“You don’t look like a CEO!” That’s what someone said to me at our first in-person meeting, after connecting on LinkedIn.
Perhaps they expected the stereotypical executive—tailored suit, luxury watch, making them wait, multitasking calls during our conversation.
Here’s the reality:
I was none of those things. I was simply myself—approachable, timely, focused on our interaction.
Being a CEO isn’t a one-size-fits-all role:
âžž For my team, I’m supportive and hands-on.
âžž For clients, I strive to be insightful and reliable.
âžž For partners, I am strategic and forward-thinking.
âžž In solitude, I reflect and plan.
My LinkedIn persona? It mirrors who I am in real life. I share my truths, my beliefs, and the everyday interactions with my team and partners.
Why? Because authenticity matters.
I share to help, not to impress. You don’t need to put on a show to be effective.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Being a CEO is about responsibility, not just the image. It’s about being adaptable and genuine in every role you fill.
And if that doesn’t look like what someone expects a CEO to be, that’s okay. Leadership isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about breaking it to build something better.
To anyone who’s ever felt out of place in leadership:
Keep being you. That’s your greatest strength. Don’t chase the image; chase the impact.
