You Don’t Need Permission to Lead Differently

Somewhere along the way, we started believing leadership had a dress code.

Speak like this. Act like that. Don’t be too emotional, but don’t be too distant. Be strong, but soft. Assertive, but not aggressive. Direct, but please... not too direct.

No wonder so many of us shrink in leadership roles that were never built for us in the first place.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need permission to lead differently. Not from a title. Not from a boardroom. Not from the version of leadership you were told to copy.

You’re allowed to lead with empathy. You’re allowed to ask better questions instead of having all the answers.

You’re allowed to say, “This isn’t working,” even when the old guard loves it. You’re allowed to lead with presence, not perfection.

Freedom in leadership starts with rejecting the performance.

When you lead as who you are—not who you're told to be—you don’t just show up differently. You create space for others to do the same.

And that’s where real culture change begins.

A few signs you’re stepping into authentic leadership:

• You speak up even when your voice shakes, because your integrity speaks louder.

• You prioritize people, not just processes.

• You’re more focused on impact than image.

• You create space for others to be seen, not just managed.

This week’s reflection:

• What leadership expectations have you internalized that don’t actually serve you?

• What part of your leadership are you ready to reclaim?

Coming next: Week 2 – “Unlearning the Rules That Never Worked for You”