Critical Conversations On My Leadership Journey.

The full story.

In my quest to more deeply understand leadership from the perspective of an individual on the precipice of completing a master’s program in Creative Leadership, I cast an intentional net across my interconnected network of professional artists, social activists, food justice advocates, and business professionals. I was very fortunate that nine individuals I respect took me up on the invite and gave me time for a chat.

My reach out.

Dear (name),

I hope you’re doing great in health and spirits. As you may know, I am currently completing the Masters of Arts in Creative Leadership program at MCAD. As part of my studies, I’m seeking meaningful engagement with distinguished leaders like you, whose influence is undeniable. These ‘critical conversations’ aim to delve into the nuances of leadership, culture, and personal growth. By provoking thought and challenging pre-existing perspectives, I hope to gain valuable insights. I would be honored if you could spare some time this week for a virtual coffee chat (roughly 20min). I have a critical question that will further shape my understanding and practice of leadership.

Thank you very much for considering my request.

Insights.

The following summary incorporates overlapping themes viewed through the lens of authenticity and being audacious across a diverse range of leaders, including Bryn McCoy, Scott Hancock, Rico X, Christopher Royal King, Marcus Whitney, Blandine Paul, Shawn Whitsell, Elizabeth Peterson, and Shari Rose, revealing profound insights. Their experiences paint a vivid picture of the role of genuineness and courage in generative leadership and are takeaways anyone can apply to their approach.

Bryn McCoy, Co-Founder, Head of Product, Creative Leadership Coach, and Member Forbes Business Council, navigates the high-pressure intersection of motherhood, technology, and therapeutic practice by “nurturing from a place of abundance rather than scarcity” and “assessing your humanity and what you want to do in the world,” “find ways to recover your time, and honor the part of your world that works for you.” Brynn is currently getting her Psychology Ph.D., is an Endurance runner, and is a Mother of 2 children and two dogs. Bryn embodies audacious initiative.

Scott Hancock’s role as the CEO of BLVR® emphasizes the need for authenticity in leadership. He believes in the power of “belief-led brands” and upholds that employees are not mere “properties of the company but vital contributors to its core beliefs.” Scott’s hypothesis links belief to behavior in his approach to brand repositioning. He identifies the behavior of profit-driven leaders and helps them recognize that actual value results from living a purpose greater than yourself. This view resonates deeply with Rico X, CEO of Project Return Inc., mentorship and confidence-building emphasis. To Rico, authentic mentorship means meeting people where they are and leading with love and understanding, passing down knowledge, and ensuring that cultural traditions are respected.

The world of music, as explored by Christopher Royal King, offers unique insights into the transformative power of generative AI. While King underscores the importance of audacity in this evolving landscape, he firmly believes in the irreplaceable essence of human emotion in the creation process, thus championing authenticity.

Marcus Whitney, founding Partner of Jumpstart Health Investors, has a track record of being a renowned entrepreneur, which is a testament to his audacious boldness. His focus on investing in Black-founded healthcare startups not only demonstrates courage but also highlights his authentic desire to foster diversity. Whitney encapsulates this balance by aligning “Authenticity + Selecting For Your Strengths” as his guiding principle. Marcus is the author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book “Create and Orchestrate,” about claiming your Creative Power through entrepreneurship.

The marketing lens, as seen through Blandine Paul’s journey, further accentuates the role of genuine leadership. Beyond her notable achievements, Blandine’s emphasis on transparency and “bridging leadership” through “empathy and authenticity” resonates with me. For Blandine, successful leadership is about strategic decisions and fostering a culture rooted in genuine interactions and understanding. It’s not about money but about culture.

Shari Rose, Associate Director of Environmental Education, Learning Gardens at City Parks Foundation, demonstrates authentic leadership by embracing her personal commitment to environmental sustainability and community health. Her authenticity is evident in her deep understanding and articulation of the challenges and opportunities in urban regenerative agriculture. She doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the difficulties posed by limited space, climate change, funding shortages, and aging farmer demographics. This transparency underlines the authenticity of her leadership, as she presents an honest picture of the urban farming landscape. Shari is a seasoned program strategist who inspires and empowers urban communities toward a greener future.

Ms. Rose was recently recognized in the 40 Under 40: The Rising Stars in NYC Food Policy (Class of 2023) Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center.

Elizabeth Peterson, Product Director, Acute Care, Simplify Compliance, believes having a guiding principle or "lodestar" is essential for leadership. For her, this principle leads with kindness and humility while prioritizing the organization. This approach provides clarity in decision-making and manages individual dynamics. She emphasizes that kindness and business success are not mutually exclusive. Even when making challenging decisions, it's possible, though difficult, to maintain empathy and respect in every conversation.

Lodestar is a star used to guide a ship's course, especially the Pole Star.

Lastly, Shawn Whitsell, an accomplished playwright, poet, actor, and social activist from Nashville, demonstrated his dedication to serving underprivileged communities by utilizing his art for advocacy, education, and social change. Shawn emphasized the importance of developing spaces that invite individuals to explore their creative potential, learn, and grow personally. His vision focuses on crafting spaces that welcome all participants, offering them room to express themselves freely and discover their narratives.

Ultimately, the harmonious interplay of authenticity and audaciousness in leadership binds these leaders from varied industries. Their experiences underscore that, whether it’s charting the course in regenerative agriculture, exploring the influence of AI in music, understanding the nuances of mentorship, or leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit to bolster the black community, a blend of genuine intention and bold action paves the way for meaningful leadership and felt impact.

In embarking on this journey, I aimed to obtain nuggets of inspiration that I and others could use to shift to being more audaciously impactful leaders.

Rest assured, I am inspired.