In a world of filters, polished feeds, and curated perfection, what does it really mean to be authentic? Is it about baring it all — or is there a smarter, braver balance between being real and being raw?

In this episode of Big Dreams & Little Things, hosts Karina Kampe (certified transformational coach, artist, creative entrepreneur, and songwriter) and Maria Wronski-Ellis (artist, songwriter, educator, and author of the upcoming The Mindful Songwriter) dive deep into the art of showing up as your true self.

From Malala Yousafzai’s fearless stand to Greta Thunberg’s unapologetic voice, we explore the science and stories behind authenticity — and how you can harness it as your strength (without oversharing or burning out).

And yes, Karina really did record this one without a shower, makeup, or sleep… talk about walking the talk. 😉

Topics Covered

• Why perfection can actually make us boring
• Malala Yousafzai: authenticity under fire (literally)
• Greta Thunberg and the teenage fire for truth
• Self-Determination Theory & mirror neurons (science of why we connect with realness)
• Authentic vs. transactional vs. transformational leadership
• Where authenticity ends and overexposure begins
• Reality TV vs. real life: when “authentic” is just strategy
• Boundaries as part of being real (personal but not private)
• Tiny Experiments: “Blossoming Through the Eyes of the Authors I Choose”

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Why perfection dulls our sparkle

03:00 – Malala’s story: standing up for truth

07:00 – Greta Thunberg’s courage at the UN

10:00 – The psychology of authenticity (SDT, mirror neurons)

12:00 – Leadership styles: transactional, transformational, authentic

13:00 – Reality TV vs. reality: what’s real, what’s staged

16:00 – Artists, labels, and the push for “more”

18:00 – Adele, boundaries, and congruence

20:00 – Authenticity + business values

22:00 – Tiny Experiment: Reading as blossoming

All links are at www.ectahub.net/authenticity

ECtA: Empower Change through Accountability

Want to practice authenticity in a safe, structured way? That’s exactly what our ECtA workshops offer.

• Monthly 1-hour sessions on focus, voice, progress, and support.
• Guided Quick Accountability Meetings — set goals, get reflection, leave with momentum.
• Next up: October 23 – Strategic Focus: Doing the right things, not just more things.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, join Ignite, our 3-month program starting January 2026. Think of it as accountability with a victory dance. 💃

👉 Join the waiting list

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And remember: Show up, speak up, and never skip the victory dance!Connect With Us

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