As you grow in your career, your technical skills matter—of course they do. But what people remember, respond to, and rally behind is your leadership identity. It’s the way you show up, the presence you carry, the influence you have, and the story others tell about you when you’re not in the room. And the leaders who thrive are the ones who shape that identity with intention, not by accident.
My special guest today is Shayna Davis, and she’s simplifying how to define your leadership identity. If you want to lead with more clarity, consistency, and confidence—while staying true to who you are—this conversation is for you.
Here’s how.
My special guest today is Shayna Davis and she’s simplifying how to define your leadership identity.
We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:
- The real difference between executive presence and executive influence—and how both shape how others see your leadership.
- What a “leadership narrative” is, and why rising leaders must define theirs early.
- Where to begin when intentionally shaping your leadership identity—and how to clarify your unique POV, thought leadership, and personal narrative.
- The common missteps leaders make when trying to project authority or influence, and how to avoid coming across as inauthentic.
- …and ultimately, how to evolve your leadership identity over time without losing consistency or confusing your teams.
Q: Are you ready to learn how to define your leadership identity? If yes, this one is for you.
It’s time to #DoTheThing!
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<What’s catching my eye this week>
- 3 hours of (free) focus music for deep concentration - Quiet Quest - Study Music
- Hire Mary Baird to teach your senior leaders about creating a better employee experience for your workforce - The Simplifiers
- 50 powerful questions to help you reflect - The Institute of You
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My challenge for you this week:
How are you going to take what you’ve learned in today’s episode and take action by defining your leadership identity? What’s one thing you’ll do differently? Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and send me a DM over on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers) for added accountability and support!
Links, books and apps mentioned:
Resource: Find Shayna Davis on LinkedIn - click here
Resource: Free Insight Report: External Influence: The Currency Every Leader Must Carry - Shayna Davis
Book: Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit - Brené Brown
Book: Fanatical Prospecting: The Ultimate Guide to Opening Sales Conversations and Filling the Pipeline by Leveraging Social Selling, Telephone, Email and Cold Calling - Jeb Blount
Podcast: How to master the art of executive storytelling, featuring Libby Magliolo - The Simplifiers Podcast
Podcast: How to be a better leader (guided visualization) - The Simplifiers Podcast
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About Shayna Davis:
Shayna Davis - She is a leading strategist in influence-driven income and impact, helping ambitious women transform visibility into financial success, abundant opportunities, and lasting legacy.
Creator of The Influence Impact Method, she has partnered with top executives, Fortune 500 companies, and media personalities to build scalable brands that transcend industries.
She is the award-winning host of The Influence Economy Podcast and is the go-to expert for those ready to own their influence - and cash in on it.
Where Shayna hangs out online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaynarattler
Website: https://shaynadavisconsulting.com
Shayna’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:
Jen Kem - She is a seasoned brand strategist and go-to-market executive who has helped bring complex ideas to life across technology, SaaS, consumer products and insurance. She founded the Master Brand Institute and has worked with iconic brands and leaders, delivering over $100 million in new revenue through her model. With a deep passion for purpose-driven branding, she helps executives, entrepreneurs and companies build identity, messaging and experience that stand out and stick.
