#27 | Ways To Lead Authentically With Alexandra Galviz

Can you believe 2020 is almost over?! How did we get here? The end of the year always makes me so reflective and as I thought about how I want to show up in the world in 2021 one word came to mind – authentically. *Cue in Alexandra Galviz.* After taking her LinkedIn course on authenticity I had the tools I needed to reach my goals and I knew I had to wanted her to speak with all of you!

This 29-year old powerhouse is a business coach by day and “superhero LinkedIn blogger” under the hashtag #AuthenticAlex by night. She’s literally a pro at helping others find their voice and confidence on social media and in real life. Her brand celebrates mental health, diversity, authenticity, and showing up as your very best self. Here she teaches us how to do just that!

How To Start Authentic Conversations (5:26) 

Alex has an attractive creativity that shines through her profile and work. I wanted to know how those of us who don’t have that natural quality could start authentic convos without it. She suggests asking yourself, ‘If you know me, you’d know…’ Your answer should be something uniquely personal and not shared often. Readers will say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know that about you!’ and boom you instantly have a convo starter and become more memorable – which is what we all want, right?!

Standing Out On LinkedIn (8:15) 

Even with similar features, I feel LinkedIn requires a certain formality that other platforms don’t. Here’s Alex’s take on how we can stand out without oversharing.

“Share only what you’re comfortable with, but remember, it’s not work life and personal life, it’s just life because the two influence each other.”

Also, remember standing out means being different. If we want to attract the connections that have the most value, we have to move beyond what the crowd is doing. “The big brands I work with hire me because they like how I show up online. Being your authentic self always attracts the right people,” she explains.

The Big Roadblock To Authenticity (9:34) 

Alex identifies the number one roadblock to authenticity as the fear of being judged. I bet we could all agree! It’s human nature to want acceptance. She shares everyone from CEOs to students struggle with vulnerability. Your fight vs flight instincts want to ‘protect you’, but once you experience the great response, connection, and trust it builds you say ‘oh, this is safe’ and ‘this is true engagement’.

Where To Start (11:26) 

So, you’re sold and ready to start showing up more confidently online, huh?

Start with one of two things:

1. Comment on other’s posts. You’re ‘just dipping your toe in’ but it gives people a snapshot of who you are and how you think.

2. Share a life story. If you want to ‘cannon ball into the deep end’ this is your option. Include why you got into your line of work, lessons learned, or something you’ve overcome. “Viral posts are always personal stories,” says Alex.

In her upcoming LinkedIn course, Story Marketing, she teaches not to post just for the sake of it or for possible virality, do it with intention and give value. A well thought out comment is better than ‘I agree’.

How To Lead And Share (15:15) 

After almost nine months of living in a COVID centric world, you’d think I would have a better handle on this new life. I do not. All strategy, organization, and planning are out the window because there are still so many unknowns. The distance created by virtual engagement, the fear of being judged, plus my leadership role all make me want to show up as fearless and flawless. I needed help answering how to share trials without discouraging – or freaking out – the people I’m working with. Alex’s response completely reassured me.

Contrary to popular belief, vulnerability does not equal weakness. You don’t have to act like you have it all together. “People need to see their leaders vulnerable because it validates their feelings & brings trust that we’re going to through this together. You’re still showing up as a leader because you’re giving direction & support. A great response would be, ‘though there’s only so much we can control, we’re implementing these steps to make the process as easy as possible,” she says.

Goals For 2021 (24:50)

I’m happy to say we got the exclusive news that in 2021 Alex plans to revamp her newsletter From Trauma to Triumph, into a website focused on mental health advocacy & a podcast to share professional advice on the topic. How exciting! You heard it here first, friends.

She also has two upcoming LinkedIn courses – The Artist Way, launching December 2 & Story Marketing, launching January 15.

Speed Round Questions (41:20)

• What have you started doing or using lately that you love? 

Creative writing

• What would you do differently if you were just starting out? 

I would’ve been more consistent w/ content.

• What would you do more recently if you could?

I would’ve hired a business coach sooner!

• What’s the best gift you’ve given yourself in the past year?

Moving to Berlin and finding more freedom.

• What’s the next thing you’re hoping to learn?

I just signed up for a reiki practitioners course and a mental health coach course, I’m excited to learn more about both topics.

Next Week:

Tianna Tye is teaching us all about hiring and strengthening our dream team. She’s a certified psychologist who’s worked with companies valued at $1B. She knows the ins and outs of communication and accountability in teams of all sizes and is willing to pass along the secrets here!