Welcome to Crossroads + Catalysts: Leadership & Career Strategy for Directors and Managers!
Crossroads + Catalysts Leadership Podcast
Crossroads + Catalysts Leadership Podcast
Leadership gets more complicated the higher you go—and too often, you're expected to figure it out as you go. Crossroads & Catalysts is a leadership podcast for managers, directors, emerging leaders, and experienced professionals who want practical strategies for becoming more effective and thoughtful leaders. Hosted by Shenita Brown, financial executive, leadership strategist, and speaker, each episode tackles the challenges that come with actually leading people: difficult conversations, accountability, team performance, communication, decision-making, executive presence, managing up, leading through change, and the transition from individual contributor to leader. But great leadership isn't only about how you manage others. It's also about how you manage yourself. That's why we explore the judgment, self-awareness, discipline, courage, and strategic thinking required to lead well—especially when the answer isn't obvious. You'll hear practical leadership advice, real-world experiences, and perspectives designed to help you think more critically about how you lead and what you can do differently. Whether you're a new manager learning how to lead a team, a director preparing for executive leadership, or an experienced leader sharpening your skills, you'll find conversations here that meet you where you are—and challenge you to keep growing. Because becoming a better leader isn't a destination. It's a practice. New episodes every week.
Nov. 17, 2025

Strategic Authenticity: How to Be Real at Work Without Damaging Your Career

Strategic Authenticity: How to Be Real at Work Without Damaging Your Career

Are you using authenticity as an excuse for unprofessional behavior? For managers and leaders building leadership skills and executive presence, understanding the difference between authentic leadership and unprofessional conduct is critical for career advancement and leadership development. Authenticity has become the workplace buzzword everyone loves—until someone uses it to justify rudeness, emotional dumping, or lack of professional boundaries. In this executive brief, discover why authenticity without professionalism destroys leadership credibility, how managers can be genuine while maintaining professional standards, and what effective leadership communication looks like when you're being authentic without being inappropriate. Learn the self-awareness practices that help leaders recognize when "being real" crosses into unprofessional territory, why emotional regulation is an essential leadership skill not personal suppression, and how building confidence in authentic professionalism separates respected leaders from those who hide behind "this is just who I am."

Perfect for managers transitioning to leadership roles who struggle with being genuine while establishing authority, directors navigating workplace culture and team management, and leaders who want to strengthen their professional development through better decision-making about workplace behavior. Get actionable leadership training on distinguishing authentic leadership from lack of boundaries, developing management skills that balance transparency with professionalism, and creating team culture where people can be genuine without being unprofessional. Master the leadership competencies that show you can be trusted, consistent, and authentic—all at the same time.

Want weekly insights and encouragement to take action? Sign up for The Catalyst to get the latest episodes sent directly to your inbox plus things to consider for your leadership and career journey.

Share your crossroads for The Crossroads Spotlight segment.

Send a Voicemail