Schedule a Consultation

THIS Leader Podcast   

67. Leading Without Losing Yourself: Being A Purpose-Driven Leader

May 19, 2026

“I’m just trying to get through this week.”
“I haven’t had time to think.”
“Thank goodness it's Friday.”

Little by little, urgency and habit can start leading your life.

In this episode, I reflect on how it feels to lead on autopilot and the difference I feel when I’m connected with my true north– i.e., the values, purpose, and inner clarity that help me be intentional with my leadership and my life. If you’ve been running on autopilot, this episode is your invitation to pause, recalibrate, and lead from your center.

Listen Now
Photo of Claire Laughlin with the words "with Claire Laughlin"

Listen Now

In this episode, Claire introduces the concept of leadership identity, a clear, intentional articulation of your core values, your strengths, your learning edges, and what your role truly requires.

Through personal reflection and practical insight, she unpacks why so many leaders lose connection with their values over time and how reconnecting with their “true north” changes the way they navigate hard decisions, hard conversations, and hard seasons. 

We'll discuss four foundational elements that shape your leadership identity: your values, your strengths, your learning edges, and the real demands of your role. 

Mock up of podcast episode on phone with air pods Episode #67 "Leading Without Losing Yourself: Being A Purpose-Driven Leader" with Podcast cover art
THIS Leader Podcast
67. Leading Without Losing Yourself: Being A Purpose-Driven Leader
21:35
 

"The leaders who thrive — not just perform, but genuinely thrive — are the ones who know exactly who they are as leaders."

67: Leading Without Losing Yourself: Being A Purpose-Driven Leader

Leadership has a way of pulling us into constant motion. Decisions to make. Problems to solve. Expectations to meet. And over time, it becomes surprisingly easy to lead from urgency instead of intention.

Without even realizing it, many of us drift away from the values, strengths, and deeper sense of purpose that once grounded us. We become highly productive, highly responsible… and quietly disconnected from ourselves.

In this episode, Claire introduces the practice of building a leadership identity and makes the case for why it's the foundation of everything else. She explores what it means to develop a leadership identity and why knowing your “true north” is foundational to sustainable, purpose-driven leadership.
In this episode, you'll hear about:

  • What leadership identity actually is and why it goes far beyond your title, role, or performance
  • The four elements that shape how you lead: your values, strengths, learning edges, and role requirements
  • Why leaders slowly drift away from themselves over time even when they deeply care about their work
  • Claire’s personal story of discontent, reflection, and the question that changed everything: “Who am I actually trying to be?”
  • How a clear sense of purpose helps you navigate difficult decisions, conversations, and seasons with more confidence and alignment

 

Resources Mentioned:

      • EVOLVE — Claire's leadership development platform, built for growth-minded leaders who want real tools and real community. Learn more at https://www.clairelaughlin.com/evolve  
      • Free Consultation — Not sure if EVOLVE is right for you? Grab a free call at clairelaughlin.com

 

Why do you lead? Share your answer with Claire @Claire Laughlin on LinkedIn— she reads every one.

 

Don't forget to Subscribe & Share:

If this episode was helpful, please leave a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify and share it with a friend or colleague!

To learn more about my services, subscribe to my newsletter, and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting.

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! New episodes are released weekly, so be sure to subscribe.

Until next time, lead the way!

 

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
REVIEW ON APPLE

Episode transcript

Click here to view the full episode transcript.

Transcript

Subscribe for weekly inspiration

Get it delivered right to your inbox!

Enter your name and email below and you'll get the inside scoop when we release a new episode on the podcast plus weekly leadership inspiration. We know you're not one to miss out on a good thing!

ClaireLaughlin.com needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at anytime. See our privacy policy for terms and conditions and to learn how we protect your data.

About your Host

Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant

Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.

For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!). 

I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.

I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.

When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.

Photo of Claire Laughlin looking at her dog

Listen Now

Let's keep the party going!

We have tons of great episodes waiting for you! Check them out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Podcast cover art with the words "Episode 66: The Neuroscience of Resilient Leadership with Lisa Alessi"

66. The Neuroscience of Resilient Leadership with Lisa Alessi

Do you ever find yourself reacting in ways you don't recognize? If so, this means your nervous system is running the show more than you realize. In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach Lisa Alessi to discuss how resilient leadership starts with self-awareness, and the practices that help you lead from your best self even when things get hard. It’s time for you to lead with more calm, clarity, and emotional resilience.

More on this episode
Podcast cover art with words "Episode 65: Building Psychological Safety with Janet Williams"

65. Building Psychological Safety with Janet Williams

In this episode, I sit down with Janet Williams, founder of Progressive Discoveries, to dig into what psychological safety feels like inside your team, why trust is essential, and what you can do right now to close the gap between "my door is open" and a team that genuinely brings their best thinking to the table. If you want a team that speaks up, challenges ideas, and brings their best thinking forward, press play!

More on this episode