We’re stepping into a new paradigm of life and business, and it’s calling business leaders to a whole new level of leadership.

During a recent interview, I was asked what I think the business world is in need of most right now.

My response:

AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP.

Authentic leaders know who they are and what they’re about, are comfortable in their own skin, and model their core values.

They have a holistic orientation – understanding that soundness of mind, body, and spirit is essential to leading from a place of influence.

They prioritize trust, empathy, compassion, integrity, in their personal and professional lives.

They are mission-driven; always keeping their eye on the bigger picture and large-scale change all while modeling and encouraging the more micro, day-to-day behaviors that support such change.

They are open-minded, inviting in new ideas from others’ experiences and backgrounds.

They are courageous.  And courageous doesn’t mean showing up as the fearless leader with the tough exterior, it means having a willingness to let themselves be seen – as humans, as real people, with the same challenges, struggles and stories of triumph other people experience.

They have a strong moral compass, and are connected to a strong set of core values.

They are self-reflective, accepting that what transpires around them is often a reflection of what’s going on on the inside.

Authentic leaders understand that when relationships come first, results come naturally.

They are fiercely committed to growth, personally and professionally, and encourage everyone around them to adopt a growth-based mindset.

They welcome change, and are comfortable pivoting and being nimble in these ever-changing times.

They know how to let their soul lead the way, and trust the process and embrace each season of their life and business.

They’re magnetic, because they’re so fired up about their mission and purpose.  They find they no longer have to labor so much to influence others;  their zest for life naturally draws others.

It isn’t until authenticity is committed to and embraced at the pinnacle of the organization – the C-suite – that the entire organization can begin to enjoy the benefits of happier and more engaged employees. This impacts productivity, retention, and morale in a favorable way and ultimately flows through to the bottom line.

The decision to embrace authenticity is one that needs to be made with intentionality.  It doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t happen overnight.  As with anything else worth having, it takes work, time, commitment, and a lot of patience.

But it’s all worth it.  Just ask any of my clients.

And do you want to hear something super exciting?  I’m starting to see a trend with my clients – people in C-suite roles other than CEO (CFOs, CMO, CROs, COOs) are being presented with CEO opportunities, without even seeking it out.  It’s finding them.  That’s exactly how it happens… when the work is done from the inside, the world responds accordingly. It can happen no other way.

It would be such an honor to take you on the journey to authenticity.  Reach out here and we’ll get started.