Lead with Levity – Not Perfection
Executive presence tells you that you have to “look the part” to be taken seriously as a leader.
I used to believe that too — until I got fired.
Getting fired taught me that real confidence doesn’t come from having the “right” job. It comes from getting OK with being seen — flaws and all.
In my latest Confidence Conversation I talk with Richie Redding, creator of Leading with Levity. We talked about how levity (not just humor) can transform leadership. We swapped stories about our biggest mistakes, the power of showing up human, and how leaders who embrace levity enjoy better outcomes from their teams.
Here are some video highlights:
Perfection repels, connection attracts: Employees care more about your obstacles than your outcomes. Let them see the real journey.
The Pratfall Effect: Spill your coffee, win their hearts. People trust leaders who aren’t afraid to be human.
High-trust teams take more risks: People are 16x more likely to take bold action in high-trust environments.
Bad ideas win big: Richie’s “Best Bad Idea” contest proves that celebrating imperfection can unlock bold thinking.
If you’re ready to ditch the Confidence Façade — the mask that makes you “look” confident but feel disconnected — this interview is for you. And if you lead a team, you’ll discover how to create a space where people feel safe to take risks and bring their best ideas forward.
Because great leaders aren’t afraid to spill the coffee. 