This one dives into a topic that almost every professional wrestles with at some point: authentic leadership.

In this episode, Carlotta and I explore key ideas from The Authenticity Upgrade: Rebooting Leadership for Real Humans by Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore. AND we were lucky enough to have Cristina join the discussion.

Together we talk about:

• Why leaders need to work with human nature instead of against it

• How internal stories and imposter syndrome shape confidence at work

• The role of active listening and real communication in leadership

• Where AI fits into modern work—and why human judgment still matters

• The tension between authenticity, workplace culture, and leadership expectations

• And how small, intentional habits can help leaders grow over time

  Connect with Cristina here:

  Cristina Amigoni LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-amigoni/

  Siamo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearesiamo

  Website:  https://www.wearesiamo.com/

  Contact: [email protected] 

If you missed the live session, or want to hear the conversation again you can now listen to the full episode on the podcast.

Listen here!

If you missed our first Read. Lead. Rise. Bookclub, catch up on what we talked about here!

In our very first episode, Bailey and Carlotta dive into F*ck Being Humble by Stefanie Sword-Williams and let’s be honest, this book hits a nerve (in the best way).

We talk about why self-promotion feels so uncomfortable for so many people, especially across cultures (hello American vs. British differences), and why waiting to feel ready or perfect keeps us stuck. We unpack self-worth, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, fear of failure, and how taking action (even when you feel awkward or unsure) is often the thing that builds confidence, not the other way around.

We also get into:

• Asking for your worth (time, money, respect, balance)

• “Blagging” (Not just BS-ing, its trusting yourself before you have proof)

• Why community and mentors matter more than going it alone

• How documenting your wins and being prepared helps you clearly communicate your impact

• And how comparison and perfectionism quietly steal joy and momentum

In the book Stefaniue Sword- Williams suggested having a go to  “f*ck you”  or "Celebration" song to go to when they're needed. So of course we talked about that and have started a playlist with the suggestions left by our audience.

Check out the Spotify playlists inspired by the episode and add your favorite celebration or “f*ck you” song in the comments.

Blag a little. Self-promote. Use this comment section to share something you’re proud of, something you’re working on, or a win you haven’t talked about enough. This is your permission slip.

And don’t forget to save the date: March 16th 
Our next book club meeting will be all about The Authenticity Upgrade: Rebooting Leadership for Real Humans—and we can’t wait to dig into what authentic leadership actually looks like in real life.

You’re doing better than you think.
Let’s read, lead, and rise—together.

Read. Lead. Rise. is a book club-turned-podcast for professional women who want to grow their confidence, sharpen their communication, and lead with intention without adding more pressure to their already full lives.

In this introductory episode, Bailey and Carlotta share who they are, why they teamed up, and what makes this community different. Every session will be a light, energizing look at ideas that help you understand yourself, strengthen your voice, build better habits, and connect with women who get it.

Read. Lead. Rise. blends personal development, communication psychology, leadership tools, humor, and honest conversation. All of this through the lens of both corporate and entrepreneurial experience. We will  also explore how professional expectations differ across industries and even across countries.

Every other month, one book guides a themed discussion with guests, key takeaways, and practical actions you can use right away. All live sessions are recorded and released as podcast episodes so you can listen anytime.

The first series, Lead With Intention, features:

• F*ck Being Humble by Stephanie Sword Williams
• The Authenticity Upgrade  by Amigoni & Cullimore
• Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy Wood

Together, these books will help you own your voice, lead as yourself, and build habits that make confidence stick.

If you’d like to join the live Zoom discussions, Register on Eventbrite and be sure to learn more about Bailey and Carlotta on their websites (baileymasseyglobal.com & too-ambitious.com) and follow them on social media (@baileymasseyglobal and @tooambitiousofficial).

We’re thrilled to read with you, learn with you, and lead with you.

Welcome to the Read. Lead. Rise. Book Club!