In today’s episode, Heather speaks with Anna Crowe, founder and CEO of Crowe PR, about the real meaning of authenticity in leadership and life. Anna’s journey from auditor at a Big Four accounting firm to leading a bi-coastal PR agency gives her a unique perspective on building trust, showing up genuinely, and leading with transparency. Together, they unpack why authenticity is more than just a buzzword—and how you can cultivate it in your own life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Foundation of Authenticity – Why trust starts with being real with yourself before you can be real with others.

• The Five Habits of Authenticity – Including the power of consistency, owning your mistakes, and admitting when you don’t know something.

• Contextual Authenticity – How you can show different sides of yourself in different settings without being “fake.”

• Four Principles of Authentic Leadership – From staying flexible to communicating directly, Anna shares how to lead in a way that connects and inspires.

• Feedback as a Leadership Superpower – Why giving and receiving feedback is one of the most vulnerable—and authentic—things you can do.

• Real-World Leadership Lessons – Insights from Anna’s career spanning corporate giants, global PR work, and building her own agency from the ground up.

Resources & Links: 📖 Get Real: The Power of Genuine Leadership, a Transparent Culture, and an Authentic You – Buy the book here 🌐 Crowe PR – Learn more about Anna’s agency

In this episode: [00:00] Meet Anna Crowe – From Big Four auditor to PR agency founder [03:45] Defining authenticity and why it matters [07:32] The Five Habits of Authenticity [16:59] Anna’s corporate and entrepreneurial journey [18:45] Four Principles of Authentic Leadership [27:17] Final thoughts on getting real

 

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The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.