EP134: The Magic of Authentic Leadership with Lou Mongello
WHEN YOU SHOW UP AS YOU
Your engagement is high, connections are real and the tough stuff is more manageable.
Enjoy!
Listen Here:
(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
In this episode, I am joined by Lou Mongello from WDWRadio.com and LouMongello.com. Lou is a Disney expert, keynote speaker, business coach and all-around nice guy! Lou inspires and empowers creators and solopreneurs to turn their passion into their profession, and helps businesses exceed expectations and create their own Disney-like culture and experience in their organizations.
Jessica Horton: Speaker, certified Well-being and Life Coach Practitioner and life strategist
In our chat, Lou and I dive deep into the importance of authenticity in leadership and entrepreneurship. While Lou and I could talk about Disney all day, we focused this conversation on how being true to oneself can significantly impact your role as a leader or entrepreneur.
Authenticity has become quite the buzzword these days. But Lou and I agree that it’s more than just a trendy term. It’s about presenting your genuine self in all that you do. Lou shares a touching story where a fan pointed out that he is the same person in real life as he is on his podcasts. This kind of feedback validates the importance of showing up as your true self.
Knowing Who You Are
One of the key points we touch on is the necessity of understanding who you are. This involves knowing your values, strengths, and even your limitations. Lou emphasizes that self-awareness is crucial. It’s difficult for many to honestly assess what they are good at, but having friends or family provide feedback can illuminate your true strengths.
Vulnerability: The Key to Relatability
Vulnerability is different from authenticity but equally important. By showing vulnerability, you make yourself more relatable to others. Lou rightly points out that showing your “scars” and challenges can create a deeper connection with your audience, team, or community. It's about being comfortable enough to share your imperfections, which, in turn, makes you more approachable and trustworthy.
Leadership Lessons from Walt Disney
We couldn’t miss out on discussing leadership lessons learned from Walt Disney. Lou shared two impactful insights:
Surround Yourself with the Best: Walt Disney knew he couldn't do everything himself. He surrounded himself with experts in their respective fields. As leaders, it's crucial to recognize our limitations and seek the help of those who excel in areas where we may not.
Never Neglect Family for Business: Walt believed in balancing work and family. Despite his demanding schedule, he never lost sight of his family commitments. This lesson is vital, especially for those of us balancing multiple responsibilities. Remember, it's essential to strike a balance to ensure long-term success and happiness.
Finding Your Passion and Staying Motivated
For Lou, the secret sauce to staying motivated and inspired is simple: love what you do. He believes that if you genuinely love your work, motivation will come naturally. He also encourages everyone to identify their passions by brain-dumping all the activities they enjoy and are good at. Find the overlap between what you love, what you're good at, and what people need—that’s your sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
Lou Mongello is a shining example of what it means to live authentically and pursue your passions wholeheartedly. His wisdom and insights into leadership and authenticity are not just valuable but inspiring. If you're looking to dive more deeply into these topics, I highly encourage you to follow Lou and his work.
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