The Paradox of Authentic Leadership

Leaders Get Real is a podcast for anyone aspiring to be an authentic leader. It’s a challenging road that calls us to master paradox: results and relationship, metrics and meaning, competence and connection, profit and purpose, implementation and inspiration. It’s easier to be hard-driving or compassionate. Fast-moving or fully present. It’s much more difficult to be both. The road of authentic leadership is never easy, but it’s well worth traveling. In addition to being competent, authentic leaders are...

PURPOSEFUL

They have vision and they’re clear on their values. They lead with intention from those values and they walk their talk.

"To me, business isn't about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It's about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials." - Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Group

PASSIONATE

Great leaders energize others. Call it passion. Call it conviction. They are fueled by their vision and values and they share it with others. It’s contagious. And it’s not just passion for the vision. They are passionately committed to the people they lead.

“When you're surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.”  -  Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks

REAL

Authenticity is about knowing your strengths while being real about your weaknesses. Authentic leaders build trust by sharing their unique experiences, interests, and point of view, and not only bringing their authentic voice forward, but creating the environment for others to do the same.

“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” -- Mother Teresa

COURAGEOUS

Authentic leaders are willing to go first, willing to be vulnerable, and willing to take a stand for integrity, even when the stakes are high. 

“Be Courageous...it’s the only place left uncrowded.” --Anita Roddick, Founder, The Body Shop

The Journey

The inside out journey of authentic leadership is ongoing. It takes mindful reflection, humility and continuous growth. Tune in here to hear fellow journeyers get real about the challenges and triumphs of leading with authenticity.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – Rumi