Overcoming the Challenges of Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership is a powerful force in education—but it’s not without its challenges. In this dynamic and highly interactive workshop, Dr. Howard Stribbell and Dr. Rose Anne Kuiper guided participants through the internal and external barriers that prevent leaders from showing up with vulnerability, courage, empathy, and connection.

Blending real-world case studies, group reflection, and evidence-based strategies inspired by Brené Brown’s work on wholehearted leadership, the session explored:

• Fear of vulnerability and emotional exposure
• External pressures from stakeholders and systems
• Avoidance of conflict or resistance to change
• Burnout and the erosion of empathy in leadership

Attendees gained practical tools to lead more authentically, from modeling self-care and setting boundaries, to building relational trust and addressing difficult conversations with openness and courage.

Whether you’re a seasoned school leader or emerging administrator, this session offered a refreshing, honest look at what it really takes to lead with heart in today’s educational landscape—and why authenticity is the foundation of lasting impact.