3 Warning Signs for Your Leadership is More Performance-Based than Authentic

You know that nagging feeling when something's off about your leadership but you can't quite name it?

Here's what it might be: You've become so skilled at looking like a leader that you've stopped actually leading. The difference between performing leadership and authentic leadership isn't just semantics—it's the difference between teams that comply and teams that commit.

Most leaders spend so much energy managing perceptions that they've forgotten what authentic leadership actually feels like.

In today’s episode, I discuss 3 warning signs that your leadership may be performance-based, rather than authentic leadership.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

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My guest today is Karen Eber a captivating force in the world of storytelling and leadership. She is an award-winning, best-selling author, international consultant, TED and keynote speaker that has educated and inspired over three million people globally.

As the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, Karen helps companies build leaders, teams, and culture, one story at a time.

Karen’s book, The Perfect Story: How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire

On today's episode Karen shares that impactful communication starts with the audience: understanding what they need to know, how you want them to feel, and what action you want them to take. Too often, leaders default to slides and corporate jargon. Karen challenges this by helping them lead with clarity and connection, making communication more intentional and authentic.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 15:00 — Crafting the Perfect Story

Minute 18:00 — Integrating Storytelling in Leadership

Minute 22:00 — Overcoming Storytelling Challenges

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Are you a performance-based or presence-based leader?

“Authenticity” sounds great—until you're in the room wondering how to actually show up that way. This week’s episode dives into the real shift: from performance to presence.

Because teams can always tell when you're managing impressions versus contributing real value. You’ll learn the four subtle but powerful shifts that move you from polished to present—and why your presence is your most authentic brand.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

My Book The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within

LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

In today's episode, I and a panel of incredible women leaders discuss challenges and triumphs of women in leadership.

The Panelists are:

Patty Escoe, VP Texas Plan Operations

Vanessa Peace

Lauren McKinnon, communications expert and CEO of Project Mockingbird

Dr. Steffanie Grossman, licensed psychologist and owner of Dakota Therapy & Consulting

Our conversation delves into authentic leadership, the importance of living intentionally, and the power of personal branding.

Panelists share personal stories and strategies for maintaining authenticity in demanding professional environments.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 5: Personal Stories and Authentic Leadership

Minute 20: Strategies for Intentional Living

Minute 35: Building Personal Brand & Networking

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Saying yes to everything? Hiding your real opinions? Always "on"?

That’s not leadership—it’s a people-pleasing trap. This week’s episode breaks down how lack of boundaries quietly kills authentic personal brands—and what to do instead.

Because the strongest personal brands aren’t built on being available 24/7. They’re built on alignment, clarity, and the courage to say no.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

Lorraine Lee, an award-winning keynote speaker and author, redefines what it means to have a presence. Her journey from LinkedIn to becoming a thought leader highlights the importance of being seen and heard in both physical and digital spaces.

Lorraine emphasizes that presence isn't just about commanding a room but also about being intentional in everyday interactions. Her book, "Unforgettable Presence," offers actionable frameworks to help individuals build their career brand and navigate the complexities of modern professional life.

Lorraine's insights remind us that presence is holistic, empowering, and essential for personal and professional growth.

Presence is about being intentional and strategic in all interactions. Virtual presence is as crucial as physical presence in today's world. Building a career brand involves understanding and leveraging your unique strengths.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 10: The Journey to Unforgettable Presence

Minute 15: Defining Presence in the Modern

World Minute 20: Career Brand

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

The Cost of the Comparison Game Seeing others win while you feel stuck?

That quiet comparison game is draining your focus and creativity.

This week’s episode unpacks why copying others’ success can pull you off track—and how to realign with your own Authentic Imprint.

Your most powerful brand isn’t about being better. It’s about being you.

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

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Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here

My guest today is Liz Haberberger President of Dale Carnegie Training of St. Louis & Kansas City.

Liz's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing one's passion. Starting as a fourth-grade teacher, Liz found herself at a crossroads, unsure of her future. Her journey took a transformative turn when she stumbled into the world of Dale Carnegie, where she discovered her true calling.

Liz's path was not without its challenges. Initially hesitant to take on the role of a business owner, she eventually embraced the opportunity, driven by a desire to shape her own destiny. Her leadership style, rooted in positivity and resilience, has been instrumental in her success.

Liz's mantra, "If it's not fun, I'm not doing it," reflects her commitment to finding joy in every endeavor. Today, Liz leads with a focus on growth, both for herself and her team. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations.

Episode Minutes:

Minute 5: From Teaching to Business Ownership

Minute 12: Embracing Change and Overcoming

Minute 20: Building Positive and Fun Work

To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com

LinkedIn

Instagram

Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com

The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here