Right About Now with Ryan Alford

What's up, everyone!

When I first started leading teams, I thought leadership was all about vision, charisma, and results. What I didn’t realize was that the way others saw me often determined whether they’d follow me. It wasn’t until someone had the courage to tell me that I was more intimidating than inspiring that I understood the power of self-awareness. That’s what Les Csorba’s book Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly is all about. Learning to see yourself the way others do so you can lead with confidence and empathy.

Les Csorba

Les has advised some of the most influential figures in politics and business, from President George H. W. Bush to Jamie Dimon. His message is simple but profound: leaders who see themselves clearly create cultures that thrive.

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🔥 Here’s What We Hit

The Best Leaders Never Think They’ve Arrived

Great leaders are constantly refining who they are. Jamie Dimon still works on empathy, even as one of the most powerful CEOs in the world.

Your Move: Ask a trusted colleague, “What’s one thing I could do better as a leader?” Then listen without defending.

Confidence and Humility can Coexist

The line between confidence and arrogance is razor-thin. True leaders believe deeply in their mission without believing they’re infallible.

Your Move: The next time you make a big decision, invite feedback from someone who disagrees with you.

People-Pleasing is a Silent Killer of Strong Leadership

Les notes that over half of leaders identify as people-pleasers. But trying to be liked often means avoiding the hard conversations that drive growth.

Your Move: Instead of asking, “Do they like me?” ask, “Did I lead them well?”

Self-Awareness Starts with Empathy

Empathy doesn’t mean weakness, it’s the foundation for meaningful connection. The most self-aware leaders see their impact through the eyes of others.

Your Move: Before your next team meeting, take a moment to consider how your tone and presence might affect the room.

🤝 Connect with Les Csorba

Awareness isn’t about navel-gazing, it’s about growth. The more clearly you see yourself, the more effectively you can lead others. Take the time this week to ask hard questions and seek honest feedback. The leaders who are willing to look in the mirror are the ones who end up changing the world.

🌐 Website: lescsorba.com
📖 Book: Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly (available now on Amazon & major retailers)
📱 LinkedIn: Les T. Csorba