EP-4 Authentic Leadership | How to Lead With Vulnerability, Trust & Self-Awareness | Karen Jones

What does it really mean to be authentic at work—and how can authenticity make you a stronger, more trusted leader? In this episode of Deep Work Out Loud, Julie Harris Oliver sits down with Karen Jones, communications consultant and professional coach, to explore authenticity, trust, vulnerability, and leadership. Karen shares her journey from an executive career at HBO to coaching and reflects on what it means to align your work with your personal values. Together, Julie and Karen explore how leaders can stay authentic in high-pressure environments while building trust and creating greater psychological safety for the people around them. The conversation explores the Trust Triangle, developed by Professor Frances Frei, and its three elements—empathy, logic, and authenticity—as well as the personal challenges that can make authenticity difficult. In this episode, you'll discover: → What authentic leadership really means → Why authenticity is essential for building trust → The connection between empathy, logic, and authenticity → How to stay authentic in high-pressure environments → The role of vulnerability in effective leadership → How self-awareness can strengthen your leadership presence → How inner criticism can affect confidence and authenticity → What “personal wobbles” can teach us about ourselves → The relationship between authenticity and neurocomplexity → How leaders can create psychological safety within teams → Why curiosity can be a powerful tool for personal development → How coaching can support greater self-awareness and professional fulfillment ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Deep Work Out Loud 00:35 – Meet Karen Jones: A Multifaceted Professional 01:57 – Karen’s Journey to Coaching 04:43 – Exploring the Trust Triangle 06:01 – Understanding Personal Wobbles 08:22 – Navigating Authenticity & Neurocomplexity 19:43 – Addressing the Inner Critic 28:41 – The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 35:45 – Conclusion & Contact Information Karen and Julie also discuss the importance of aligning your work with your values, understanding your internal experiences, and creating space for more honest and human leadership. If you're a leader, executive, coach, or professional navigating the pressure to perform while still wanting to be yourself at work, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on authenticity, trust, vulnerability, and creating healthier leadership environments. 🎙️ About Karen Jones Karen Jones is a communications consultant and professional coach who brings experience from executive leadership and communications into her coaching work. 🌐 Connect with Karen: https://www.thejonescode.com/ 🎙️ About Deep Work Out Loud Deep Work Out Loud with Julie Harris Oliver explores the thinking that fuels our life, work, and leadership through conversations with coaches, leaders, and thoughtful professionals. 🌐 Find Julie: https://www.julieharrisoliver.com/ 🔔 Subscribe to Deep Work Out Loud:    / @dwoljulieharrisoliver   📺 Explore the Deep Work Out Loud playlist:    • Deep Work Out Loud with Julie Harris Oliver   #PsychologicalSafety #VulnerabilityInLeadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipCoaching #ExecutiveCoaching #TrustInLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #DeepWorkOutLoud