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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
15. Homeless to Harvard - with Gwen Cassady
Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!
Gwen Cassady has had a global footprint in 64 countries, on all 7 continents, and has a passion for fighting homelessness in all of them. With degrees in Economics and Education from the University of Virginia, she is currently working toward her Masters in Sustainability at Harvard, or as she calls it, “Hardvard.” She plans to create Sustainable Cities and Communities to help disenfranchised members of her local community while assisting and facilitating projects and ventures globally.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Empowering people [12:34]
- Leadership Principle: Finding strength in unconditional love[13:00]
- Habits: [14:12]
- Get up early
- Mediate
- Yoga
- Find balance between personal and professional using writing
Now What?
Gwen’s advice to those who would be interested in similar work: [22:42]
- Be passionate
- Be non-judgemental of all
- Follow your heart - your true essence
- Surround yourself with people who are authentic
- Find your creative outlet
Resources mentioned in this episode:
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
Shop at the EcoChic Boutique and use the code “OPTIMIST” at checkout or in store for a $20 gift card to use on your purchase!
Book: The Factory Man – Beth Macy
Places to find Gwen:
Gwen Cassady's Website
Linked In Gwen Cassady
Facebook Gwen Cassady
Instagram @ecochicboutique
Find most of Gwen’s initiatives, including Lovelocks & International Villas at: ManagingProjects.org
Vision Forward Media "If It Could Happen to Me, It Could Happen to You: From Homeless to Harvard – Domestic Homelessness with a focus on the Currently Homeless Populations of Charlottesville, Roanoke, Washington DC, New York City, Boston"
Get Growing and Get Involved!
How can you make an impact in your world? Personal growth begins with awareness. So, start with your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet”, and start increasing your ability to communicate and connect.
Or, get your own DISC Assessment, and don't forget the 10% discount (code "PODCAST") at check out!
Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com so I can be your professional encourager!
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