Becoming an authentic leader is more than developing strategies and enforcing the rules placed by an organization. It is also about fulfilling one's self through empowerment and learning how to better those around you in your position. Investing time and learning how to empathize with those who come from different walks of life within and outside of your industry. Trisha already had what it took to cover her foundations and was an expert at her craft, but she lacked the external influence behind her work. Aiming to develop long-term results, she had the opportunity to research and visit villages in Nicaragua. Here, she met seemingly bright teens with hopes of flourishing as adults. However, their unfortunate poverty and environment create barriers to accessing educational opportunities. Having this experience, Trisha could firsthand see why her work was detrimental for the non-profit she served. Going back to her team, she was able to brainstorm as she felt empowered as a leader to ensure the work she was doing was going to be able to make a difference for those impacted. Being that Trisha was able to have this experience, it made a difference in how she led her team and how she performed her tasks. Without doing so, she would have most likely kept to herself out of the public eye. Self-awareness was an essential component in the difference Trisha had in her role within the organization. Even though she did do well initially, the change in perspective aff