The Power of Reputation: Leading with Trust and Authenticity - Newsletter #21

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It’s becoming clearer every day that we’re stepping into a new era. We’ve moved beyond the days when information alone was the most valuable asset. Now, it’s about something far more powerful—our reputations. How we show up, how we’re trusted, and how we connect with others is what defines us. In this Reputation Age, it’s not just what you know, but who you are that really counts.

After spending years working with communities and leaders across tech, I’ve seen how vital it is to build relationships based on trust, inclusivity, and genuine care. The more we focus on creating real connections and being authentic, the stronger we become as leaders, colleagues, and community members.

Reputation is the New Currency

In today’s world, reputation is our greatest asset. It’s not enough to simply do the work; how we’re perceived by the people we interact with can determine so much of our success. And that’s especially true for women, particularly those in leadership, tech, business, and beyond.

We’re being called to lead in ways that are not just about being the most qualified or the loudest voice in the room, but about fostering trust and bringing our authentic selves to the table. The beauty of this shift is that it gives us, as women, the space to redefine success on our terms. We can build reputations not only based on our expertise but also through our empathy, inclusivity, and leadership.

It’s a powerful moment for all of us to ask: How do we want to be remembered?

Technology as a Tool for Amplification

The digital landscape plays a huge role in shaping our reputations today. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow us to amplify our messages, connect with others, and showcase what matters to us. But with that power comes responsibility. Every post, every interaction, and every message contributes to how we’re perceived.

I’ve watched how some leaders, like Vice President Kamala Harris, Brené Brown, and Mel Robbins have embraced these platforms to reach wider audiences and share their stories in an authentic way. It’s inspiring to see how technology can help us connect more deeply with communities and make an impact far beyond our immediate circles.

But it’s also a reminder that we need to be intentional with our online presence. Our digital footprint is part of our reputation, and it’s something we should nurture with care. Whether we’re posting about our work, our passions, or just having fun, let’s aim to uplift and inspire while staying true to ourselves.

Empowering Women Through Reputation

For women, especially those in leadership or striving to break into leadership roles, this era offers both challenges and opportunities. Historically, we’ve had to navigate a fine line between being assertive and approachable, strong but not too strong. But now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to rewrite those rules.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and witness some amazing women stepping into leadership positions, advocating for themselves and others, and building strong, authentic reputations. They’re proving that you can lead with both heart and strength, that you can be empathetic and decisive at the same time.

As women, we are so much stronger when we uplift each other. Our reputations are not built alone—they’re shaped by the communities we create, the relationships we nurture, and the support we give and receive. By standing together, we can ensure that more women feel empowered to lead and build their own legacies.

Creating Healthy Workspaces That Reflect Who We Are

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that a healthy workplace culture is the foundation of a strong reputation. When we show up for each other, listen with empathy, and lead with integrity, we create an environment where everyone can thrive. And when people thrive, our collective reputation as a community and organization grows.

This is something I’m deeply passionate about—building spaces where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their best selves to work. Whether you’re just starting out or leading a team, creating a positive and inclusive culture is key. It’s what helps people feel seen and heard, and that’s where true innovation and creativity come from.

We all mess up, I know I do. Being a leader is admitting if you were wrong, apologizing for a misstep, correcting a moment of stress or bad word choice. We are all human beings, usually with a lot of pressure and high standards for ourselves. It is how you bounce and be gracious and also remember to give grace. We never know what is behind someone’s smiling eyes.

We can all contribute to a healthier, more inclusive workplace by simply showing up as ourselves, treating others with respect, and advocating for each other’s growth. When we do that, our reputations naturally follow.

Let’s Keep Building Together

As we continue to navigate the Reputation Age, let’s keep focusing on what really matters—trust, connection, and community. Our reputations aren’t built in isolation. They’re shaped by the relationships we nurture, the values we uphold, and the way we lead in our everyday lives.

Together, we have the power to build a world that’s more inclusive, more empathetic, and more connected. Let’s continue to lift each other up, create spaces where everyone feels valued, and build reputations that reflect the very best of who we are. And sometimes say, I’m sorry. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Here’s to moving forward with authenticity, creativity, and joy!

The inspiration for this post came from the following article and book, Reputation and Why It Matters by Gloria Origgi, and her article on the same subject: https://aeon.co/ideas/say-goodbye-to-the-information-age-its-all-about-reputation-now

Gloria Origgi is an Italian philosopher, and a tenured senior researcher at CNRS (the French National Centre for Scientific Research) in Paris. Her latest book is Reputation: What It Is and Why It Matters (2017), translated by Stephen Holmes and Noga Arikha.

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