Lead Like You, Not Like Them

Welcome to The Rocky Garza Show! I’m your host, Rocky Garza, and today, I am diving deep into one of the most meaningful concepts I’ve held close over the last decade: Lead Like You, Not Like Them.

This isn’t just a catchy slogan for me. It’s a conviction—a way of thinking about leadership that has shaped how I show up in my work, my life, and with the people I lead.

If you've ever felt the pressure to mimic someone else in order to be successful, or felt like you weren't being your authentic self in your leadership, this episode is for you.

The Dangers of Mimicking Others

Too many of us fall into what I call mimic mode. We watch TEDx talks, read leadership books, follow formulas, and adopt practices we think will make us successful. We tell ourselves that if we do things like everyone else—if we speak like them, dress like them, or follow their systems—then we will get the same results.

But what happens when you don’t get those results? You’re left feeling like an imposter. You’re performing, not leading. And performance without identity is just burnout waiting to happen.

That’s why today, I’m encouraging you to lead like you. Not like them.

It’s About Leading from Your Truth

I share my personal story here because I’ve lived through it. As a professional speaker for over two decades, I spent the first few years trying to fit into a mold I thought would be accepted. I copied how others spoke on stage, tried to emulate their success stories, and even wore a sports coat because I thought that’s what I needed to do.

But guess what? It never worked.

When I got clear on who I actually was and led from that authentic space, that’s when everything changed. And I want you to do the same. Lead like you, from your unique voice, your experiences, and your values.

Aligning KPIs with Purpose

Leadership isn’t just about hitting numbers or checking boxes. Sure, those Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are important, but what about your Key Purpose Indicators (KPIs)? What is it that makes you feel aligned with your purpose?

What if you could balance both? What if you could lead in a way that didn’t just check the boxes but also made you feel whole, authentic, and aligned?

That’s the shift I’m talking about: leading from who you are rather than who you think you should be.

Stop Outsourcing Your Leadership Identity

There’s a temptation in the leadership space to rely on others' success formulas. But outsourcing your leadership identity to someone else’s highlight reel will only take you so far. There’s no magic formula. What worked for them may not work for you, and that’s okay.

You need to get clear on who you are as a leader. You need to identify your strengths and embrace them, even when they feel different from the “standard.” The more you know yourself, the clearer your decisions, relationships, and leadership will become.

Practical Steps to Lead Like You

This isn't about ignoring best practices or rejecting the wisdom of others. It’s about stopping the performance and leading from a place of authenticity.

So how do you do that?

It starts with introspection—getting clear on your values, your strengths, and your unique approach. Stop trying to fit a mold that doesn’t fit you. Lead from your values. Lead from your voice.

Reflecting on Your Leadership

As you listen to this episode, I encourage you to reflect: Where are you still trying to lead like someone else?

Ask yourself, What would it look like if I led like me, unapologetically? Is it how you show up in meetings? How you coach your team? How you communicate with your family or friends?

These are important questions to ask as you begin the journey of leading like you.

The Power of Honesty in Leadership

Ultimately, when you lead like you, your decisions are sharper, your relationships are deeper, and your impact becomes louder. And here’s the best part—you don’t need permission from anyone to be your authentic self.

So let me ask you: Where have you been waiting for approval to lead like you?

If you’ve been trying to meet someone else’s standards, now is the time to step up and lead from your truth.

Challenge for the Week

This week, I challenge you to take one small action: Lead like you.

What’s one area where you’ve been mimicking someone else? What would it look like to step into your unique leadership in that space?

Is it how you lead a meeting? Make decisions in your business? Or how you parent your kids?

Whatever it is, identify it, and then take one step to bring more of you into your leadership this week. I promise, when you do, the results will follow.

Resources Mentioned

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