Are authenticity and professionalism at odds, or are we just defining them wrong?

If you're a first-time manager trying to gain respect without losing yourself, you’re not alone. Most new leaders feel stuck between “being real” and “being taken seriously,” and it’s affecting your executive presence, your team’s trust, and how you show up in every meeting.

The truth? You don’t have to choose.

Authenticity and professionalism aren’t enemies. They’re tools. And when you know how to use both, you’ll finally feel like the leader you were meant to be.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why being authentic doesn’t mean oversharing (and being professional doesn’t mean polished to perfection)
• The mindset shift that helps you show up as you, without losing credibility
• How to define expectations and culture so you can confidently lead with clarity

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.
Take a screenshot of you listening, post it on LinkedIn, and tag me @Desiree Petrich

While you’re there, connect with me on LinkedIn to see how I help new and aspiring leaders grow their executive presence, delegate with confidence, and lead with clarity—without burning out.

Keywords: leadership podcast, new manager tips, executive presence, leadership development, first-time manager, leadership mindset, how to delegate tasks, leading with confidence, how to gain respect as a manager, developing executive presence for career growth, transitioning from employee to manager, imposter syndrome in leadership, how to set expectations as a new manager, why your team doesn’t respect you, practical leadership tips, building trust with your team, how to be a leader people actually follow

What if you're not a bad leader—just using the wrong blueprint? Craig Denison shares how practical tools and mindset shifts can turn anxious new managers into confident, empowered leaders.

Craig Denison is the creator of 90 Day Leader, a framework-based leadership development program designed to help new and accidental managers lead with confidence, without burning out. He's also a former team member of Patrick Lencioni’s Table Group, and a firm believer that leadership is more about clarity and humility than charisma.

Last week we talked about why great team meetings aren’t about structure, they’re about trust. This week, we’re digging into what happens when you don’t feel like you fit the “leader mold” and how to build confidence anyway.

Have you ever felt like you just weren’t cut out to be a manager? Like you don’t have the charisma, confidence, or presence that a “real” leader is supposed to have? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not wrong for feeling that way.

In this episode, Craig Denison shares how the internal archetypes we build of what leadership should look like often stop us from showing up as ourselves—and what to do instead. Whether you’re introverted, unsure, or unexpectedly promoted, this conversation will help you let go of the pressure to be “the boss” and start leading in a way that feels good and actually works.

We cover:

• What makes leadership feel like a burden (and how to shift it to a privilege)

• Why humility and self-awareness matter more than confidence

• Two practical tools you can use TODAY to become a more empowered leader

• Most new leaders aren’t trained, they’re just promoted. Frameworks help fill that gap.

• Trying to mimic a “perfect” leader archetype makes leadership harder (and less effective).

• Humility is the shortcut to peace, progress, and better team performance.

Learn more about Craig’s work at https://90dayleader.com Follow Craig on LinkedIn: Craig Denison

Hiring the right people isn’t just about qualifications, it’s about building a culture that works. In this episode, Tessa Kampen joins me to break down how leaders can shift from hiring for titles to hiring for strengths. We explore why job descriptions should focus on tasks instead of just experience, how to ensure new hires truly love their work, and the dangers of misleading candidates in the hiring process. I also share a personal story of what happens when a job doesn’t align with expectations. If you’re ready to stop the cycle of disengagement and build a team that thrives, this episode is for you!

Ever wonder why some hires seem disengaged just months into the job? It might have started with your job description.

Many leaders focus too much on hiring for titles instead of hiring for tasks. The result? New hires who quickly realize the job isn't what they expected. Tessa Kampen joins me today to discuss how leaders can create strength-based hiring processes that lead to engaged, high-performing teams.

We’re covering:

• The #1 hiring mistake that leads to early disengagement
• Why job descriptions should focus on tasks, not just titles
• How to communicate company culture transparently during interviews
• The long-term impact of hiring employees who genuinely love their work

Plus, I share a personal story about a job where the reality didn’t match the promises, and how that shaped my approach to leadership today

✔️ How to structure job descriptions to attract the right candidates ✔️ Why transparency in hiring is key to retention and culture fit ✔️ The questions every leader should ask before making a hiring decision

👉 Join the conversation: Share your hiring wins (or horror stories) with me on Linkedin. Let’s talk about what’s working,and what’s not!

Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow leader who’s hiring right now!

Connect with Tessa Kampen:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Books Mentioned: 📖 Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham 📖 The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle