Do you need to be liked to be an effective leader?

In this episode of Leading Ain’t Easy, Ryan and Erny sit down with Rene Guerrero, Assistant Public Works Director for the City of Ontario, to talk through one of the most common tensions leaders face: the balance between being respected and being liked.

Rene brings nearly 30 years of experience in engineering and public works leadership and shares what he has learned about credibility, trust, transparency, and tough decisions. Together, they explore how leaders can build real respect without becoming cold, rigid, or disconnected from their teams.

The conversation covers:

• the difference between wanting to be liked and needing to be liked
• why respect is built through consistency and integrity
• how transparency helps people understand hard decisions
• why authenticity matters when stepping into leadership
• and how to avoid drifting into fear-based or approval-based leadership

They also share personal stories about being the face of difficult decisions, navigating leadership transitions, and learning that it is okay if not everyone likes you.

If you have ever struggled with trying to be a “good” leader without becoming a people pleaser, this episode will hit home.

Leading Ain’t Easy is hosted by Ryan Calkins and Erny Epley.

• Ryan is the founder of Reframe & Rise, a career and leadership coaching practice helping veterans and other professionals realign their work and lead with purpose.
• Erny runs Bus Pro Network, supporting school transportation leaders across California with training and development.

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