How can you lead with boldness while staying true to your values?

Summary 

In this powerhouse episode of The She Means Business Podcast, Michelline Davis doesn’t just talk about leadership—she redefines it. As a trailblazer who’s shattered glass ceilings while staying rooted in her principles, Michelline delivers a masterclass on what it truly means to lead with your values.

This conversation cuts through the noise of performative leadership and gets real about the courage it takes to align your decisions, actions, and influence with what matters most. Michelline shares not only her personal journey but also actionable insights for women in leadership navigating the pressures of corporate culture while staying authentic. It’s bold. It’s unapologetic. It’s the reminder every values-driven leader needs: You don’t have to sacrifice who you are to succeed—you thrive because of it.

Note: This summary is intended for educational purposes and to promote thoughtful discussion on leadership ethics and organizational culture.

Key Takeaways

1. Values Aren’t Buzzwords—They’re Your Leadership Blueprint
   Michelline emphasizes that values aren’t just nice words on a wall—they’re the core drivers behind every decision, every boundary, and every bold move you make.
2. Courage Over Comfort
   Leading with values often means standing alone before others stand with you. Michelline shares how to embrace discomfort as a sign of authentic leadership, not failure.
3. Authenticity is a Power Move
   When leaders show up as their full selves, they give permission for others to do the same. This ripple effect creates cultures rooted in integrity, not fear.
4. Navigating Resistance with Grace and Grit
   Michelline doesn’t sugarcoat it—leading with values can ruffle feathers. She offers strategies for handling pushback without compromising your integrity.
5. The Legacy of Values-Driven Leadership
   True leadership isn’t measured by titles or accolades; it’s measured by the impact you leave behind. Michelline challenges listeners to consider the legacy their leadership creates.

Where to Listen

• Spotify: Listen Here
• Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
• BuzzSprout: Listen Here

Shared Resources

• Reflection Prompts
  • Defining Your Leadership Values: "If someone observed the way I lead—whether in my career, relationships, or personal decisions—what values would they say I embody? Do these align with the values I want to lead with? Where is there room for greater alignment?"
    • Why this works: This prompt encourages self-awareness by helping you examine whether your leadership actions truly reflect your deepest values.
  • Leading with Integrity in Challenging Moments: "Think about a recent moment where my values were tested in a leadership situation. How did I respond? Did I stand firm in what I believe, or did I compromise? If I could rewrite that moment with full integrity, what would I do differently?"
    • Why this works: It creates space for reflection on moments of challenge, growth, and how to lead with unwavering authenticity in the future.
• Leadership Alignment Checklist: This article, "15 Key Steps For Making Values-Based Decisions In Business," outlines practical steps to integrate your core values into business decision-making processes: 
• Related Quotes on the Topic:
• "Leading with integrity and empathy requires vision and a connection to your deepest self." -Karla McLaren
• "Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example." -Cory Booker

Additional Resources

• Book Recommendation: "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown—an essential read on courageous, values-based leadership.
• Related Podcast Episodes: 
  • "Leadership, Mentorship and Knowing Yourself with Kristin Shane" (podcast: She Means Business)
  • "Taking Risks & Starting Over with Olivia Petrou" (podcast: She Means Business)

• Leadership Workshop: Resilient Leadership in an Anxious World 
• This self-paced certificate course introduces participants to the Resilient Leadership model, equipping them to lead effectively amidst today's chaotic and anxious environments. The course covers recognizing and managing reactivity, focusing on self-differentiation, and maintaining a healthy balance in leadership relationships.

Affiliate Links

• Audible Free Trial + "Dare to Lead"
• Leadership Development Tools by Leadr

Using these links may support Powerhouses With Purpose at no additional cost to you.

Invitation to Integrate

Listening to Michelline Davis will ignite a spark—but don’t let it stop there. The real transformation begins when you take bold, deliberate action to align your leadership with your deepest values.

If something stirred while listening—if you're feeling the pull toward a more unapologetic, purpose-led way of leading—don’t ignore it.

Schedule a call with Sam Jump to get clear on what’s next for you. Together, you’ll map out a personalized plan of action rooted in values, strategy, and bold self-trust.

Book your clarity call now
Because the way you lead should feel like the truest version of you.