Dear Leaders,
I don’t know who coined the phrase, “Fake it until you make it,” but I believe it’s some of the worst leadership advice ever given. Pretending to be someone you are not—or claiming to know what you don’t—doesn’t help you or anyone else. It creates false connections, breeds broken trust, and must be exhausting. Leadership is not an act. It’s who you are, what you believe, and how you work.
The leadership advantage of the future is authenticity. Authentic leaders are genuine, seek connection before giving direction, and practice vulnerability.
Early in my leadership career, I worried about making mistakes. But I soon learned that when I was forthright about the mistakes I made, I gave the people I served permission to learn and grow—without fear. Some of my biggest lessons have come from my most impactful errors, and practicing resilience after the fact has shaped me just as much as the lesson itself.
I’ve always believed I do my best work in organizations that honor authenticity and welcome people to be who they are, leveraging their gifts and talents to strengthen the entire team. Authentic leadership means:
Admit what you don’t know and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Effective leaders have a strong awareness of both their strengths and their growth edges. They invest in learning and development to continuously improve.
Practice vulnerability. Vulnerability is letting others see you fully, your strengths, and your opportunities for growth. In times of challenge, leaders earn credibility by inviting others to help solve problems and think through obstacles. Sometimes the most powerful words you can say are, “I don’t know yet,” or “I’m not sure.”
Choose your environment carefully. Decide to work in organizations that honor authenticity and welcome it. If you find yourself pressured to be someone you’re not or to compromise your values, choose yourself. Trust that the right opportunity won’t require you to sacrifice who you are.
As you go about your week, promise yourself you will show up as your full self and build genuine connections. When leaders choose authenticity, words match actions, and trust is built and sustained.
Keep leading with heart, soul, and from the inside out.
Yours in Leadership,
Latoya