Deep Leadership

E432 - Why Authentic Leadership Is So Hard at Work with Dr. Rashidah Leverett

Published: May 14, 2026

Duration: 36:43

Most leadership advice tells you to “just be authentic.” But what happens when the workplace pressures you to become someone else?

In this episode of Deep Leadership, I sit down with leadership coach, consultant, and author Dr. Rashida Leverett to explore why authentic leadership is so difficult in today’s workplace. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in the military, government, higher education, and corporate leadership, Rashida explains how many leaders struggle with what she calls “identity fragmentation” — becoming one person at work and another everywhere else.

We discuss:

Why middle managers are often the most ove...