The Authentic Leader Show

Christopher R Jones
  • 4.8 (29)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I have found that when you are true to yourself and the people you lead, you are authentic in the way that you lead and as a result, create followers who want to follow you. Throughout my decades-long career, I have experienced good leaders who people want to follow because of the person they are and how they lead. Of course, I have also experienced bad leaders who lead through their authoritative title, intimation, and demands. I bet you have also experienced good and bad leaders. I have also been a good and a bad leader and have had to learn through trial and error, research, training, reading and other resources, what it takes to lead effectively. . . what it takes to lead authentically. Leading authentically is leading in a way that is true to yourself and the people you lead so that people want to authentically follow you. This show will provide content that will help you to learn leadership and management principles, high-performance tools, and, productivity tips.

  1. 2-129 - Mindy Flanigan, Leading with Clarity, Not Control

    06/25/2025

    2-129 - Mindy Flanigan, Leading with Clarity, Not Control

    Ever wonder why some leaders earn trust effortlessly, while others seem to struggle no matter how hard they try? In this week's episode of The Authentic Leader Show, I sat down with HR inspirer Mindy Flanigan to talk about the real traits that make leaders effective . . . and no, it's not about titles or tactics. We get into: * Why emotional awareness is a strategic leadership tool * How to hold high standards without micromanaging * A smarter way to develop future managers, before you promote them * The role of HR in shaping (not policing) workplace culture Mindy doesn't sugarcoat it, and I don't either. If you're committed to building a team that performs without you hovering, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to lead with confidence.

    25 min

  2. 01/14/2025

    127 - Setting New Managers Up for Success

    The Key to Thriving Teams: Preparing Leaders Before They Take the Role About This Episode In this episode of The Authentic Leader Show, I share a challenge many organizations face: promoting star performers into management roles without preparing them for leadership. Drawing from personal experience and proven strategies, I share how to equip new managers with the skills they need to succeed in their roles. What You'll Learn: * Why promoting star performers can sometimes backfire. * Critical skills new managers must develop. * Four actionable steps to prepare future leaders for success. Episode Highlights: * Recognizing the Challenge: Star performers don't always make great managers without proper preparation. * Four Steps for Success: 1. Identify potential early, looking beyond performance metrics. 2. Delegate small leadership tasks before formal promotions. 3. Invest in training and development, like the New Leader Lab program. 4. Understand the "why" behind career aspirations. Growing leaders is like nurturing a garden. You must give it time, care, and the right environment. An Actionable Tip: Schedule a one-on-one with a star performer this week to discuss their career goals and test their leadership potential.

    7 min

  3. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Intro - Season 2 of The Authentic Leader Show podcast

    Season 2 of The Authentic Leader Show is here! In this introductory episode, Christopher R. Jones reflects on lessons from Season 1 and introduces the new focus for Season 2. This season is designed to help: Leaders of management teams apply tools and systems to transform their managers into effective leaders. HR professionals and executives of fast-growing companies develop high-performing teams. New and struggling managers learn the foundational principles of leadership. Christopher shares actionable strategies, personal stories, and a sneak peek into the framework that will shape this season: Episode Highlights: Why leadership is a choice, not a title. The core principles of management and leadership that many new managers miss. A preview of how this season will equip listeners to lead with confidence. Take the Next Step If this episode resonates with you, here's how you can get involved: Subscribe to The Authentic Leader Show Stay updated on future episodes filled with actionable insights. Share This Episode Share this episode with one person in your network who could benefit—and let them know why you thought of them. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or suggestions for future episodes? Reach out! I'd love to hear from you. For more resources and leadership insights, visit my website: ChristopherRJones.com.

    6 min
  4. 126 - VSCPA Keynote Highlights, Leading in Two Worlds

    05/09/2024

    126 - VSCPA Keynote Highlights, Leading in Two Worlds

    Do you volunteer your time and expertise? Are you a leader in your professional or volunteer organization? This episode includes insights for volunteers and volunteer leaders. In this episode, you'll learn: The professional benefits of volunteering: Discover how volunteering your time can develop transferable skills that apply directly to your day job, including communication, delegation, relationship building, strategic thinking, and networking. The importance of clear expectations and accountability:  Learn why successful volunteer teams succeed on clear expectations and how to create an environment of accountability that engages the entire team. The top reasons delegation fails (and how to fix them):  Unclear expectations, lack of skills, and undefined deadlines are just a few reasons delegation goes wrong. This episode provides a simple 3-step process to ensure successful task assignments within your committee or team. The power of actionable feedback:  Effective leaders of volunteer groups provide clear and timely feedback. Discover how to deliver feedback that focuses on solutions and empowers individuals to take action. Turning learnings into action: Attending conferences and training programs is valuable, but the true impact comes from putting what you learn into practice. Learn a simple framework to commit to actions and achieve results. Whether you're a seasoned board member, volunteer leader of committees, or just starting your involvement in an association or organization, this episode offers insights and practical tips to: Enhance your leadership skills through volunteering. Foster successful and accountable volunteer teams. Transfer your volunteer work to your professional environment. Share your experience. Have you ever been part of a high-performing volunteer team? What did you learn from the experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!   Ready to gain practical leadership tips? Listen to this episode now!

