What does it really mean to lead with authenticity? And why is it no longer just a nice-to-have, but a business imperative?
In a time when trust is fragile, teams are burned out, and the world is changing at pace, leaders are being called to show up differently. Not with more perfection. But with more presence.
In our recent Authenticity in Leadership webinar, LSW Founder Emma Serlin was joined by two globally respected voices in leadership:
- Stacey Gordon, inclusive leadership expert and keynote speaker
- David Liddle, CEO of The TCM Group and author on cultural transformation
Together, they explored the transformational power of authentic leadership and why it’s the key to unlocking both performance and wellbeing in today’s workplaces.
Here’s a roundup of the most powerful ideas, insights, and practical tools shared during the session.
What Is Authentic Leadership, Really?
“Authentic leadership starts with self-awareness,” said David.
“It’s about understanding your values, aligning them with your team and organisation, and showing up consistently with integrity. But it’s also about curiosity. Inviting challenge. Sharing power. Growing leadership in others.”
Stacey added that authenticity rests on three pillars:
Consistency. Curiosity. Integrity.
“Do people know what to expect from you?
Do you do what you say you’ll do?
And do you truly know your people, what drives them, what they need to thrive?”
At London Speech Workshop, we see authentic leadership as a harmony of inner and outer awareness, a cornerstone of the Serlin Method®.
As Emma puts it:
“Do an archaeological dig on yourself. Own your flaws and your humanity.
That’s what gives others the permission to be human too.”
The Business Case: Performance Rooted in Humanity
Let’s be clear. Authentic leadership isn’t soft. It’s smart.
It’s the foundation for innovation, trust, retention, engagement and real business results.
But it starts with something deceptively simple: listening.
David explained:
“Your mindset, language and behaviour create the climate around you, and climates become culture.”
Stacey added:
“When people feel safe, heard and valued, they contribute more.
Leaders don’t have to know it all anymore. They have to learn it all.
And that starts with listening.”
Practical Tools to Lead Authentically Starting Now
Here are four simple but powerful tools that you can bring into your leadership practice today.
SUNFLOWER Recognition
See your people. Celebrate them. Be specific.
Think of your team like sunflowers. They grow toward the light.
Recognise their strengths regularly, and make it personal.
That’s how you nourish a culture of appreciation and growth.
COAST Feedback Framework
A clear, compassionate way to give feedback:
Connect – Align on shared goals. Begin with genuine praise.
Observe – Use neutral, non-judgmental language to describe what’s not working.
Ask – Invite their perspective. Foster empathy and insight.
Share – Express the wider impact. Deepen understanding.
Personal Weather Reports
A human way to check in with your team.
Kick off a meeting by asking, “What’s your weather today?”
It might be sunny, stormy or somewhere in between.
This light-touch exercise creates instant psychological safety and helps you lead with empathy.
Flip the Feedback
Before reviewing your team, ask them this first:
“How am I doing as your manager?”
This simple reversal opens up dialogue, builds trust, and shows your team you’re invested in their experience of you.
Culture Change Starts with Questions
Authentic leadership doesn’t happen in isolation.
It thrives in a culture of open, ongoing dialogue.
Stacey shared this tip: combine surveys with 1:1 listening sessions.
When you listen deeply and act transparently, trust grows.
“Say: ‘We’re doing A first because 63% of you told us it matters most.’
That way, people feel seen and your actions feel fair.”
To help surface honest feedback, she also recommends working with a trusted third party.
Real Challenges, Real Solutions
In the Q&A, our panel tackled some of the biggest leadership dilemmas with refreshingly human advice.
Inheriting a New Team?
Listen first. Ask what’s working, what to stop, start or continue.
Share your “why” and learn theirs.
Battling an “Us vs. Them” Culture?
Facilitate across silos. Use data to spot the disconnects, then co-create solutions.
Move from blame to belonging.
Early in Your Career and Want to Lead?
Get curious. Understand your leaders’ goals, align with them and offer value beyond the task list.
Final Takeaways: Lead With Heart, Not Just Head
The session closed with three powerful calls to action:
Stacey Gordon:
“Authentic leadership is real and necessary.
Define it together and let it evolve with you.”
David Liddle:
“Attune. Learn. Include. Generate. Nurture.
Create the space for everyone to flourish.”
Emma Serlin:
“Practice kindness, to yourself and to others.
Embrace imperfection. That’s how people feel safe.”
What’s Next?
At London Speech Workshop, we believe that communication is the beating heart of authentic leadership.
Whether you’re looking to grow executive presence, build trust across teams or navigate difficult conversations with clarity and compassion, our training empowers you to lead as your most effective, human and impactful self.
If this conversation sparked something in you or in your team, we’d love to help you take the next step.
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