Embracing Authenticity & Shattering Expectations

This article recaps a recent episode of the Listen Then Speak podcast hosted by Jahmaal Marshall. Listen to the full episode 'What Does Mental Health and Wellness Look Like for Professionals with James Lawrence'.

When James Lawrence, co-founder and CEO of Happy, sat down with Jahmaal Marshall on the Listen Then Speak podcast, the conversation covered everything from leadership challenges to personal growth, all with a heavy emphasis on authenticity. The discussion was packed with actionable insights, particularly for those in leadership roles, but the overarching theme was simple: leadership begins within.

The Power of Shattering Expectations

James's journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur started in an unconventional place: his decision to drop out of college. Born into a family of academics, with both parents being psychology professors at UCLA, the pressure to follow a traditional path was immense. Dropping out, for James, was more than just a career choice—it was about breaking free from the expectations others had placed on him. He described this decision as "taking a hammer to the image of what [my mother] wanted me to be." This transformative moment allowed him to carve his own path, even if it meant navigating difficult emotions along the way.

Jahmaal echoed this, pointing out that many people in the workforce are still living out narratives that others have written for them. Whether it's the expectations of parents, friends, or society at large, these pressures can stifle personal growth and professional fulfillment. James's decision to "shatter the image" of what others wanted for him resonated deeply in the conversation.

Takeaway: Sometimes, growth requires breaking free from external expectations. This is not just a professional lesson but a personal one relevant to anyone seeking fulfillment in their life and career. Authentic leadership means aligning your path with who you truly are, not who others expect you to be.

Leaders, Stop the Lip Service

A major point of the conversation was the idea of genuine leadership. James and Jahmaal discussed how many leaders today fall into the trap of saying the right things without truly believing or acting on them. James highlighted that there's a certain beauty in a CEO who is upfront about their motives—even if those motives are purely profit-driven. According to James, authenticity is far more important than presenting a façade that you care about your people when you don't.

"If you don't care about your people, then don't pretend to," James explained. The risk of dishonesty is far greater than the discomfort of owning your true motivations. People can tell when leaders are simply paying lip service to people-centric values, which undermines trust, engagement, and productivity.

Takeaway: Authenticity is the foundation of trust. Leaders need to be honest with themselves and their teams about their true priorities. Whether it's growth, profits, or culture—clarity fosters trust. When you're upfront, your team knows what they're signing up for, and that transparency leads to stronger, more aligned teams.

The ROI of Investing in People

James emphasized the return on investment (ROI) from prioritizing workplace culture and employee well-being throughout the conversation. Drawing on research, he explained that companies with healthy cultures are more profitable and sustainable in the long term. Jahmaal added that turnover costs make it worth investing in people—citing that losing an employee doesn't just mean hiring someone new but also losing the institutional knowledge they take with them.

James shared a memorable anecdote about a CEO he worked with, who was resistant to investing in his people. This CEO was obsessed with tracking ROI but struggled to see the value in focusing on employee engagement. In response, James flipped the question: "What happens when you do nothing for your people?" He then listed the consequences—disengagement, turnover, low morale, and poor performance. James clarified that people are an organization's greatest asset, and failing to invest in them has far-reaching negative effects.

Takeaway: People-first leadership isn't just a feel-good initiative—it's good business. Investing in your employees pays dividends through higher engagement, lower turnover, and a healthier, more profitable company. Leaders must understand that when they invest in people, they invest in the long-term success of their business.

The Role of Technology in Modern Leadership

The conversation also touched on how technology is transforming leadership and employee development. At Happy, technology is leveraged to deliver personalized coaching at scale, making leadership development accessible to all employees, not just top executives. James explained that combining technology and behavioral science allows Happy to deliver actionable insights into each team member's communication style and behavioral tendencies, creating a more connected and productive workplace. However, he stressed that this enhanced coaching should be seen as a tool, not a replacement for human connection.

"Technology can take over the busy work," James remarked, "but the heart of leadership is still about people." Happy coaching enhances leadership by giving managers the insights they need to connect better with their teams, but it cannot replace the emotional intelligence required to lead effectively.

Takeaway: Technology is a powerful tool that can help leaders better understand and manage their teams, but it should complement, not replace human-centered leadership. Leaders must continue to develop their emotional intelligence, foster real connections, and focus on the well-being of their teams.

3 Tips for Leaders to Manage Themselves and Others

To close the podcast, James offered three powerful tips for leaders:

1. Be authentic and transparent: Leaders must be willing to tell the truth—whether giving constructive feedback or owning up to mistakes. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of a healthy team.
2. Invest in emotional intelligence: Managing yourself is the first step to managing others. Understand your emotional triggers, and don't shy away from hard conversations. As James emphasized, emotional intelligence allows leaders to foster meaningful team connections.
3. Don't fear vulnerability: Leaders often feel pressure to appear infallible, but vulnerability fosters connection. When leaders show their humanity, their teams do the same, leading to a more cohesive and supportive workplace.

The Future of Leadership: Authenticity and Connection

Throughout the podcast, James illustrated that modern leadership is more than just hitting targets—it's about creating environments where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to do their best work. Happy's platform is designed to help leaders do just that by providing personalized coaching and insights that strengthen workplace relationships and enhance communication.

The conversation between James and Jahmaal served as a reminder that leadership is not about perfection but about authenticity, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to grow. Whether you're leading a team of ten or an entire organization, the lessons shared here can help you create a happier, more connected workplace.