Authentic Leadership Secrets: How Vulnerability Beats Ego and Drives Real Change t - Jennifer Jensen

### 👩‍💼 Meet the Guest **Jennifer Jensen** - Leadership advisor who helps emerging leaders become authentic, effective, and resilient. - Author of *Developing Authentic Leaders* (uncommon‑common‑sense framework). - Uses tools such as **Lumina Spark** for self‑awareness and team dynamics. - Coach for individuals, teams, and whole organizations (both in‑person and remote). **Contact & Resources** - 🌐 Website: **www.authenticleader.ca** - 📧 Email: **[e-mail]** - 📚 Book: *Developing Authentic Leaders* – available on Amazon, Indigo & Barnes & Noble. --- ### 🗂️ What We Covered | Segment | Core Topics & Key Takeaways | |--------|-----------------------------| | **Opening & Grounding** | Guided breathing exercise to help listeners become present before the deep dive. | | **Uncommon‑Common‑Sense Framework** | • Recognize *why* you react the way you do.• Pause, reflect, then decide on a new response.• “Timeout” technique: *“Can we have a timeout right now? I need to regroup.”* | | **Vulnerability vs. Manipulation** | • Vulnerability = humility & willingness to be held accountable.• Manipulation = using emotions (crying, guilt‑trips) to get your way.• Real vulnerability builds trust and encourages honest feedback. | | **Leadership Styles & Coaching** | • Easiest to coach: leaders open to growth (not the “know‑it‑all” egoic type).• Most challenging: authoritarian, inflexible leaders.• Servant leadership isn’t “overrated”; it can be highly coachable when combined with strong self‑awareness. | | **De‑Escalating Heated Situations** | • Step back, breathe, and *walk away* until calm.• Junior staff can request a timeout politely but firmly. | | **Building Trust Quickly** | 1️⃣ Self‑awareness 2️⃣ Empathy 3️⃣ Compassion | | **Culture Change & Team Morale** | • Use Lumina assessments for both leader & team.• Identify “how each person likes to be communicated with.”• Small habit changes (meeting formats, open‑door policies) yield fast improvements. | | **Handling Burnout & Micromanagement** | • First non‑negotiable: protect psychological safety.• If toxicity persists → “stay or go” decision. | | **Hybrid vs. Remote Work** | • Hybrid model offers best balance of productivity & relationship building.• Keep cameras on to read body language and sustain engagement.• Create intentional social rituals (virtual happy hours, small gifts). | | **AI & Generational Dynamics** | • AI is a rapid‑change factor; leaders must adapt faster.• Reverse mentorship (young → senior on tech, senior → young on strategy) fuels loyalty and innovation. | | **Rapid‑Fire Round** | • *Leadership myth to disappear*: “Vulnerability is weakness.”• *One word clients use to describe Jennifer*: **Passionate**.• *Most underrated skill*: **Empathy**.• *Go‑to tool on a bad day*: Find “joy moments” + a simple thank‑you.• *Introvert or extrovert*: **Introvert** (and still an excellent leader).• *Morning non‑negotiable*: Walk first thing after waking. | | **Final Advice** | “Authentic leaders don’t promise flawless guidance; they show the courage to be themselves.” | --- ### 📌 Key Quotes to Remember - “*When you’re vulnerable, you’re actually showing humility and that you can make mistakes.*” – Jennifer Jensen - “*If you don’t believe you make mistakes, you’ve already made the biggest mistake.*” – Jennifer Jensen - “*Self‑awareness, empathy, and compassion are the three fastest ways to build trust.*” – Jennifer Jensen - “*The most powerful thing an authentic leader offers is not flawless guidance, but the genuine courage to show up as themselves.*” – Jennifer Jensen --- ### 📚 Resources Mentioned | Resource | How to Access | |----------|----------------| | **Lumina Spark assessments** | Through Jennifer’s coaching programs (details on authenticleader.ca) | | **Developing Authentic Leaders (book)** | Amazon, Indigo, Barnes & Noble (links on website) | | **Reverse mentorship programs** | Look for case studies from Fortune 500 firms (search “reverse mentorship AI leadership”). | | **Remote‑team engagement ideas** | Virtual happy‑hour guides, gift‑box kits, camera‑on meeting etiquette. | --- ### ✅ Take‑Action Checklist 1. **Pause & Reflect** – When a conflict spikes, request a brief timeout before reacting. 2. **Self‑Assess** – Complete a Lumina or similar self‑awareness tool and share results with your team. 3. **Show Vulnerability** – Admit a recent mistake, ask for input, and model accountability. 4. **Build Trust** – Practice daily empathy: ask a team member how they’re doing and listen fully. 5. **Hybrid Rituals** – Schedule regular in‑person “hallway” catch‑ups or virtual coffee chats with cameras on. 6. **Reverse ...