that made her feel stuck—it was her energy and mindset. Shifting focus to her well-being brought her a new sense of vitality, making her happier, more productive, and better able to shine at work.

If you’re seeking your own breakthrough or feeling caught between traditional career expectations and a desire for deeper fulfillment, try this exercise I often use with clients. It’s called the “miracle question,” and it invites you to envision what’s possible:

“Suppose tonight, while you were sleeping, a miracle happened, and the challenges you’re facing were suddenly solved. When you wake up, what would be the first signs of this miracle? What would be different? What would you notice?”

Let your imagination go beyond roles or titles—picture the career that genuinely energizes and fulfills you. And remember, career exploration is a journey to self-discovery, not just a pursuit of the next big thing.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to support you on your journey. Here’s to creating careers that fill us with purpose and joy.

In today’s edition of my newsletter, I′ll write about these three topics:

?? My latest learning: Why Your Organization Needs Rule-Breakers (Sometimes)

?? Career Inspiration: Why True Leadership Isn’t About Power, and How to Stand on Equal Footing

?? Female Leadership: Why Women Are “Not Quite Right” for Promotion

Thanks so much for your support regarding my careeer and leadership advent calendar.

I am still collecting your questions for an advent calendar for leaders who want to develop their skills in their daily lives. Your questions will help me shape the content. My goal is to provide you with the right inspiration, practical tools, and reflections to strengthen you on your journey as a leader every day during advent.

Please feel free to write me your question in response to this email so that I can tailor the adventscalendar to your needs!

Stay courageous!

Best Regards, Katharina

?? My latest learning: Why Your Organization Needs Rule-Breakers (Sometimes)

It’s a paradox, isn’t it? We set up rules and processes, thinking that if everyone follows them, everything will run smoothly. Yet, almost everyone—at one point or another—finds themselves bending the rules “just this once.” As Luhmann, whose systems theory has been a big influence on me, calls it: “Brauchbare Illegalit?t” or “useful illegality.”

In my current project, I’m observing this concept in real-time as we evaluate processes. My colleague used a vivid metaphor, describing it as looking for trample paths—those informal shortcuts that teams create to get things done faster. Like pathways in urban spaces, where people naturally walk off the beaten path if it makes more sense than the formal walkway, these “trample paths” often reveal the true, most efficient ways of working.

Reflecting on my own approach, I tend to follow rules when they’re non-negotiable—legal or moral boundaries, for example. But then there’s the voice of Pippi Longstocking in my head, nudging me to find faster ways. And often, that’s where the most effective methods emerge. By balancing this need for flexibility within the structure, we open up space for efficiency and agility.

Luhmann’s “useful illegality” has taught me that dynamic organizations thrive not only on formal processes but also on these informal paths. By observing and understanding these natural workarounds, leaders can foster agility and adapt processes to better serve the team’s needs.

So, next time you notice someone bending a rule or taking a creative shortcut, consider it with fresh eyes. Instead of just enforcing the rule, ask: What might this “trample path” reveal about our organization’s real needs?

Where do you see “useful illegality” in your work? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

?? Career Inspiration: Why True Leadership Isn’t About Power, and How to Stand on Equal Footing

In our careers, most of us have encountered leaders who wield authority over collaboration, using their position to manage through control rather than cooperation. I learned early on that leadership driven by power alone doesn’t align with my values—it’s demotivating, and I’ve come to see that leaders like this are “no-go areas” for me. I’m a firm believer in fact-driven, interactive leadership, and rather than spending my energy trying to change toxic dynamics, I choose to leave environments that don’t support growth, respect, and true collaboration.

One experience comes to mind that deepened my understanding of professional respect. I once worked under a leader who, despite being intelligent and respected, held onto certain biases that felt limiting. I was determined to stand up for my point of view, and after countless discussions and even a sleepless night, I received a handwritten message (this is how important it was for him) from this leader, apologizing and thanking me for my persistence. He acknowledged that my perspective had made him rethink his approach and admitted that he too had lost sleep over our exchange. This taught me two invaluable lessons: Standing up for what you believe in is essential, and sometimes the effort to communicate authentically can create a breakthrough—even when it feels challenging.

This experience shaped my coaching approach as well. I help clients develop strong, respectful presences and refine their influencing skills, which are critical in any leadership or career journey. Through active listening, asking insightful questions, and maintaining a sense of self, we can assert our voices while fostering an environment of respect and mutual understanding.

