Everytime my mentee or peer asks: what does it take to be an authentic leader, I have only one answer: Lead with your mind, heart and soul. It will guide you and help define your true authentic self.
Lead with your mind: Be fearless. Be curious and honest in your actions. Stay realistic within context and understanding.
Lead with your heart: Be brave. Foster empathy with your team, peers, leadership and yourself at all times.
Lead with your soul: Be bold. Every day is a new beginning. Listen to how you feel with your soul. The universe conspires and guides you in your path.
Authentic leadership is a symbiotic relationship. Not just a give or take. I have read a lot about servant leadership. Authentic leadership goes one step further. It shapes who you are and there is only one you in this world. Embrace it.
We all have our doubts and confidence shattered at times. To be authentic, we need to own it all - the good, bad and the ugly.
Here are some questions from a podcast and I wanted to share a few ideas on Authentic Leadership, picture perfect introduction and ikigai.
What have you learned the most about writing about authentic leadership?
When I wrote the book Fearless in 2022, it was to help folks who aspire to be an authentic leader. Sharing my learnings from 10+ years on what kind of leader I wanted to be.
I aspire to be Fearless and an authentic leader who cares about my team and will always be there.
Authentic leadership, to me, means being your own true self. We are all human and need to respect and care for each other at all times.
As easy as it sounds, this is the most difficult part of authentic leadership - not everyone will agree with your style.
Leadership is a privilege, let's not take it for granted. And we're blessed to have this opportunity in a lifetime to lead teams, make it count.
We're not born as leaders - we learn as we go and also learn what we don't like.
When I cannot reason with my mind, I write with my heart and soul.
This book is for dreamers and explorers, who are not okay with the expectations to fit in. I'm creating my own world where I belong and I invite each of you to be the change you wish to see in the world.
What is the picture perfect introduction?
This is an idea from 2017 that I embraced as it allowed me to tell my story in pictures. it became the opening conversation during interviews, team introductions and networking. It painted a picture that spoke more than a thousand words.
It helped me define who I am and what parts of my life is to be included in the story called Div. It was fascinating to see how I wanted to simplify the story with the bare essentials that would have the essence of me.
This is my picture perfect introduction from April 2023 with my core values and my love for travel, flowers and sweets.
Ikigai: How do people find this in imperfect environments?
In 2020, I was determined to find my ikigai - my purpose in life. It’s feels like wishful thinking but there is more truth than that meets the eye.
And when I look back, mentoring became my fountain of joy, where I can help folks be their best. This is my high energy moment in life. Where each conversation boosts life into my soul. This makes me feel alive. I am blessed to lead and mentor folks.
In imperfect environments, we need this more than ever. Only because this is the meaningful work in life. As we embark on a new year, month and week, it’s our opportunity as leaders to bring our passion, energy and drive. Let’s hit refresh, reboot, restart — whichever makes sense for you. Open a new page, and write inspiring stories to reflect on as memories in the next year.
We are so busy all the time that we often don’t pause to reflect as much as we should. It’s an always-on, always-go era, and we need to be mindful of not letting burnout be the norm. It’s our responsibility as leaders to bring balance in our teams and our own lives.
What do most leaders get wrong in being an authentic leader? Is there a need for the right balance?
There is no right or wrong in authentic leadership. We all learn from each other. When I started to lead, I had to unlearn first. That’s where we go wrong at times. We think we have the answers. Truth is we don’t. We have a compass and we can go in various directions. We collaborate with our team and peers to define the north star and find the right path forward.
That’s where we should spend our time as authentic leaders. Be the guide, compass and foster collaboration and open discussion with diverse perspectives. The world is an interesting place and it’s up to us to make it what we want it to be. There is enough kindness in this world that I am sure we can support and respect each other.
A toxic work environment stifles creativity and growth. We need to create and foster a safe environment for innovation and bring our best selves at work and life always.
Let’s lift each other up always and move forward together.