172: Will Steel | Authentic Leadership Is a Lie
Will Steel is a leadership coach, former Royal Air Force pilot, international best-selling author, and host of the Free to Lead podcast. In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Will challenges one of the most common myths in modern leadership: that people should simply “be authentic.” Drawing from decades of coaching executives, athletes, and entrepreneurs across 26 countries, Will explains why most leaders operate from unconscious patterns rooted in approval-seeking, fear, and outdated identity. He breaks down how these hidden dynamics quietly sabotage performance, decision-making, and fulfillment. Together, Chris and Will explore what authentic leadership actually means, how to dismantle ego-driven behavior, and how leaders can reclaim clarity, agency, and inner authority. This is a deep, practical conversation about leading without masks, excuses, or external validation.
