I've been reflecting on something lately: how deeply intertwined our inner world is with our outward impact as women in business.

When we cultivate genuine and unwavering love for ourselves – acknowledging our strengths, embracing our vulnerabilities, and nurturing our well-being – that love doesn't stop there. It naturally expands, creating a wellspring of compassion and understanding for those around us. This deep-seated care fuels our desire to connect with others in meaningful ways, building bridges of collaboration and support that strengthen our businesses and our communities.

But here's what I've discovered: authentic leadership isn't just a "nice-to-have" quality. It's actually the secret ingredient to both personal freedom and sustainable business success.

Why Self-Love Actually Makes You a Better Leader

Think about the women you admire – the leaders who inspire, the entrepreneurs who innovate, the colleagues who lift you up. Often, their strength isn't just in their intellect or drive, but in their ability to lead with heart. It's in their "beingness" – that authentic presence and unwavering spirit – that they empower others to step into their own power.

What Happens When You Lead from Self-Acceptance

When we operate from a place of genuine self-acceptance, something shifts. We stop making decisions from fear or the need to prove ourselves. Instead, we make choices that align with our values and vision.

People notice this. They're drawn to leaders who know themselves because it creates trust. When you're comfortable with who you are – including the parts that are still growing – you give others permission to be human too.

This creates environments where:

• People feel safe to take risks and share creative ideas
• Teams collaborate more effectively because there's no ego-driven competition
• Innovation flourishes because vulnerability is seen as strength, not weakness
• Everyone feels valued for their unique contributions

Moving Beyond the "Perfect Leader" Myth

Here's something that might surprise you: your vulnerabilities aren't weaknesses to hide. When you acknowledge areas where you're still learning and growing, you model authentic leadership. This is incredibly powerful because it shows others they don't have to be perfect to contribute meaningfully.

How Authentic Leaders Create Permission for Others

When we operate from this place of genuine self-acceptance and love, we inadvertently give permission to others to do the same. We create a ripple effect of courage and possibility, fostering environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and motivated to contribute their unique talents.

This isn't just a softer side of business; it's a powerful engine for growth, innovation, and sustainable success.

The Ripple Effect in Your Business

I've watched this happen over and over again. When a leader embraces authentic leadership:

Team members start bringing their whole selves to work. They stop hiding their ideas or playing it safe. They become more engaged and creative.

Clients and customers feel the difference. There's something magnetic about authentic energy. People want to work with businesses that feel genuine and aligned.

Other women leaders feel inspired to embrace their own authentic style instead of trying to fit into someone else's leadership mold.

Communities benefit because businesses operating with heart tend to give back and create positive impact beyond their bottom line.

The Freedom That Comes from Leading Authentically

This journey of self-love, deep connection, and empowering others leads us to something I call true business freedom.

What Real Freedom Looks Like

I'm not just talking about financial freedom (though that often follows). The freedom I mean is much deeper:

• Living in alignment with your values – your business becomes an extension of who you really are
• Authentic expression – showing up as yourself in every interaction
• Meaningful impact – knowing your work contributes to making the world better
• Collaborative spirit – understanding that by lifting others, we all rise higher

When your business reflects your authentic self, work stops feeling like work. You're energized instead of drained. You're inspired instead of stressed. And you succeed in ways that go far beyond traditional business metrics.

We Give Others Permission to Be More

We give others the permission to be more when WE are connected, loving, and powerful.

This understanding of connection and the desire to create more freedom in the world, this is exactly why I've partnered with doTERRA for over 15 years now.

If this message resonates with you – if you believe in the power of women to uplift and create change – I warmly invite you to partner with me.

This is what authentic leadership looks like in action. It's taking the success and freedom we create in our own lives and businesses and using it to lift others.

Let's extend that ripple effect together. Because when we lead with authentic hearts and take meaningful action, we don't just create success – we create significance.