When the Suit Doesn’t Fit. Why Authenticity Matters in the C-Suite
A great candidate radiates executive presence. He/she rehearsed every answer, mastered all and projected the perfect image. But something feels…off. Why? Because they’re playing a role instead of showing up as themselves. Authenticity is the foundation of trust. Candidates who focus too much on looking the part often miss the point of leadership: connection and credibility. Faking it in the C-suite is a recipe for failure: teams can sense a lack of authenticity. Stories, vulnerability and personal insight foster genuine connections. The most compelling leaders are those who align their values with their actions.
The Over-Networker. When Your Name-Dropping Crosses the Line
“During my time working with [insert high-profile CEO here],” starts the candidate for the third time in ten minutes. What begins as an impressive credential quickly spirals into a litany of names, positions and connections. Until it becomes clear they’re more interested in who they know than what they can bring to the table. Networking is a powerful tool, but when overdone, it can backfire. Leaders who lean too heavily on name-dropping often come across as insecure or lacking substance. Name-dropping without substance can undermine credibility. Focus on sharing value-driven stories, rather than listing connections. The best networkers use their relationships to build bridges, not pedestals.