“When you change the story you tell yourself about yourself, you change the way you show up.”

Authenticity is a Daily Practice

Authentic leadership isn't some trendy buzzword or a hollow "just be yourself" slogan. Instead, authenticity shows up in the small, subtle choices you make each day as a leader—the ones no one applauds, yet everyone feels.

When I coach senior and C-suite women leaders, there's often a pivotal moment of realization: authentic leadership isn't a fixed trait; it's a daily practice. It's the choices you make from day to day and moment to moment.

Let's explore what that practice looks like in action and how you may be leading with authenticity right now.

Debunking Myths: What Authentic Leadership Is and Isn't

• Myth: Authentic leaders never change. They stick rigidly to one style, no matter the situation.

• Truth: Authenticity thrives on adaptive consistency, anchoring in your core values while flexing your approach to meet your team's needs and the moment's demands.

• Myth: Authenticity means airing your every thought, emotion, or experience.

• Truth: Authenticity is selective transparency—having the discernment to share what matters most while holding space for others.

Authentic leadership is less about a rigid stance or a grand revelation than it is a thousand small decisions made with agility: choosing candor over convenience, curiosity over defensiveness, and integrity over image.

Six Signs You're Leading Authentically

If you've ever questioned whether you're showing up "the right way", take a moment. You may already be leading with more intention and integrity than you realize.

Here are 6 signs you're leading from a place of authenticity:

1. You make values-driven decisions

Real leadership means choosing what feels right to you, not just following the crowd. You pause before big decisions to ask, "Does this align with my values?" Aligning actions with your values builds trust and gives your team a reliable compass, especially in uncertain times.

2. You're comfortable saying "I don't know"

Owning what you don't know builds trust and invites collaboration. Admitting gaps in knowledge isn't weakness; it's humility. When you model curiosity and openness, you create a culture where it's safe for others to ask questions and innovate together.

3. You create space for vulnerability

When people feel safe, they show up fully and connect deeply. Authentic leaders recognize that strength and vulnerability are intertwined. By sharing your challenges, you signal to your team that it's okay to bring their whole selves to work.

4. You set boundaries and prioritize self-care

Honoring your needs fuels your strength and focus. Setting clear boundaries, whether around after-hours emails, meeting overload, or travel schedules, is an act of self-respect that replenishes your capacity to lead with presence.

5. You welcome honest feedback

You see critique as a stepping stone, not a threat. Authentic leaders solicit feedback from peers, direct reports, and mentors, then integrate it without defensiveness. That willingness to course-correct keeps you agile and grounded.

6. You celebrate others' wins

Leadership is about lifting others as you climb. Genuine leaders spotlight team achievements, hand off accolades, and champion colleagues' successes. This generosity of recognition multiplies engagement and loyalty.

Putting Authentic Leadership into Practice

Knowing these signs is one thing; embedding them into your routine is another. Here are some quick and easy micro-practices to implement this week:

• Morning Values Check (Daily - 2 minutes): At the start of your workday, review your top three leadership values. Briefly visualize how you’ll honor them today in your tasks, conversations, and meetings. Closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths while visualizing them helps anchor them more firmly in your mind.

• Boundary Audit (Weekly - 10 minutes): Review your calendar for the week ahead. Strategically lock out non-negotiable focus time and personal breaks. I regularly make appointments with myself or block out focus time to make sure I stay connected and accountable to bigger projects and prioritize time for self-care. 

• Team Spotlight (Anytime - 3 minutes): Send a brief note or shout-out in your team channel or email recognizing someone’s recent contribution. A few sentences of genuine recognition can go a long way in making sure someone feels seen, heard, and valued.

• Values Visual Cue (Anytime - 30 seconds): Place a small object (like a stone, pin, or card) on your desk that symbolizes one of your core leadership values. For me, it’s a photo of a lavender field, which is something I associate with peace and well-being. It reminds me to honor my boundaries and self-care rituals even on the busiest days. Before making decisions or speaking up, take a quick glance at your visual cue to reconnect with what drives your authentic leadership.

These bite-sized actions reinforce authentic habits without adding overwhelm to an already busy schedule.

Taking Action & Next Steps

Authentic leadership isn’t a fixed destination. It’s a journey defined by daily, conscious choices. When you align your actions with core values, admit what you don’t know,  and cultivate environments of trust and recognition, you unlock a quiet yet unstoppable power that motivates you and your team and leaves a lasting impact far beyond any boardroom.

Which sign of authenticity will you lean into first? 

Share your reflections or download my guide on Authentic Leadership In Action to explore deeper exercises. And if you’re ready to elevate your leadership through bespoke coaching, book a discovery call, and let’s craft your daily practice together.

About the Author

Frances Powell is an executive coach and world-class facilitator specializing in executive presence and authentic leadership for senior and C-suite women. Leveraging her 25 years of experience as a corporate spokesperson and presenter, she helps leaders become influential communicators and confident leaders who fully embody their unique potential, power, and purpose, empowering them to inspire and elevate their teams.