“A title doesn’t make you a leader. How you show up does.” -N. Anderson

Years ago, my sister called me at work. After I answered, she paused and said,
“Wow, that must be your professional voice!” I laughed and asked what she meant. She said, “Well, you just sound… different. Not like yourself.” Somewhere along the way, I’d learned that leadership had a voice. A way of s speaking. It was a version of me that showed up in my professional world. We’ve been taught that leadership is something we step into—a role we play at work, in meetings, in our careers. In my opinion, if leadership means you’re showing up differently in different spaces, it’s not real. If it’s not real, you can’t sustain trust.

The Mask We Wear

For many, leadership looks different depending on the room:

  • Polished and professional at work

  • Compassionate and present at home

  • Honest and introspective in private

But that separation comes at a cost: authenticity, trust, and wholeness. Love-led Leadership™ isn’t about managing impressions, it’s living in alignment. Why not show up at work with compassion? Why not be honest and introspective with others? Remember, how you lead is how you live.

The Difference Between Being Professional and Being Present

Let’s be clear: professionalism matters. There’s value in showing up prepared and respectful, but professionalism is a standard—not a persona. What I’m talking about is deeper. It’s not detaching from your authentic self in order to show up as someone you think you need to be, it’s leading with consistency. Wholeness. Truth. You can be both professional and authentic. This is Love-led Leadership™ in action! You bring your whole self to the table.

Leadership Is a Lifestyle

Love-led leaders embrace the pillars of Love-led Leadership™ which include, self-care, empathy, compassion, gratitude and service. It’s how you speak to someone who has nothing to offer you. It’s the tone you use with yourself when you’ve made a mistake. It’s your integrity in moments when no one’s watching. Love-led Leadership™ doesn’t begin and end with a job title, it’s living fully as a Love-led Leader no matter where you are.

How will you choose to show up?

Love,

Nicki

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