Authenticity or Bust: Why Performative Values Don't Work Anymore

People Managing People

Kelly Meerbott, CEO of YOU: Loud and Clear, dives into the growing disconnect between the C-suite and everyday employees, exposing how middle managers become "human shock absorbers" caught between corporate pressures and workforce realities. She calls out performative leadership and urges executives to prioritize coherence over charisma, advocating for leaders who genuinely embody their values rather than just posting them online.

Kelly also challenges traditional ideas around gender and leadership, encouraging women to replace "niceness" with "ferocious kindness" — honest, empathetic communication that fosters trust and drives results. This candid conversation offers powerful insights for leaders ready to move beyond outdated paradigms and build authentic, courageous connections with their teams.

Related Links:

• Join the People Managing People community forum
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn
• Check out Kelly’s website

Support the show

Chapters

1. Authenticity or Bust: Why Performative Values Don't Work Anymore (00:00:00)

2. Staying Grounded Amidst Chaos (00:01:31)

3. Building Trust in the C-Suite (00:04:53)

4. The Importance of Consistency in Leadership (00:07:56)

5. Real Leadership in the AI Era (00:09:28)

6. Embodied Leadership Over Performative Values (00:11:54)

7. Restorative Leadership and Accountability (00:13:34)

8. Kindness vs. Niceness in Leadership (00:16:38)