Have you ever looked up to a superstar, admired a successful public figure, or taken guidance from an influential leader, only to later learn about the human struggles, messy realities, and hidden challenges behind their public persona? In this episode, “I Was Selling a Lie,” I dive into why we put successful people on pedestals, the inevitable letdown when their humanity comes to light, and why real leadership means embracing imperfection. I draw on stories from famous artists, coaches, influencers, and even my chocolate chip cravings to reveal the essential truth: no one is above being hopelessly human.

"My aim isn’t to sell perfection but to invite you into honest conversations about growth, failure, and what it really takes to lead while being human." ~Mark

This week on The Rising Leader:

·     The hidden struggles behind fame, success, and leadership.

·     Why perfection in role models is an unhelpful illusion.

·     Real stories from influential figures like Boy George, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Jay Shetty, Andrew Huberman, and others.

·     The myth that personal development riders to perfection.

·     Real leadership advice: learning by embracing your full humanity.

·     My own vulnerabilities—chocolate chip confessions and being “Mark Mark” vs. “Coach Mark”.

·     The distinction between performative vulnerability and genuine openness.

·     The true cost of greatness, with reflections on Michael Jordan and Stevie Nicks.

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Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.

In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.

Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader.

Leader, It’s Time to Rise!

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