want to be a better leader? stop pretending.

Dominance, command-and-control, prioritizing results over people? The old rulebook on leadership is (finally) getting rewritten. Studies show that those who focus on inspiring others, developing talent, leading with honesty and integrity, and embracing their full selves at work make better leaders.

Being real matters more than ever — it’s time to ditch traditional boss behavior and lead with authenticity.

Birgit Ploier-Brandauer, Medical Lead at Johnson & Johnson, embodies this shift. On her leadership journey, she’s blended raw emotions with genuine authenticity. “Authenticity is vital in leadership. Always be true to your values and beliefs, and let them guide your actions and decisions. This will inspire others to trust and follow you,” she shares — and her path is proof that realness is not a weakness, but a superpower.

Through Birgit’s insights, this article will explore how you, too, can make authenticity your superpower to thrive as a leader.

authenticity as the cornerstones of trust

The idea of "being authentic" has become a buzzword in leadership, but what does it really mean? For Birgit, it's about bringing your authentic self to work—flaws and all. She says that authenticity is vital for leadership. 

"Embrace your unique perspective and strengths, as they add value to your leadership style," Birgit says. "Always be true to your values and beliefs, and let them guide your actions and decisions. This will inspire others to trust and follow you."

When leaders are true to themselves, they show up as they are. Authenticity leads to trust, and according to recent studies trust is the #1 success factor for teams. When you work around people who believe that being human in a workplace is not something to shy away from, you thrive. People feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns when they are cerebrally aware that they are under the leadership of a person, not a machine.

better leadership starts from within

"One of the most significant obstacles people face often comes from within," notes Birgit. "It's crucial to eliminate any mental barriers rooted in self-limiting beliefs. I like to focus on inspiring and motivating my team members to exceed their own expectations, implementing a coaching mindset within my own leadership." 

This foundational step requires a profound shift in perspective, a conscious effort to recognize that perceived limitations and societal expectations do not define true potential. Real transformation deepens when supported by action.

That might mean working with a coach or mentor, joining a peer network for shared growth, or simply carving out regular space for self-reflection and learning. These steps help reinforce a mindset where confidence is built — and leadership becomes more grounded, intentional, and real,  the foundation upon which effective leadership is built. 

accept your imperfections 

No one likes to admit they don't have all the answers. But the truth is, no one has them all the time. Sometimes you just go with your gut feeling. Leaders who embrace this uncertainty—and even talk about it openly—create space for everyone to grow, learn, and improve together. 

“I believe that creating an environment of psychological safety is essential,” Birgit reflects on how this approach leads to stronger, more resilient teams. "Allowing team members to express ideas, take risks, and fail without fear."

This mindset promotes personal growth and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. By acknowledging that perfection isn’t the goal, teams can focus on learning from mistakes, trying new approaches, and supporting one another through challenges.

stepping out of your comfort zone - without losing yourself

Growth starts with saying yes — but not just to any opportunity. “Be proactive in saying yes to opportunities that come your way,” Birgit says. The key is choosing the ones that align with who you truly are and who you want to become.

Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t mean becoming someone else. It means expanding your sense of self — gaining new skills, experiences, and confidence while staying rooted in your values.

“Each opened door can lead to new experiences, skills, and connections,” Birgit adds. In today’s business world we need to embrace change — promotions, restructures, new roles, or unexpected shifts are happening constantly..The challenge is learning to adapt without losing your center. Real growth — the kind that lasts — comes from daring to stretch while staying true to yourself.

dare to challenge traditional leadership norms

According to Birgit, traditional hierarchical structures create barriers to authenticity. They used to rely on the notion that 'senior leaders are the only decision-makers'; however, Birgit argues that the time for a fundamental shift in this leadership philosophy is now.

"I believe we need to challenge traditional leadership paradigms that prioritize hierarchical structures and top-down decision-making," Birgit says. By letting go of these practices, we make space for more adaptive, collaborative — and ultimately more authentic — ways of leading.

inclusivity is the key to authentic leadership

For Birgit, authenticity shows up when you focus on inclusivity. 

“Inclusivity will ensure diverse teams are formed, valuing all perspectives to enhance innovation and problem-solving,” Birgit says.

By embracing more agile, adaptive, and inclusive leadership styles, we empower individuals and teams to show up fully — and that’s where true innovation and resilience begin.

Inclusivity also means rethinking how we support people beyond the office. One area Birgit feels strongly about is parenthood in the workplace.

“The real shift happens when men are seen as fathers the same way women are seen as mothers,” she shares. She advocates for flexible work, on-site childcare, and spaces where caregiving is normalized — not penalized.

At the heart of it all? Human connection.

"Prioritize relationships and empathy," Birgit says. "Understand that leadership is about connecting with and empowering others." 

Because when we uplift those around us, we transform the way we lead.

authentic leadership is transforming industries and society

Choosing to lead as your real self changes how your team works and reshapes what people expect from leadership.

When we lead with honesty, empathy, and the courage to question outdated norms, we stop replicating the same systems that left so many people out in the first place.

Change doesn’t always start with big declarations. It starts when someone in the room speaks up for the quietest voice. When a parent doesn't have to explain why they need to leave at 4pm. When hiring is all about culture add. When a leader says, “I don’t know,” and means it.

Authenticity creates space — and in that space, better decisions get made, people feel safer to contribute, and teams grow stronger. That's how real change takes root: in the everyday moments where someone chooses to lead with more truth than ego.

about Birgit Ploier-Brandauer

Birgit is an accomplished Medical Lead at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, bringing over a decade of expertise in academic research and the pharmaceutical industry. With her proactive and enthusiastic approach, she excels in guiding and inspiring her teams through her strong communication and leadership skills. A seasoned researcher with more than 15 peer-reviewed articles, Birgit is also a sought-after international speaker.