I Can Explain...

Allow me to provide some insight into my recent absence from newsletter updates. I've been undergoing a significant transformation, not tied to the calendar year's end but rather a personal evolution that prompted a pause in my regular communications. 

My journey in the digital realm began in 2015, and since then, my brand has undergone several transformations. I firmly believe that as we grow, so does our brand; it's a continuous evolution rather than a destination one reaches. I've come to terms with the dynamic nature of personal and professional growth – an understanding that neither you nor I are one-dimensional beings. Embracing this reality makes navigating change a much smoother process.

Over the past few years, my focus shifted towards content creation, predating its current buzzword status. I dedicated myself to teaching entrepreneurs and business owners how to be seen, heard, and paid using video. 

This journey has been an incredible adventure. However, in the last two years, a noticeable shift occurred in my business. I found myself increasingly engaged with founders and CEOs, the individuals responsible for leading others. This work extended beyond content creation with video; it encompassed areas such as media pitching, training, camera confidence, scripting, and podcasting. It dawned on me that my true calling lies in the realm of communications strategy.

Embracing my role as a communications strategist and content producer, drawing heavily from my background as a television news producer, resulted in a powerful alignment. Honestly, isn't alignment what we all strive for? To have our lives count, to engage in work that fits seamlessly and makes an impact, influences others, and generates income.

Why share this? There are two primary reasons:

Firstly, I hope that my journey grants you the courage to close one chapter and embark on a new one. I encourage you to take bold risks, fully showing up as the person you know you've been destined to be.

Secondly, I want to inform you that my content will undergo a slight shift. While I will still discuss content creation at a high level, my focus will primarily be on communications strategy for those who lead others. Leaders must recognize the value of their voice, visibility, and overall impact.

If you've read this far, you're truly amazing. Now, let's dive into today's topic: Authentic Leadership in the Digital Space.

As leaders, there's often a hesitation to reveal our true selves online, fueled by concerns of appearing unprofessional or inviting criticism. The outdated idea that CEOs and founders should maintain a professional distance online needs to be replaced with an understanding that authenticity is the bridge connecting us with our audience, fostering trust. It's time to overcome the reluctance and embrace our unique personalities, experiences, and perspectives.

Visualize your digital presence as a window into your world, more than a polished facade. Share snippets of your life, experiences, and challenges. Authenticity transforms leaders from distant figures into relatable individuals. In today's interconnected world, people value the openness that accompanies genuine authenticity.

Here are three tips to initiate authentic leadership and cultivate an authentic brand:

1. Share Your Story: Open up about your journey, experiences, and passions. Whether overcoming a career hurdle or celebrating a personal triumph, these stories provide insight into your character. Authentic leaders seamlessly weave personal narratives into their professional discourse, leaving a lasting impact. I recall my first boss in television news sharing experiences, granting me the grace to understand that challenges were part of professional growth.
2. Embrace Vulnerability: Authenticity often thrives in vulnerability. Acknowledge challenges and failures openly. Discussing how you navigated setbacks not only showcases resilience but also builds trust. Leaders who admit imperfections connect on a deeper level. Caroline A. Wanga recently exemplified this by sharing her method of bouncing back from failure. Author and Researcher Brene Brown suggests that vulnerability is a daily practice. I agree.
3. Maintain Consistency: Ensure your online presence reflects your values and personality consistently. Trust and credibility grow with consistency. People want to see the real you and find common ground. Gary V provides a prime example; his authenticity, F-bombs and all, has garnered a massive following. He once advised, "The people who are winning right now are leaning totally into being themselves." In a content-saturated world, the consistency of being yourself becomes a powerful differentiator.

Remember, the digital realm is more than a showcase; it's a dynamic platform for connection and relationship-building. Let's break free from outdated norms and usher in an era where being real is not just accepted but celebrated. Do you have any thoughts on this? How are you authentically presenting yourself online?