Showing Up as Your Authentic Best Self: Ingredients for Success

Guest: Dr. Lori Smith | Government Contracting Expert, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder Host: Julie Riga

Overview

What does it truly mean to show up as your authentic best self every single day? In this powerful episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Dr. Lori Smith, a DBA-trained government contracting expert, serial entrepreneur, and advocate for women, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses. With over 40 years of leadership experience and a legacy built on radical self-honesty, service, and purpose-driven impact, Dr. Lori unpacks the real ingredients for success in leadership, business, and life. Whether you are a corporate executive, entrepreneur, veteran, or someone on a journey of authentic transformation, this conversation will challenge you to lead from your most honest and whole self.

Showing Up as Your Authentic Best Self: Ingredients for Success

About Dr. Lori Smith

Dr. Lori Smith is a DBA-trained government contracting expert, serial entrepreneur, and founder dedicated to helping women, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses win government work and build generational wealth. She has mentored more than 11,000 small businesses over a 40-year career. She serves as Co-Lead for the Georgia Women Veterans Board and Advisor to the North Georgia Women in Leadership Program.

Fun Fact: Dr. Lori is a proud veggie girl. Her most cherished food memory is her mother's lima beans, green beans, and collard greens.

The Three Ingredients for Authentic Success

1. Radical Self-Honesty Showing up as who you truly are in every room, every role, and every relationship is the foundation of authentic leadership. Trust is the currency of real leadership, and you cannot build a lasting legacy on a version of yourself that is not genuine or sustainable.

2. Consistent Micro Habits Small, intentional daily actions are the building blocks of transformation. Movement, reflection, and purposeful routines are not extras. They are the foundation of wholistic wellness and personal growth. Integrate these habits into your calendar the same way physical training was once built into military life.

3. Courageous Connections Asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness. Surrounding yourself with people who elevate your authentic growth is one of the most strategic leadership decisions you will ever make. Be discerning about who you allow into your inner circle and courageous enough to release what no longer aligns.

Memorable Quotes

"We really have to start showing up from that honest place and being who we say we are all the time."

"You can still lead while you are still bleeding. You can still lead while you still need to heal."

"The goal for management should always be: I am developing you to replace me."

"Abundance comes in every aspect of life when you give from an authentic place."

Key Takeaways for Leaders

• Radical self-honesty is the foundation of trust, impact, and legacy
• Micro habits compound into transformation when practiced with intention
• Courageous connections accelerate authentic growth and purpose-driven leadership
• Accountability with grace is the mark of true leadership presence
• Your energy is your leadership. Show up whole.

Connect with Dr. Lori Smith

• LinkedIn: Dr. Lori Smith
• Podcast: GovCon Clarity with Dr. Lori Smith on Spotify, Buzzsprout, iTunes and iHeart
• Book: Rising Beyond the Shadows, releasing in May
• Coming Soon: The Readiness Room, a membership community for entrepreneurs

Connect with Julie Riga

• Website: julieriga.com/lead
• Coaching: Leadership coaching and transformation with Julie Riga

#StayOnCourse #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #LegacyBuilding

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