What does it mean to lead authentically, and how can embracing your true self transform your impact as a leader? For me, the answer came through a humbling lesson early in my career—one that redefined my approach to leadership and unlocked the power of authenticity.
The Turning Point
At 29, I was promoted to lead my first team. Eager to prove myself, I mirrored the “stoic, all-business” style of the exceptional leaders I admired. It wasn’t true to who I was, but I was battling imposter syndrome and believed this was the safest path to success.
It wasn’t working. My once-positive, outgoing demeanor turned reserved and serious. Every day felt disingenuous, but I convinced myself that emulating the best leaders would assure others I was like them too. My intent was good, but my approach was not.
Then came the feedback that changed everything. One brave team member said, “You’ve changed. It feels like the stress of the job is taking away the leader we knew.”
Those words struck me deeply. Hearing this from someone I respected made me realize I wasn’t just failing myself—I was letting my team down. I went home that night disappointed in myself. I realized I wasn’t leading authentically, and it was costing me trust and connection with my team.
That moment became a turning point. I decided to stop pretending and start leading as my true self.
The Impact of Leading Authentically
The journey to authentic leadership wasn’t easy. My imposter syndrome flared up even more, and I questioned if I was truly ready for this role. But I knew I couldn’t keep leading the way I had been.
I started by owning my mistakes and being vulnerable with my team. I apologized for playing it safe and explained why I had taken that approach. Most importantly, I defined what they could expect from me as a leader and committed to showing up authentically moving forward.
The transformation was profound—not just for me, but for my team. We rebuilt trust, developed open lines of communication, and strengthened our accountability to one another. What once felt like disconnection became a shared sense of purpose that fueled collaboration and better results.
Lessons Learned
Here’s what this experience taught me about leadership:
- Prioritize Self-Awareness: Leadership isn’t static—it’s a constant evolution. Seeking feedback and reflecting on your actions ensures you grow alongside your team and the business.
- Define Your Leadership Identity: You can’t lead effectively without knowing who you are and what you stand for. Authenticity builds trust and fosters meaningful connections.
- Show Vulnerability: Owning your mistakes and being transparent about your growth earns respect and creates psychological safety.
- Trust Your Gut: When something feels off, pause and assess. Leadership decisions impact both the business and your people—approach them with intention and care.
- Lead with Purpose: Anchor yourself in your “why” to inspire others and confidently navigate challenges. Leading with a clear purpose aligns your vision with your actions, motivating others to embrace a shared goal with passion and clarity.
Each of these lessons reminded me that leadership isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being intentional, reflective, and true to who you are.
Final Thoughts
The decision to lead authentically wasn’t just a shift in my leadership style—it was a shift in my entire approach to life and work. By aligning my values with my actions, I found greater fulfillment, deeper connections, and a stronger ability to impact others.
Leadership is inspiring, influencing, and guiding others toward a meaningful goal. This requires us to be at our best, and we can only do that by showing up every day as our clear, confident, and empowered selves.
Take a moment today to reflect on your leadership. Are your values driving your decisions? Are you leading authentically? If not, what small step can you take right now to realign with the leader you aspire to be?
When you lead authentically, you empower not only yourself but everyone around you. The courage to lead as your true self is the foundation for a legacy of trust, growth, and impact.
