Leadership – Dr. Natalie Pickering

The Missing Metric: Why Knowing Your Self-As-Leader Is Your Most Powerful Performance Strategy

In our relentless pursuit of productivity hacks, meticulously tracked performance metrics, and the latest leadership frameworks, we’ve inadvertently overlooked the very foundation upon which all of these rest: identity clarity. Not personality tests.Not style assessments.Not generic competencies. Who you are—and how congruently you lead from that place—is the most predictive variable of your leadership effectiveness. … Read more

Finding Your Leadership Sweet Spot: Balancing Connection and Boundaries

We often think of leadership in terms of strategy, execution, and achieving results. But in today’s dynamic work environment, something more nuanced is required for the relationships you lead: emotional precision. At the heart of effective leadership lies the delicate art of balancing genuine human connection with clear professional boundaries – a “sweet spot” that … Read more

Beyond the Model: Where Liminality Meets the Stages of Change

When organizations embark on change, they usually reach for familiar tools: Gantt charts, strategy decks, maybe even a change curve. These are essential and I recommend them. But I find that rarely do we initiate or encourage talk about what change feels like—that strange terrain where the old ways no longer work, and the new … Read more

Beyond Change Management: The Human Experience in Big Change

No one likes the in-between. I’m supporting a lot of leaders with “How do we navigate this pending reduction in force?” and “How do I support my team through this change with my own future so uncertain?” Day-to-day changes might be a new policy, project, person. Change management is a vital skill for life and leadership. But … Read more

How to Be an Empathetic Leader Without Losing Authority

Empathy is an essential leadership skill, strengthening relationships, building trust, and improving team morale. Yet many leaders hesitate to lean into empathy for fear of seeming weak or overly accommodating. Striking the right balance between understanding and authority is key to maintaining leadership effectiveness. Empathetic leadership does not mean lowering standards or avoiding difficult conversations. … Read more

From Overperformance to Impact: Leading Without Proving Yourself

For many women in leadership, there’s an unspoken pressure to overperform just to prove we belong. Maybe you’ve felt it—the need to work twice as hard, say yes to everything, or produce flawless results just to be seen as credible. It’s exhausting. But here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating impact. … Read more

From Connection to Confidence: How Communities Empower Leaders to Make Bold Decisions

Leadership often demands bold decisions, but the ability to make them doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Confidence in decision-making stems from clarity, preparation, and a strong support system. Engaging with a diverse network of leaders provides a foundation for all three, empowering individuals to face challenges head-on and make confident, informed choices. Communities like True You … Read more

Building Emotional Intelligence Through Community Engagement

Emotional intelligence (EQ) has become a cornerstone of effective leadership. It encompasses the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, empathize with others, and navigate interpersonal relationships with intention and care. For leaders, honing emotional intelligence is not just a personal pursuit—it’s a critical skill that drives team success and fosters meaningful connections. While … Read more

Why Every Leader Needs a Learning Community: Accessing Resources that Drive Success

Leadership can be a rewarding, yet challenging, journey. Leaders are often expected to have answers, provide direction, and inspire their teams—all while navigating the complexities of today’s fast-paced world. But even the most accomplished leaders need support, fresh perspectives, and a space to grow. Learning communities, like True You Collective, offer a unique environment where leaders … Read more

The Art of Giving Constructive Feedback: Balancing Criticism and Encouragement

Effective leadership hinges on the ability to deliver feedback that not only addresses areas for improvement but also motivates and encourages team members to perform at their best. However, mastering the art of giving constructive feedback—the balance between being honest about shortcomings and supportive enough to inspire action—is a nuanced skill. When done right, feedback improves … Read more

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