For those who find it hard to maintain confidence around authoritative or intimidating figures, my advice is to breathe and take a moment to ground yourself. Know your ideas, and manage your emotions. Remember: you’re not a child facing authority; you’re an adult deciding how much power others’ opinions have over you. Embrace your strengths, speak your truth, and understand that true leadership isn’t about dominance—it’s about connection, influence, and authenticity.

If I can do it, you can do it. If you want to learn more, reach out to me for a discovery call. ????Here is a link to book a FREE 30-minute clarity session with me, and let’s start creating a perspective for your life.

?? Female Leadership: Why Women Are “Not Quite Right” for Promotion

Confronting Bias: Building Authentic Influence in Leadership

Unconscious bias is an ever-present force in our careers -especially for women in leadership. From being labeled as “too direct” to “too young,” “too old,” or even “too ambitious,” we often find ourselves caught between stereotypes and expectations. But here’s what I’ve learned over the years: Bias doesn’t have to define us. Instead, we can use it as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

Early in my career, I was often told I was “too direct.” While this is indeed part of who I am - shaped by my culture and my personality - it also posed challenges in professional settings. Rather than allowing this feedback to undermine me, I decided to own it. Today, I include this aspect of myself in my personal introduction with new colleagues, explaining that if they feel I’m overly direct, they’re welcome to share that with me. Addressing it upfront has not only strengthened my authenticity but has also helped others understand me better, fostering openness and trust.

Authenticity has been a cornerstone of my journey, but I’ve come to realize that authenticity requires self-awareness and effort. It’s not just about “being yourself” in a rigid sense; it’s about growing, learning, and consciously understanding who you are and who you want to become. For me, this realization has shifted how I approach leadership, helping me connect with my teams on a genuine level while navigating expectations.

In my work with women in leadership, I often encourage them to acknowledge and address bias without letting it derail their goals. Acknowledge its presence, stay grounded in your purpose, and keep showing up as the leader you aspire to be. Don’t let biases make you reactive - respond to them with intention, turning potential obstacles into stepping stones.

Over time, I’ve worked to dismantle my own biases, particularly since studying abroad and expanding my worldview. Listening, asking questions, and remaining open to perspectives different from my own have reshaped how I see and connect with others. It’s a continuous journey of learning, one I believe makes us all better leaders.

For leaders aiming to reduce bias within their teams, here are a few steps that can make a meaningful difference:

1. Educate and Raise Awareness: Provide resources to help your team recognize biases - there are excellent tools and tests available that make the concept accessible.
2. Address Bias When You See It: Lead by example. Share your own experiences and open up the conversation, helping your team feel comfortable addressing bias when it appears.
3. Encourage Diverse Perspectives: Actively invite input from a variety of voices and cultivate a culture of inclusivity.

Ultimately, leading with authenticity, awareness, and an openness to address bias creates stronger connections, helps us gain the respect of our teams, and allows us to have a lasting impact on our workplaces.

So, here’s the challenge: Take a few moments to consider where unconscious bias may be at play in your life or work. What’s one step you can take to address it, in yourself or others? Exploring your authentic self I part of my leadership course MOVE UP! There is a coaching module every month with a 1:1 session. ????Here is a link to book a discovery session with me.

??Change starts with you

Nothing will change unless you change something! It's up to you!

The alternative: Keep doing what you're doing...

I wish you a great week; enjoy life, and remember to SHOW UP!

If you say what you want, you increase the chance of being heard! ??

Have a great day, and remember, it is the one who gives up and does not reach success.

And now I wish you all the best and talk soon!

Best Regards, Katharina

??How you can work with me:

Leadership Training: In my course MOVE UP! You can recognize and strengthen your leadership. Join the course ??here .

Amazing Career Coaching: Join the 16-week 1:1 AMAZING CAREER coaching program. Please reply to this mail that you want to join or book a call with me ?? here to learn more.

Need help getting anywhere on your own? Then why not book a free virtual coffee break ?? with me, and we'll find out whether and how I can help you further? ???? Here is a link to book a discovery session with me

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PS: This newsletter is written by a human. English is not my native language. So,?I'll make mistakes. And tech bugs ?? crawl in?once in a while.?So, if you see any of these, please let me know. I′m always happy to improve!