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Stand Tall & Own It - Equipping Purpose-Driven Leaders to Show Up with Authenticity and Courage
“Just be you,” they say. But for many high-achievers, “just being you” hasn’t always felt safe or practical—whether it’s at work, school, church, or even in leadership circles. For purpose-driven leaders, holding back can limit your impact and undermine your authenticity.
Even in workplaces that claim to value individuality, leading with confidence and conviction still takes courage. To lead with steadiness and clarity, you must first understand your values, embrace your individuality, and recognize that the solutions you need are as unique as you are.
Stand Tall & Own It is for modern leaders who want to lead with purpose, integrity, and courage—without sacrificing who they are. Each episode explores how to navigate challenges, make values-anchored decisions, and cultivate the discernment to think critically in a noisy world.
If you’re ready to explore your Core Values and lead with intention, check out my Core Values Blueprint and Core Values Coaching for practical tools to help you grow.
Subscribe now and start leading from the inside out.
Stand Tall & Own It - Equipping Purpose-Driven Leaders to Show Up with Authenticity and Courage
Joyful Defiance: Leading With Conviction
Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!
1 BIG IDEA
What does resistance really look like in leadership? It’s not rebellion or rage — it’s conviction anchored in joy. In this episode, Andrea Johnson, The Intentional Optimist, explains how joyful defiance helps women leaders resist conformity, lead with authenticity, and protect their humanity in high-pressure environments.
3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS
- Hold firm to one Core Value this week, even if it costs you comfort or approval.
- Practice joy as resistance — choose humor, gratitude, or curiosity instead of cynicism.
- Pair clarity with compassion in your leadership. Conviction + humanity = influence.
3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Where in my leadership am I tempted to conform instead of stand in conviction?
- How could I embody joyful defiance — leading with both steadiness and celebration — in one situation this week?
- What boundary or value is worth holding firm, even if it costs me comfort or approval?
Resources & Next Steps
- Free Core Values Blueprint: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
- Core Values Coaching Program: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta
Live2Lead 2025 — Thrive in ’25
Join Andrea LIVE in Virginia this October to recharge, refocus, and rise. Two events designed for purpose-driven leaders who want conviction, courage, and clarity in their leadership.
- Charlottesville: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/live2lead-charlottesville-2025
- Lynchburg: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/live2lead-lynchburg-2025
Let’s Connect
- Instagram + LinkedIn: @theintentionaloptimist
- Email: andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com
- Podcast Hub: www.theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast
Enjoying the Show? Leave a Rating & Review
Apple: scroll down, choose a rating, and write a review.
Podchaser (Android): https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762
Share This Episode
If this encouraged you, share it with a fellow leader who’s ready to resist conformity and lead with courage, conviction, and joy.
Prefer to Watch Instead?
Catch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ik3b27Y2VG8
Listen & Subscribe: www.theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast
Get 40% Off Annual Membership
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com
Podcast Hub → theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@intentionaloptimist
ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762
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