EP166: [REPLAY] What I Know For Sure: Leadership Edition
ONE THING I KNOW…
Self-awareness is magic.
Enjoy!
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(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!)
This week on the podcast, I’m bringing back an episode from the archives—Episode 88, originally recorded in September 2023. At that time, my podcast was called The Practically Perfect Leader, so you may hear references to that.
I decided to replay this episode because it still rings true.
At my core, I believe in the power of leadership and self-awareness—it’s truly magical, critical, and game-changing. As I listened to this episode again, I couldn’t help but laugh at my enthusiasm. But you know what? I am enthusiastic about this topic, and I want to keep sharing this message.
The Inspiration Behind This Episode
This episode was inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s What I Know for Sure series. Oprah used to end her talk shows with a segment called What I Know for Sure, and she later compiled her best advice into a book. I always loved that concept—the idea of distilling wisdom into small, powerful nuggets.
So, after a whirlwind week working with leaders in various organizations, I started reflecting on what I know for sure when it comes to the intersection of leadership and self-awareness.
What I Know for Sure: Leadership and Self-Awareness
Over the course of one week, I had the opportunity to work with:
A group of senior leaders, introducing them to Insights Discovery in an abbreviated session.
A room full of supervisors at a state conference, leading sessions on Imposter Syndrome and Who I Want to Be as a Leader.
A leadership team discussing change, accountability, resilience, and values as part of an ongoing leadership development program.
Another organization focused on overcoming limiting beliefs.
While each session covered a different topic, the common denominator was self-awareness.
Even in sessions about accountability, change, and resilience, the foundation was always self-awareness—understanding who you are, managing your mindset, identifying blind spots, and recognizing how you’re perceived by others.
Self-awareness is no longer a nice to have in leadership. It’s a must-have.
8 Leadership Lessons I Know for Sure
Based on my experiences working with leaders, here are eight key takeaways that reinforce why self-awareness is the magic ingredient in leadership.
1. People Crave Self-Understanding
At the supervisor’s conference, I wasn’t sure how many people would attend my breakout sessions. There were multiple tracks to choose from, and I wondered if topics like imposter syndrome and leadership identity would draw a crowd.
But to my delight, the rooms were full. Leaders want to understand themselves better. This myth that self-awareness is “soft” or “woo-woo” has been completely debunked—people crave this kind of development.
2. People Are People Are People
While every industry and organization is different, the people within them have the same core needs—to be seen, valued, and heard.
I’ve worked with leaders across multiple industries, and regardless of their job titles or backgrounds, they all want to grow, build stronger connections, and make a meaningful impact. Leadership is universal, even if the experiences are individual.
3. The Foundation of Effective Leadership Is Self-Awareness
This is worth repeating over and over again. If you want to be an effective, connected, and impactful leader, self-awareness must be at the core of your development.
Even seasoned leaders who are asked for their best leadership advice will often say: Know who you are. Understand your values. Lead from that place.
Yes, business knowledge, financial acumen, and strategy are important, but true leadership starts with you.
4. The Topic Is Universal, But the Experience Is Personal
A session on values, for example, might provide universal concepts, but each person’s experience with those concepts is unique.
Two people can attend the same workshop and walk away with completely different insights. That’s why self-awareness work is so powerful—it’s deeply personal.
5. One Session Isn’t Enough
I often tell leaders that what they do after they leave a workshop matters more than what happens in the room.
Many organizations used to treat self-awareness as a “one-and-done” topic. They’d check the box and move on. But true growth comes from continuous learning.
I’m currently working with an organization that started their self-awareness journey with Insights Discovery in January. Since then, they’ve embedded the concepts into their everyday work, holding follow-up sessions and ongoing conversations. That’s how lasting change happens.
6. Ongoing Growth Is a Game-Changer
Deepening and broadening your self-awareness is where the real transformation happens.
Yes, you can do a lot of self-reflection on your own. You can listen to podcasts, read books, and journal. But working with a coach or having structured conversations accelerates the process.
If you’ve ever attended a workshop and thought, That was great, but now what?—that’s your invitation to keep going. The more you explore your own patterns and beliefs, the greater the impact.
7. Leaders Deserve Time to Focus on Themselves
Leaders are constantly putting out fires, solving problems, and supporting their teams. But they rarely get time to focus on their own development.
That’s why I always encourage leaders to silence their phones, shut down distractions, and carve out time for themselves.
Leadership isn’t just about managing others. It’s also about nurturing your own growth and well-being.
8. (One More Time for the People in the Back) Self-Awareness Is the Magic Pixie Dust of Leadership
I’m saying it again because I truly believe it.
When leaders develop healthy self-awareness, they:
✔️ Build stronger relationships.
✔️ Lead with confidence and authenticity.
✔️ Communicate more effectively.
✔️ Make better decisions.
✔️ Inspire and empower others.
I’ve seen this firsthand in every workshop and coaching session I’ve ever facilitated. The lightbulb moments, the breakthroughs, the deeper connections—it all starts with self-awareness.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that self-awareness is a non-negotiable for effective leadership. It’s not an “extra” or a “bonus.” It’s the foundation of everything else.
And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. There are countless resources—books, podcasts, workshops, and coaching opportunities—to help you on your journey.
What Do You Think?
What do you know for sure about leadership? What’s been your biggest self-awareness lesson?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
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