Stop Leaving Yourself at the Door

What if the version of yourself you bring to work… isn’t the real you? In this episode of Beneath the Transaction, I sit down with Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, to explore what it really means to lead with authenticity and vulnerability—and how that shapes organizational culture. Kendra leads an organization that impacts over 1.5 million people each year, overseeing a national network of 70 affiliates and 38,000 employees. With more than three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, her approach is rooted in trust, relationships, and a deep sense of purpose. In this conversation, we unpack what authentic leadership actually looks like in practice—and why the best leaders don’t separate their personal and professional selves. We also explore how to build trust as a leader, why vulnerability is essential for real connection, and how purpose-driven leadership creates environments where people and organizations can truly grow. Because leadership isn’t just about performance. It’s about how we show up. This episode is for anyone looking to grow in their leadership development, strengthen their culture, and lead in a way that creates lasting impact. #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthenticLeadership #BeneathTheTransaction