    10 min
  5. 125 - An Authentic Interview with Dr. Naomi Boyd

    04/25/2024

    125 - An Authentic Interview with Dr. Naomi Boyd

    Dr. Boyd brings a unique perspective to the table as the former dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business and currently serves as a Professor of Finance at VCU's School of Business.  Her experiences and insights offer a wealth of knowledge for leaders at all levels. This interview was recorded in front of a live audience and my once-a-quarter Authentic Interview Event.    Dr. Boyd shares her personal journey of transitioning from the world of classical ballet to becoming a prominent academic leader.    As a newcomer to her role as dean, Dr. Boyd encountered challenges, including perceptions that intimidated some.    Dr. Boyd discusses the importance of providing radical candor in leadership and communication.  Unapologetically, Dr. Boyd describes what she believes are the long-term effects of the pandemic on students and the education system.

    34 min

  6. 02/15/2024

    124 - An Authentic Interview with Terry Monroe

    I chat with Terry Monroe, the Executive Director of the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) and President of Association Management Services with Eisenman and Associates. I'm also excited to announce that I'll be presenting at the VSAE morning seminar and association lunch on March 7th. We'll touch on that program during this episode, but first, dive into Terry's insights: What's cooking at VSAE? Terry unpacks the strategic thinking behind their popular programs, including the morning seminars and luncheons. From new association manager to leader: New association managers, this one's for you! Terry sheds light on the unique challenges you might face in your transition and offers valuable advice. The future of association leadership: What trends are shaping the landscape? Terry shares his expert perspective on what's ahead. Real talk: Terry doesn't shy away from his own experiences. He opens up about the hurdles he faced early in his career, offering relatable lessons for all of us. Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom and practical takeaways!

    36 min

  7. 01/04/2024

    123 - An Authentic Interview with Scott Love: Inside the Mind of a Rainmaker

    I am thrilled to bring you my interview with Scott Love, an award-winning recruiter, speaker, author, and host of The Rainmaking Podcast. After my recent appearance on Scott's Rainmaking Podcast, we had such a great conversation that I invited him to join me for an Authentic Interview. Here are some key insights Scott shared in this interview. * Scott shares his thoughts about being "followable", earning trust, and becoming someone others want to follow. * He shares practical tips for new attorneys (or managers) on managing both external and internal relationships within the firm. * Scott provides details about why people are naturally attracted to those who can effectively solve problems. * We had an interesting discussion on the strategic placement of a Montessori school next to a hospice center and its implications. * Scott emphasizes the importance of discipline through consistent rituals and shares how they contribute to success. What are your key takeaways from the interview? * Do you agree with Scott's opinion that job changes are influenced by either strategy or leadership? * What problems do you solve for others, and do you believe people are attracted to problem solvers? * What are the rituals that contribute to your success? Tune in to the episode now to gain valuable insights and practical tips from Scott Love!

    42 min

  8. 11/16/2023

    122 - Authentic Interview with Boomer Muth

    This interview is recorded in front of a live audience who had just finished lunch at the Independence Golf Clubhouse. We had a terrific audience of business leaders who you will hear in the background during the interview. Since the last live Authentic Interview event 5 years ago, I turned those first interviews into this podcast The Authentic Leader Show and interviewed 70 additional people. This interview with Boomer Muth, CEO and Co-founder of Koalafi (formally WestCreek Financial). Kaoalfi has partnerships with local and national Fortune 100 retailers. Their rapid growth has been acknowledged by Deloitte and Forbes has recognized Koalafi as one of the best startup employers. Here is just a sample of what we discuss in this interview: Boomer's first management experience Boomer's leadership style and how it's directed by a code that he lives by. How aspiring to be a rock star has led to Boomer's eventual start of a business and becoming CEO? Why your business should not be a family. How Boomer is using AI and how AI affects your cognitive load. I share my story of one of my biggest failures when providing my services. And it happened with Koalafi.

    52 min
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About

I have found that when you are true to yourself and the people you lead, you are authentic in the way that you lead and as a result, create followers who want to follow you. Throughout my decades-long career, I have experienced good leaders who people want to follow because of the person they are and how they lead. Of course, I have also experienced bad leaders who lead through their authoritative title, intimation, and demands. I bet you have also experienced good and bad leaders. I have also been a good and a bad leader and have had to learn through trial and error, research, training, reading and other resources, what it takes to lead effectively. . . what it takes to lead authentically. Leading authentically is leading in a way that is true to yourself and the people you lead so that people want to authentically follow you. This show will provide content that will help you to learn leadership and management principles, high-performance tools, and, productivity tips.

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