Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Authenticity Leads to Trust
Cindy shared the story of a leader who deeply influenced her path, Meghan Telpner, founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. While Cindy initially sought Meghan out for culinary education, what stayed with her most were the leadership lessons Meghan modeled through her work and presence.
Meghan showed Cindy that it is possible to be skilled, professional, and deeply human all at once. She modeled what it looks like to show up fully as yourself while still setting boundaries, honoring values, and delivering meaningful work. That example gave Cindy permission to stop hiding parts of herself and begin leading from a place of alignment.
What Authenticity Really Means
Throughout our conversation, Cindy reflected on how often authenticity is discussed but rarely defined. For her, authenticity means doing your work while honoring who you truly are. It means showing up without a mask, without a performance, and without trying to fit into someone else’s version of professionalism.
Authenticity is not about copying what inspires you in others. It is about understanding your own values, personality, strengths, and limitations, and allowing those to inform how you lead and serve. When leaders do this, connection deepens and trust grows naturally.
Knowing Yourself Comes First
Cindy emphasized that authenticity begins with self awareness. Many people have lost touch with who they are beneath expectations, roles, and external pressure. Reconnecting requires intention and patience.
She shared simple but meaningful practices that support this work, including mindfulness, journaling, and reflecting on personal values. Understanding what truly matters to you, what energizes you, and what feels misaligned helps you lead with greater confidence and clarity. This inner grounding makes it easier to trust yourself and to make decisions from a place of integrity.
Trust as the Foundation of Leadership and Healing
Trust was a central theme of this episode. Cindy spoke openly about her own journey with disordered eating and how years of diet culture eroded her ability to trust her body and herself. Rebuilding that trust required compassion, honesty, and support that did not rely on shame.
In her work today, Cindy honors the courage it takes for clients to share deeply personal struggles. She understands that trust is not automatic. It is built through consistency, empathy, and a willingness to meet people where they are. This same principle applies to leadership. When people feel seen and respected, they are more willing to engage, grow, and heal.
Leading in a Way That Gives Others Permission
One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is how authenticity creates a ripple effect. When leaders trust themselves and show up honestly, they give others permission to do the same.
Cindy described leadership not as bulldozing with the loudest idea, but as staying in touch with what is really happening and helping others do the same. This kind of leadership builds teams rooted in trust, openness, and shared purpose.
Connect with Cindy Spratt
You can connect with Cindy and learn more about her work on her website. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook too!
On her website you can download her free guide titled "Break Free from the All-or-Nothing Cycle with Food" which will support you in stepping away from food guilt & shame towards more confidence, peace, and freedom around food choice.
Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.
