Swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want with Leslie Ehm

Today I am joined by yet another amazing guest — Leslie Ehm! Leslie is a former TV host and advertising Creative Director. She has spent decades with her award-winning training company, Combustion, where she has worked with top organizations including Google, TD Bank, Uber, HBO, and many more. Leslie’s mission in life is to help people unleash their most powerful, authentic human self and help them overcome any doubts standing in their way.   Most recently, Leslie has written a book called, Swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want. It was just published in May of this year and is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 Bestseller! If you have struggled with taking charge of your life, overcoming self-doubts, and moving into your personal power to achieve the incredible success that you’ve only dreamed of — you won’t want to miss out on this insightful conversation with Leslie! Leslie shares the keys to swagger, what it looks like to speak your truth in a meaningful and impactful way, how to maintain your swagger even if your environment is working against you, the mindset shifts leaders need to be aware of to lead in a healthy way, how to take your power back, set boundaries, and the defining characteristics of what make a great leader.   Key Takeaways: [:50] About today’s episode with Leslie Ehm. [1:56] Welcoming Leslie Ehm to Fifth Dimensional Leadership. [2:49] Leslie shares her personal and professional journey. [9:42] Leslie speaks about discovering her superpowers and how she leverages them. [11:37] How does Leslie coach or help those who are not ready to show up as themselves or ‘be seen?’ [14:40] How did Leslie land on the word ‘swagger’ for her book? [16:50] Leslie shares an anecdote from her book, Swagger, on what it can look like to speak your truth. [19:56] How Leslie helps people maintain their swagger when they have to return to their not-so-healthy work environment. [25:33] Are there differences in how swagger is displayed depending on a person’s gender? [29:37] Why it is so important that leaders within organizations build trust with those they work with. [32:38] Has COVID shifted the mindsets of senior leaders around reassessing how people are doing work? [36:04] Will the lessons we’ve learned and the new ways of working we’ve adapted to during COVID stick? [37:32] Discussing our hopes for organizations in reassessing the criteria for which they’re hiring leaders. [39:44] The power in realizing the choice that you have. [40:24] Leslie highlights key takeaways in taking your power back, believing in yourself, and setting healthy boundaries. [41:47] Is ‘badass’ and ‘swagger’ synonymous? [44:27] Leslie’s analogy for validation and the difference between external vs. international validation. [49:29] What Leslie believes to be the single defining characteristic of a great leader. [52:08] Leslie leaves some parting words of wisdom for listeners. [53:35] Why it’s not about being your “best self” but falling in love with who you are — flaws and all. [54:10] Thanking Leslie for joining the podcast and sharing her insights!   Mentioned in this Episode: Leslie Ehm Swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want, by Leslie Ehm Combustion The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies That Create Sustainable Success, by Jeffrey Shaw   About Fifth Dimensional Leadership & Ginny Clarke Fifth-Dimensional Leadership is a podcast about leadership — knowing yourself, speaking your truth, inspiring love, expanding your consciousness and activating your mastery. As an executive recruiter and career expert currently leading executive recruiting at a Fortune 20 tech company, Ginny Clarke is a passionate and authentic thought leader with a unique and deliberate perspective on work and life. She synthesizes aspects of her life as an African-American single mother who has successfully navigated corporate America for over 30 years. She has inspired, uplifted, and changed the lives of thousands and is intentional about bringing conscious awareness to people of all ages and stages.   Every other week, a new edition of Fifth-Dimensional Leadership will include fascinating guests, covering a variety of topics: power, personal branding, self-awareness, networking, fear, and career management   Stay Connected! To find more episodes or learn more, visit: GinnyClarke.com Connect with her on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube