When I was eight years old, my teacher, whom I idolized, pulled me aside to ask if I would show the new transfer girl around school. She could see the look of fear on my face, to which she shared, “Erin, you are a natural leader, so I know you will do well.” That didn’t help. In fact, as an introvert, it dropped me into a frightful spiral of imposter syndrome. Then I became the new girl's friend and the fear left.

Authentic leadership is desperately needed, yet it is nebulous and scary for many because they feel they are not “gifted” with the correct skills or personality traits. Through my MBA and PhD programs, I learned leadership isn’t about what the leader does as much as who the leader daily chooses to be by living what I call the WITH lifestyle. Anyone can hone the lifestyle habits to be a great relationship partner – the preparation – therefore anyone can be a great leader. And, as a bonus, live a healthier and more abundant life.