The Art of Aligned Leadership: How to Lead Without Losing Yourself

In this inspiring episode of the Daring Well Podcast with Rita Mercer, Carly Pepin dives into the heart of what it means to lead with alignment, authenticity, and resilience. Drawing from her experience as an international business strategist and human behavior specialist, Carly shares how effective leadership begins with deep self-awareness and the courage to build a business (or life) that reflects your values—not society’s expectations.

From launching her first business at 18 to coaching founders and executives across the globe, Carly reveals the key internal patterns that often drive burnout, misalignment, and leadership fatigue. The episode explores why high performers don’t burn out from doing too much—but from doing too much of what isn’t aligned. She encourages leaders to identify the work that energizes them versus what depletes them, and to be honest about roles or goals that no longer fit.

Key Themes Covered:

• Burnout & Misalignment: Burnout is a sign of overcommitting to what you don’t love. Leadership thrives when you engage in the work that truly inspires you.

• Leadership and Self-Knowledge: Effective leaders understand where they shine, when to delegate, and how to align their strengths with strategy and team culture.

• Pride, Shame & True Confidence: Carly breaks down the behavioral dynamics of pride and shame in leadership—and why humility and self-certainty (not puffed-up confidence) lead to sustainable success.

• Family, Fulfillment & Self-Worth: Whether leading a business or a household, Carly emphasizes the value of honoring your unique form of leadership. True confidence comes from knowing your worth, not performing for validation.

• The Power of Fair Exchange: Leadership is built on value creation, not overextension. As your self-worth grows, so does your ability to create fair, impactful exchanges in business and life.

Carly also shares real-life client stories about shifting from approval-seeking to certainty, and from over-functioning to aligned leadership. Whether you’re an executive, founder, parent, or solopreneur—this episode challenges you to redefine leadership on your terms.

Watch the full interview below: