In this episode of Courage is Built Here, Justine opens Pathway Three, Authenticity, with a powerful conversation about what it really means to be fully yourself. She invites Steph Auping to share her experiences as a global leadership facilitator and the lessons she has learned about showing up authentically in every room.
Steph reflects on moments where she felt pressure to play a role or meet expectations, and how those experiences ultimately led her back to embracing her full self. She shares insights on vulnerability, connection, and the importance of letting go of perfection in order to build meaningful relationships.
Together, Justine and Steph explore the challenges of navigating feedback, comparison, and self-doubt, as well as the courage it takes to stay grounded in your values. They discuss how authenticity shows up in leadership, parenting, and everyday life, and why modeling it for others matters so deeply.
Throughout the episode, they return to the idea that authenticity is not about being perfect, it is about being real. And in that realness, we find connection, growth, and the ability to make a lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
- Pathway Three, Authenticity, is about showing up as your full self instead of playing a role.
- Trying to “look the part” can disconnect you from who you really are and limit your impact.
- Vulnerability and authenticity create deeper, more meaningful connections.
- Feedback and validation can pull you into comparison and self-doubt if not grounded in your values.
- Messy, imperfect moments are often where the most growth and connection happen.
- Authenticity requires navigating competing values and internal tension.
- Self-sabotage can show up when we abandon ourselves to meet external expectations.
- Modeling authenticity is powerful, especially for children and those we lead.
- Courage is required to keep choosing authenticity, even when it feels hard.
- Being fully yourself is what makes you memorable, not fitting into a mold.
About the guest
Steph Auping is a global leadership facilitator and the Founder of Level-Up Leadership. With experience across consulting, HR, and leadership development, she has worked with leaders in over 24 countries. She specializes in leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, and helping individuals apply practical tools in real-world settings. Steph is passionate about creating connection-driven learning environments and empowering others to lead authentically.
