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In the latest episode of "Lead with Levity," Dr. Heather Walker delves into these unspoken fears with senior executive coach Colleen Slaughter. Colleen's inspiring journey began at age 21 when she moved to Paris with no money, no plan, and no knowledge of French. Since then, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies and Nobel Peace Prize recipients, helping leaders overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Let's explore Colleen's insights on embracing authenticity in the workplace.

The Challenge of Authenticity

In the introduction, Dr. Heather Walker poses several thought-provoking questions:

• Why do we avoid difficult conversations?
• What are we afraid of?
• How can we show up authentically when professionalism seems like a shield to hide behind?

These questions set the stage for a deep and meaningful conversation with Colleen Slaughter.

Colleen's Journey to Authenticity
Colleen recounts her daring move to Paris and how it shaped her career. Working with leaders worldwide, she noticed a common theme: the reluctance to speak up and the internal struggle between professional expectations and personal integrity.

Heather shares a similar experience with the language barrier during a trip to Paris, highlighting the universal challenge of connecting authentically despite external pressures.

Culture and Authenticity
Colleen explains how different cultures perceive authenticity at work. For example, leaders in France and Germany often face hierarchical barriers, whereas Dutch professionals tend to be blunt and direct. She emphasizes that genuine brainstorming and co-creation require leaders to build trust and create an environment where team members feel safe to express their true thoughts.

The Role of Trust
Trust is fundamental to authentic leadership. Colleen stresses the importance of understanding the different aspects of trustworthiness, such as reliability, intimacy, credibility, and low self-orientation. Leaders must strive to be trustworthy across all these dimensions to foster a genuine and open workplace.

Courageous Conversations
One of the key strategies Colleen discusses is the need for courageous conversations. She encourages leaders to set boundaries and express their true feelings respectfully. This approach not only builds trust but also ensures that team dynamics are honest and constructive.

Key Takeaways

• Small Changes Make a Big Difference: Colleen encourages making small, intentional changes to bring more joy and authenticity to everyday life.
• Practice Self-compassion: Being gentle with oneself creates the foundation for authentic behavior and better relationships.
• Embrace Courageous Conversations: Honest and respectful dialogue is crucial for building trust and fostering a harmonious workplace.

Stay Connected with Colleen
For those interested in learning more about Colleen's work and receiving weekly insights, visit https://www.boldermoves.com

Conclusion
Authenticity in the workplace is not an overnight achievement. It demands intention, courage, and a commitment to personal growth. By embracing these principles and fostering an environment of trust, leaders can create a more genuine and productive workspace.

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Public speaking can be terrifying, whether you’re addressing a conference of hundreds or presenting to your colleagues. Dr. Heather Walker recently explored this topic on her Lead with Levity podcast, hosting Fern Chan, a presentation coach, speaker, and author of the best-selling book, "How Not to Suck at Presentations." Fern shared her invaluable insights on the common pitfalls in presentations and how to overcome them, ensuring you deliver interesting, memorable, and impactful messages.

1. The Importance of Practicing:
“You'd be surprised how many people don’t practice,” Fern says. Many believe they can wing it with their slides, resulting in unorganized thoughts and a lack of smooth transitions. Preparing your content, practicing aloud, and ensuring a compelling call to action are essential to crafting a successful presentation.

2. Engaging Your Audience from the Start:
Fern advises starting with a hook that grabs your audience’s attention. “Begin with something unorthodox like a story, a shocking statistic, or a provocative question,” she explains. This strategy keeps your audience engaged and eager to hear what comes next.

3. Using Visuals Effectively:
Fern advocates for using arresting images that complement your story. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” she states. Rather than cluttering slides with text, a powerful image can be a powerful storytelling tool.

4. Storytelling with Data:
When presenting complex data, tie it to relatable stories. Fern illustrates this with her work: “Share the transformation stories behind the numbers—how individuals' lives were impacted positively by your data.”

5. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance:
Fern emphasizes the 5 Ps: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. This means rehearsing your presentation out loud multiple times, timing yourself, and ensuring you know your content so well that you can pivot easily if technology fails.

Conclusion
Becoming a great presenter requires practice, preparation, and a willingness to be vulnerable. As you develop your skills, remember to engage your audience by making your content relatable and using powerful visuals. For more insights from Fern Chan, check out her book “How Not to Suck at Presentations” and visit her website for free resources and webinars.

Final Thoughts
Whether pitching an idea to your team or speaking at a major event, these key strategies can help you improve your presentation game. Remember, we’re all on this journey together, and with practice, you can master the art of delivering compelling and impactful presentations.

For more resources and coaching from Fern Chan, visit her website fernchan.com, and follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!