Proven Not Perfect
Proven Not Perfect
Authenticity - Leadership and Life with Chief People Officer Kim Seymour
What does it truly mean to lead authentically in today's corporate landscape? Kim Seymour, a seasoned executive with decades of leadership experience, breaks down this question with refreshing clarity and hard-won wisdom.
"Leading people in a way that is sustainable for you, that you can believe in" forms the cornerstone of authentic leadership, according to Seymour. But this isn't just about showing up as your unfiltered self. Throughout this powerful conversation, she reveals the delicate balance between bringing your authentic voice to the table while understanding the ecosystem you're operating within.
Drawing from her impressive career journey, Seymour shares three essential unwritten rules that have guided her success: "Relationships are everything," "Always stay curious," and "Feedback is not optional." These principles aren't just platitudes—they're practical guideposts for navigating complex organizational dynamics while maintaining your integrity.
Perhaps most valuably, Seymour challenges conventional wisdom about the crucial first 90 days in any new role. Her counterintuitive advice? "Go hard for the first six months, then you never have to go hard again." This approach establishes your reputation and creates what she calls a "flywheel effect," where your initial investment continues generating momentum long after those intensive first months.
The conversation takes a particularly meaningful turn when discussing vulnerability in leadership—a quality that emerged as a superpower during pandemic challenges. Seymour reflects on how leaders who could blend strategic thinking with emotional intelligence created psychological safety while still delivering results during unprecedented uncertainty.
Whether you're just beginning your career journey or sitting in the C-suite, this episode offers invaluable insights on defining success on your own terms. As Seymour powerfully states, true success means having options—the freedom to choose your path forward rather than feeling trapped by circumstances. Subscribe now to continue growing as an authentic, effective leader who remains true to their core values.
Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
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