In September, my husband (David) and I spent three weeks in northern Italy. It was the first time that we both had that much time off together. The beauty of what I do is that I can work from anywhere. This time, I kept my work to a minimum so we could play and be free to follow our flow and maximize our quality time. David works in information technology and goes into the office every day. For him, working remotely is not an option so he had the ultimate break.
The first week, David struggled with what to do with himself. He is usually going from task to task, personally and professionally. Without his usual to-do list, he was a bit out of sorts. We had conversations about how he often expressed that he wanted less to do, and now that he had less to do, he didn’t know what to do. This is the magic of these moments. The breakthroughs can come from the silence and transitioning from doing to being. To give yourself the quiet space to self-reflect and ask, “Who am I? What do I want?”
After the first week, David found his flow and re-connected with his passions in life. He had once been a pit crew member on a racing team, and also enjoyed racing cars with his spec Miata back in the day. We were only about 90 minutes from the Monza racetrack. We bought tickets to the Fanatec GT World Challenge and he was in his element, loving every moment. It was my first time at a professional race and I had no idea what to expect. The Monza racetrack is a historic track and is part of a beautiful park. Monza Park is one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe. Its extension, in fact, reaches 700 hectares, almost three times more than that of the Palace of Versailles. We walked almost 7 miles that day, exploring the vantage points from different areas of the park. For me, that day ended up being one of my favorite days on our trip. His joy and my joy, our sense of adventure and going with the flow was a brilliant experience.
Not everyone can take three weeks away at a time (but if you can, I highly recommend it). You can find ways even when home to schedule your own day. When you take the time to just BE - to connect to your authentic self, your values and deepest desires – it brings heightened clarity about your vision of the future and increased focus and energy to lead yourself and others.
As I reflect on our Italy experience and also the consulting and coaching work I do with my clients, I am inspired to share the concept of Authentic Leadership. You can run a successful and profitable business and BE YOU in your most authentic way.
What Does Authentic Leadership Look Like?
At its core, authentic leadership means showing up as you—not a version of yourself that fits a mold, but the real you with your strengths, values, and vision intact. When you lead from a place of authenticity, you:
Build deeper connections with your team and peers.
Foster trust and loyalty that drives higher performance.
Create a culture where people feel empowered to bring their best selves to work.
It’s about leading in a way that feels natural and aligned with who you are—not who you think you should be. When leadership feels authentic, it becomes not only more enjoyable but more effective.
Finding Your Own Authentic Leadership Style
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for leadership, and that’s the beauty of it. Your leadership style should reflect who you are—your unique strengths, experiences, and vision. Here’s how you can start leading more authentically:
Know Your Vision and Values: What matters most to you? What is your life vision and how does your work align with it? Define your core values and let them guide your decisions and interactions.
Know Your Natural Drives, Strengths & Motivating Needs: Are you self-aware of what is natural for you versus where you put calories into changing because you think you should? Authenticity happens when you can apply this awareness.
Embrace Vulnerability: Authentic leaders aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t have all the answers. Vulnerability is a strength that fosters trust.
Lead with Empathy: Connect with your team on a human level. Understand their challenges, motivations, and aspirations.
Be Consistent: Authenticity is about consistency. Show up as the same person, whether you’re leading a meeting, giving feedback, or making tough calls.
Leadership That Feels Good—For You and Your Team
At the end of the day, leadership shouldn’t feel like wearing a mask. The most effective leaders are those who feel aligned and energized by their roles. They don’t just manage—they inspire. They don’t just direct—they connect.
When you lead authentically, you’ll feel more confident, more at peace, and more fulfilled. And the ripple effect of that is incredible: your team will be more engaged, motivated, and aligned with your vision.
Ready to Lead Authentically?
I have provided coaching and consulting to many business owners and leaders and I am excited to help you when you are ready to embrace this journey. Authentic leadership is not just about leading better; it’s about leading in a way that feels right for you. It’s about showing up as the leader you’re meant to be—not the leader you think you have to be.
Upcoming Event – Power Talk Friday – Join Me
Exciting news! Are you ready to elevate your business and unlock new levels of revenue, profit, productivity, employee passion, and joy? Join us on Friday, October 25, 2024, in High Point, North Carolina, for Power Talk Friday!
This action-packed day is designed for business owners ready to work on their business with guidance from top industry experts. I’m thrilled to be a coach alongside LuAnn Nigara, Eileen Hahn, Rick Campos, and Stacey Brown Randall. Expect expert presentations, engaging small group discussions, delicious food, and unmatched networking opportunities—all in a supportive and open environment where your questions will be answered. Check it out and sign up at powertalkfriday.com
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