There is a crisis in leadership. Within the corporate hierarchy, leaders are not able to truly be authentic to, and lead from, the values that they hold. This lack of authenticity creates a disconnect between what leaders say and do in such a way that reinforces the privilege of those in power to not be held accountable and undermines the standards quality to which leadership is measured.
 
People are stuck in survival mode. The quest for success, advancement, and leadership does not value authenticity, and force those pursuing leadership positions to wear a mask that depicts a “face of leadership.” Until the corporate model of leadership incorporates authenticity of spirit, experiences, knowledge, and wisdom, then people will continue to wear a mask, behind which they will hide their passions, strengths, and ideas to fit a model that limits themselves and the organization as a whole.

The result is a downward spiral in thoughts, actions, and behaviors that lead seemingly good leaders away from their values and, consequently, away from their own personal truths. This downward spiral is particularly acute within diverse groups who have additional structural and cultural forces impacting them that further convolute the journey to living and leading in authenticity.