Lessons from a Deep Dive into Strengths, Blindspots, and Authentic Leadership
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time focused on external goals: launching businesses, growing client relationships, organizing events, and planning new creative projects. But recently, I paused to turn the lens inward.
I completed a reflective brand audit exercise, an opportunity to examine not just what I do, but how I consistently show up across different parts of my life and work. The goal was simple but powerful: to identify the traits I naturally express, the ones I tend to omit, and the patterns that form my authentic brand.
The results felt both affirming and energizing. Here’s a sumary:
My Core Brand Traits:
- Strategic: I lead with clarity of purpose. Whether riding, consulting, or planning an event, I naturally seek patterns, anticipate challenges, and move projects forward with deliberate intent.
- Authentic: I bring my true self to the table. I value real conversations over polished performances. When I commit to something – a project, a ride, a relationship – t’s because it aligns with who I am, not who I think I’m “supposed” to be.
- Adaptive: I embrace change without losing my sense of direction. Whether weather shifts during a multi-day motocycle trip or a business strategy needs a pivot, I stay agile, curious, and open.
Blindspots to Watch:
- Diplomatic Smoothing: I’m not naturally wired to “sugarcoat” or endlessly massage messaging. While I strive for clarity and respect, I’m more focused on progress than perfection. In leadership and collaboration, I need to be mindful of moments when a little extra smoothing could strengthen relationships.
- Patience with Slow Processes: When I see a clear path forward, slow decision-making or unnecessary complexity can test my patience. Recognizing this helps me plan better and choose where to invest my energy.
Why I’m Sharing This:
I’m not sharing this just to set an example – although I do hope it encourages others to reflect on their own journeys. I’m sharing it because I believe that understanding ourselves is only half the equation. Knowing each other deeply – our strengths, styles, and potential blindspots – builds stronger teams, better collaborations, and more genuine connections.
In a sales training course I once took, we all completed our Myers-Briggs profiles and then practiced estimating the profiles of key contacts within our clients. The purpose wasn’t to stereotype – it was to better engage by understanding their perspectives, communication styles, and decision-making preferences. The same principle applies more broadly: when we understand each other’s natural tendencies, we can find common ground, appreciate complementary attributes, and be aware of areas where conflict might arise before it becomes a barrier.
For those of you who know me, I’d love your perspective:
How closely does this align with how you see me?
Please share your thoughts when we next meet, I’d genuinely value hearing them
Why This Matters:
Understanding these patterns isn’t about boxing myself in. It’s about choosing to lead with intention. When I recognize my authentic strengths and potential rough edges, I can:
- Play to my natural advantages in consulting, writing, and building community.
- Adapt my communication style when the situation calls for a lighter touch.
- Build deeper, more sustainable relationships by being mindful of different work styles and rhythms.
This reflection also reaffirmed a core belief: Leadership isn’t about pretending to be someone else. It’s about bringing your real self forward in a way that serves the moment.
Whether I’m planning the next riding trip, launching a new business idea, or writing about the journey, I know the foundation I’m standing on.
Strategic. Authentic. Adaptive.
That’s the road map – and I’m excited to see where it leads next.
PS: If you’ve never taken the time to do a personal brand audit, I highly recommend it. It’s not just a professional exercise – it’s a way to reintroduce yourself to yourself and to better connect with those around you.