Authentic Leaders Career Advice

How do you make a difference and become an authentic, influential leader others want to collaborate with, offer new opportunities to, recommend, and promote?

I was one of the keynote speakers at a diversity event in Oslo, Norway, representing Authentic Leaders. One of the questions we get there, and often get across various events and sessions, is: what career advice would you give to a professional woman? Our answer is always the same — own it, and be intentional.

We thought it might be helpful to elaborate a little further and organise that advice properly. We've summarised our knowledge and experience into ten suggestions on how to advance your career, grow, feel empowered, and become an impactful, authentic leader — one others want to collaborate with, and one known for significant achievements. We expect these suggestions to be applicable to most people, regardless of where they are in their career.

Be yourself. Embracing your authenticity and leading with integrity allows you to establish yourself as a more daring leader and navigate likability traps. By aligning your actions with your purpose and values, you inspire those around you and stand up for what you believe in. Becoming an authentic leader will help you make a difference.

Lean into your strengths. Invest in your talent and don't aim for average. Knowing, appreciating, and understanding your strengths can help you feel self-assured, build your identity as a leader, and create a more meaningful and purposeful career path and stronger collaborations. It gives you the chance to develop your talents and become skilful in what matters most to you — an opportunity for self-reflection, self-development, and self-compassion. Keep investing in your potential and your development.

Be intentional and own your career. Take control of your career path and don't let others limit your potential. Make deliberate choices aligned with your goals, and limit the tasks that don't contribute to your growth or that go undervalued. Don't aim for perfection; sometimes average is good enough. Set boundaries, especially regarding office housework, and focus on what matters most for you. Own it.

Be influential. Focus on what you can control, and create a safe space for yourself and others. Avoid dwelling on factors outside your influence, and instead channel your energy towards making a positive impact. Embracing a growth mindset, staying curious, and continuing to seek new opportunities to learn and expand your skills and knowledge will help you stay relevant and pursue new tasks, goals, or roles. Be your best self.

Be an inclusive leader. Lead based on equity, and facilitate a psychologically safe culture for everyone you collaborate with. Make others feel included and appreciated, and make it safe to fail and to speak up. By fostering inclusivity, appreciation, and psychological safety, you encourage collaboration, innovation, and growth. Be curious, and listen.

Be kind and show gratitude. Cultivate a giving mentality with healthy boundaries, and treat others with kindness and gratitude. Building trust through your actions is essential to establishing a reputation as reliable and trustworthy. People always remember how you made them feel, and those you helped will be eager to help you later in your career. Acts of kindness increase your wellbeing and always come back around. Remember to be kind to yourself, too — nobody is perfect. Learn from your failures and move on. Stop overthinking.

Take care of your wellbeing, and thrive. Prioritise self-care, and make time for what matters most to you. Set healthy boundaries and respect them — these should not be negotiable. Your wellbeing, happiness, and needs must come first.

Find a sponsor, mentor, or coach. Seek out allies who can support your growth and advocate for you in rooms of power. Surround yourself with people who believe in your potential, acknowledge your achievements, and can offer guidance and feedback. A strong support system provides valuable insight, development, and new opportunities.

Network strategically. Actively expand your network within and outside your organisation, and across all levels. Participate in events, and reach out to role models. Collaborate across silos, and demonstrate competence, compassion, and a willingness to co-create solutions. Help others, and build mutually beneficial relationships. By fostering connections and staying open to collaboration, you create opportunities for personal and professional growth, and for friendships that will serve you now and in the future.

Seek help at home. Recognise the importance of managing your personal life effectively. Seek out assistance and support systems that allow you to maintain a healthy balance between career and private life. Finding harmony between your professional and personal responsibilities is crucial for long-term success and wellbeing.

The rapidly evolving landscape of AI is also transforming the way we work. As the technology continues to advance, it's worth considering your future relevance and the services only you can provide. While certain tasks may be automated, human expertise and judgement remain invaluable in many areas. By focusing on your strengths, embracing adaptability, and continuing to learn, you can position yourself to thrive as this landscape keeps shifting.

Feel free to contact us if you would like coaching, support in playing to your strengths, or to explore how we might collaborate. We would be glad to help you feel empowered, and to shine.