What is authentic leadership and how can this style of leadership impact our world? How can we find true happiness and success as female leaders all while balancing life, patting our head and running our tummies? What’s the biggest challenge that we face as female leaders today and how can we overcome it? Welcome to Connectedly. I'm Nicole Sharanam and I'm so pleased to bring this conversation to you today. Joining us is Megan Dalla-Camina the Founder and CEO of Women Rising and a world leading expert in women’s leadership. We discuss leadership and strategies for cultivating a meaningful and balanced life, one of empowerment and connection. Megan also provides actionable advice on practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and pursuing happiness. Megan is a celebrated coach, influential writer, researcher and advocate for change and is known for her brave and refreshing approach to women’s empowerment, wellbeing and leadership. Megan fuses a 20-year career as an executive and multi-billion dollar strategist for corporate heavyweights with deep academic credentials and more than a decade of researching, teaching and leading gender diversity and women’s leadership initiatives around the world. Takeaways: **Authentic Leadership** Megan emphasises the importance of self-inquiry through two critical questions: "Who am I?" and "What do I want?" This introspection is key to overcoming self-doubt and societal biases, paving the way for authentic leadership. Recognising one's worth and dismantling societal shackles enables women to navigate their leadership journey with resilience and consciousness. **The Foundation of Self-Worth** Central to Megan's ethos is the undeniable importance of self-worth. She encourages women to honour their worthiness, allowing them to assert boundaries, engage in self-care, and make life choices that resonate deeply with their true selves. This shift not only cultivates self-confidence but also changes how women interact with the world. **Spiritual Practice as a Pathway to Happiness** Megan heralds meditation as a cornerstone for peace and happiness. This simple, yet profound practice fosters inner clarity, grounding, and a sense of calm, contributing to personal peace and, by extension, global harmony. **Living Simply, Soulfully, and Sacredly** Inspired by her own experiences and eloquently captured in her book *Simple, Soulful, Sacred*, Megan advocates for a life that cherishes simplicity, dives deep into the soul's journey, and recognises the sacredness of the everyday. This philosophy urges us to reflect and align our lives with what truly matters. **The Ripple Effect of Conscious Living** Megan Dalla-Camina's insights offer a compelling call to action for all women to journey towards self-discovery, embrace their intrinsic value, and lead lives of profound fulfilment and empowerment. Her wisdom illuminates the path to a life that not only nourishes the individual but also inspires collective transformation towards a more peaceful, empowered world. What We Discuss: 00:00 A Personal Journey to Change: From Burnout to Empowerment 01:09 Introducing Megan Dalla-Camina: A Beacon of Women's Leadership 03:32 The Essence of Happiness and Connection 15:14 Navigating the Complexities of Authentic Leadership and Women's Empowerment 24:42 Unlocking Self-Worth and Authenticity 28:41 Redefining Success 29:55 The Essence of True Success: Family, Well-being, and Creativity 32:54 Embracing Money as a Tool for Good 34:46 Exploring Spiritual Practices for Daily Life 38:45 The Power of Simplicity 41:31 Challenges and Triumphs of Women in Leadership 46:09 The Journey to Self-Worth 50:41 Quick Fire Round Resource Links: Megans Books - https://megandallacamina.com/books/ Women Rising - https://megandallacamina.com/women-rising/ Megan on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/megandallacamina/ Nicoles Website - https://www.connectedly.com.au/ Nicole on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nicolesharanam