Picture this: You get promoted. Suddenly, you’re responsible for a team.
The decisions come faster. The expectations get bigger. And people want answers... even when you’re still figuring things out yourself.
You might not have received much training on how to lead people.
But before you look for a quick fix, my guest today says there’s another question that deserves your attention:
Who are you becoming as a leader?
You say you value honesty, but what happens when telling the truth might upset your boss?
You want your team to speak up, but how do you respond when someone challenges you?
Those moments tell people whether they can trust you.
My special guest today is Riunita Martin, and she’s simplifying how to lead yourself before leading others.
Her book, Build the Leader. Transform the Trajectory., challenges “the leadership lie.” The belief that becoming a better leader is simply about acquiring more skills, knowledge, or frameworks.
Because pressure doesn’t create character. It reveals it.
Becoming a leader people trust starts with taking a good, honest look at yourself first.
Here’s how we simplify leading yourself before leading others:
- Start with who you’re becoming. Why leadership development needs to go deeper than learning another skill or framework.
- Define what you stand for. How to clarify your identity, core values, and non-negotiable standards... and what conviction looks like when those standards are tested.
- Look at your values in practice. What moral leadership means and how to recognize when organizational pressure is pulling you away from your principles.
- Uncover your blind spots. How to use assessments and reflection exercises to examine the gap between the leader you intend to be and how you’re actually showing up.
- Turn awareness into action. What a practical growth plan should include to help you make real, sustainable changes.
Whether you’ve just stepped into management or have been leading people for years, this conversation invites you to consider a deeper question: Are your everyday decisions building the trust you want your team to have in you?
What’s catching my eye this week:
- Build the Leader. Transform the Trajectory. - Riunita Martin’s book explores leadership from the inside out, with tools for reflection, assessment, and practical growth.
- The question behind today’s conversation: What are your standards, and do you stick to them when things get difficult?
My challenge for you this week:
Choose one core value you want people to experience through your leadership.
Then think about a recent moment when that value was tested. What did you say or do? Did your response reflect what you believe matters?
Choose one small action you can practice this week to bring your behavior closer to your intentions. You might pause before responding to criticism, ask for honest feedback, or follow through on a commitment you’ve left hanging.
Send me a DM over on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers and tell me what you chose. Let’s add a little accountability and support as you #dothething!
Episode sponsored in part by Goodboy Agency, providing employer branding redesigns for busy HR Teams:
This episode is brought to you in part by Goodboy, helping HR teams compete for top talent. Goodboy helps midsize companies strengthen their employer brand, attract better candidates, and fill open roles faster. From redesigning your careers page to running targeted recruitment campaigns, they’ll help your company stand out in a crowded talent market. Visit www.goodboyagency.com/simplifiers to learn more.
Links, books and apps mentioned:
Book: Build the Leader. Transform the Trajectory. - Riunita Martin
Resource: Riunita Martin’s website
Podcast: How to build a strong culture as a people manager, featuring Andre Young - The Simplifiers Podcast
Podcast: How to squash the Sunday Scaries (guided visualization) - The Simplifiers Podcast
Mary’s new book is out NOW on Amazon!
My new book, Squash the Sunday Scaries: A Modern Playbook to Rebuild Trust, Transform Culture, and Reignite Your Workforce, is out now — and you can buy it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your favorite independent bookstore. It’s written for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone ready to make work better in a practical, human way. If you’ve been looking for simple tools to improve employee experience, rebuild trust, and create better results for your people and your business, this book is for you. Learn more, visit: https://www.thesimplifiers.com/book
About Riunita Martin:
Riunita Martin is the author of Build the Leader. Transform the Trajectory., a faith-driven leadership guide focused on developing leaders from the inside out. She draws on corporate leadership and operational experience to explore how identity, character, empathy, and accountability shape the way people lead. Her work encourages emerging and experienced leaders to examine themselves first, strengthen trust, and remain aligned with their values.
Where Riunita hangs out online:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riunita-martin/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lei_academy
Instagram: https://instagram.com/leading_beyond_you_podcast
Website: https://leiacademy.org
Riunita’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:
Nakisha Hicks is the founder and president of The ElevateHer LLC, an HR consulting firm offering career and executive coaching and fractional Chief Human Resources Officer services. She helps women of color in human resources navigate their careers and pursue their professional goals. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in HR executive roles, Nakisha focuses on career transitions, leadership development, and inclusive workplaces. Her speaking topics include emotional intelligence, time management, workplace perceptions, and building genuine connections. She also works with organizations to strengthen their cultures and develop their teams.
