Most leaders think authenticity means "just be yourself." Julie Dupont argues it's much more disciplined than that. In this episode of The Executive Commute, Jayson Krause and executive coach Julie Dupont unpack what authenticity really is, why many leaders misunderstand it, and how authenticity without self-awareness can quickly become destructive. They explore the tension between belonging and staying true to yourself, why emotional intelligence is essential to authentic leadership, and how leaders can stay grounded in their values without becoming rigid or performative. Julie also shares why authenticity takes courage, especially when standing firm comes with discomfort or rejection. Follow Jayson Krause YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JaysonKrauseLeadership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-krause/