How am I the best me?

What does it actually mean to be an authentic leader?

In this conversation, we explore why authenticity is much more than "just being yourself." Kate Johnson and Melissa Norcross examine humility as the foundation of authentic leadership, discussing self-awareness, trust, purpose, psychological safety, and the importance of recognizing both strengths and limitations. Along the way, they challenge common misconceptions about authenticity, explain why great leaders regularly say "I don't know," and offer practical ways to help people thrive by matching strengths to the right opportunities. Whether you lead a large organization, a small team, or simply yourself, this conversation offers a practical framework for becoming the best version of yourself in every situation.

If you would like practical tools that accompany conversations like this one, you can request the current free leadership toolkit at https://www.one23ltd.com/toolkits

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Melissa Norcross is the co-founder of Ad Lucem Group, an Executive Moderator at Collaborative Gain,, and co-author of The Intentional Executive, a purpose-driven playbook to transform leadership. She leverages her 20+ years as a strategy executive to coach and develop leaders who deliver extraordinary results while building highly engaged, collaborative teams. 

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissanorcross/ 

Business website:: Ad Lucem Group 

Key Takeaways

Humility begins with an honest understanding of both strengths and weaknesses.

Authentic leadership depends on trust built through consistent actions.

Self-awareness grows faster when trusted people reflect back what we cannot see ourselves.

Great leaders recognize and develop the strengths of others instead of focusing only on weaknesses.