What does it mean to bring more of who you are to how you lead?
It means showing up with self-awareness, embracing vulnerability, and understanding that your personal values, experiences, and worldview shape your leadership style. This can be so much harder than it looks! Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s what makes you relatable, trustworthy, and impactful. When you lead from who you truly are, you create the foundation for deeper trust, collaboration, and influence.
The Real Leadership Model
In our Real Leadership model, leadership is made up of three interconnected elements:
Who you are – your foundation, identity, and core values
How you lead – your actions, decisions, and leadership presence
What you aim to achieve – your vision, goals, and impact
The magic happens at the intersections, where the alignment of these elements unlocks your full leadership potential.
Who: The Foundation of Your Leadership
The first and most important aspect of leadership is who you are - your values, character, and strengths. This is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Leadership isn’t about mimicking someone else’s style or chasing the latest trends. It’s about leading with integrity, showing up as your authentic self, and staying true to your principles.
When leaders fail to understand themselves, they risk losing credibility and consistency. As Brené Brown points out, vulnerability and authenticity build trust. People follow leaders who they trust to be genuine and consistent - not those who simply have a well-crafted purpose statement.
Leading From the Inside Out
A great example of this is Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah’s success didn’t come from simply having a powerful why - it came from deeply understanding who she was.
She grew up facing hardship, trauma, and countless obstacles. But what made her different wasn’t just her ambition - it was her unwavering commitment to authenticity. She didn’t just talk about inspiring people - she was an inspiration.
Her deep self-awareness, empathy, and honesty about her own struggles made her incredibly relatable. She led not by telling people what to do, but by showing up as her full, authentic self.
Her leadership wasn’t about building a media empire - it was about being a certain kind of person. Someone who uplifted others, created space for important conversations, and stayed true to her values - even when it was difficult.
Why Who You Are Matters More Than Why You Lead
1. People Trust Authenticity, Not Just Vision
A leader can have the most compelling purpose, but if their character doesn’t align with it, people won’t buy in. Trust isn’t built through words - it’s built through consistent actions.
2. Character Sustains Leadership Over the Long Haul
Your why will evolve. Your purpose today may shift as you learn, grow, and face new challenges. But who you are - your integrity, values, and personal leadership style - will determine whether you can navigate those changes successfully.
3. Resilience Comes from Self-Awareness
Leaders who are grounded in who they are can withstand pressure and uncertainty without losing themselves. Oprah faced countless challenges, but she never lost sight of her core identity. That self-awareness allowed her to make bold moves - like ending The Oprah Winfrey Show after 25 years, knowing it was time for a new chapter.
4. Your Presence is More Powerful Than Your Words
People don’t follow a leader because of what they say - they follow them because of how they show up. Oprah’s ability to listen deeply, empathise, and connect was far more impactful than any business strategy she could have written.
Alignment Matters
Great leadership is about alignment - when your actions, decisions, and words consistently reflect your core values.
Aligned leaders:
✔ Stay true to their values, even under pressure
✔ Make decisions with integrity, not just convenience
✔ Focus on what truly matters - without being swayed by trends or short-term gain.
When who you are, how you lead, and what you aim to achieve are aligned, you create clarity, trust, and a leadership presence that inspires others to follow.
If 2025 is your year for getting Real about your Leadership then don’t waste another minute. If you would like to dip deep into understanding what it takes to bring more of who you are to how you lead then please connect with me now.
#RealLeadership #2025istheyear #AlignedLeaders #WhoBeforeWhy #SelfAwareness #SustainingLeadership
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