How to Take Off the Mask and Lead Like Yourself with Thorey Proppe

Leading Authentically and Taking Off the Mask

• 🎭 Many leaders, including Thorey Proppe, CEO of Alda, experience becoming harsh or detached when leading in systems not designed for them, often by wearing a mask and performing.
• 💡 The conversation highlights the draining cost of performing leadership and the journey to recognize when one is not being their genuine self.
• ✅ Thorey emphasizes the importance of taking off the mask and leading from a place of authenticity, even though it can be challenging in various professional environments.

The Power of Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

• 🧠 Thorey's ADHD diagnosis was a pivotal moment, reframing years of shame and leading to a deeper understanding of herself and her needs.
• 🌱 Learning from younger generations in her team helped her recognize and adjust a "harsh" leadership style, fostering a more human approach.
• 🧘‍♀️ Being grounded and prioritizing mental and physical health is crucial for effective leadership, allowing for vulnerability to come from a place of strength.

Navigating Challenges as a Female Founder

• 📊 Female founders face significant hurdles, including receiving only a small percentage of funding, highlighting that failure is not gender-neutral.
• 🔑 Thorey feels a responsibility as a female founder because mistakes can be generalized to the entire gender, unlike for male counterparts.
• 🎯 Leaders must understand how to contextually show up in different spaces, acknowledging the layers of identity (e.g., woman, black, mom leader) that influence perceptions.

Balancing Ideals with Startup Realities

• ⚖️ There's a constant tension between Nordic values like work-life balance and the demanding reality of keeping a startup alive, often requiring founders to carry disproportionate weight.
• 🛠️ Building a company requires finding a middle ground where employees are trusted and supported to re-energize, while also acknowledging the need for tenacity and hard work, especially during growth phases.
• 🤝 A culture of trust from the beginning is vital, allowing for flexibility and mutual support, where leaders and teams show up for each other.

Core Values for Resilient Leadership

• 🌟 Honesty is a non-negotiable value, fostering direct communication and avoiding the need to "read between the lines."
• 💪 Courage is essential for leaders, but it must be preserved to avoid recklessness; it can be rebuilt through challenges and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
• 💖 Vulnerability is presented as a strength, building trust and respect, especially when it stems from a grounded and self-aware place.