Welcome to The Real Leadership Podcast. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Joanna Piros, a seasoned journalist turned communications coach and consultant, whose work blends media savvy with real-world leadership needs. Joanna has helped thousands of leaders learn how to light up a room, inspire their teams, and communicate with clarity and confidence. What stood out in our conversation was how much the landscape of leadership communication has shifted. Joanna spoke about the move away from rigid, polished messaging toward something far more powerful: authenticity. Today’s most effective leaders are open, vulnerable, and real, and that’s exactly what helps them connect. In our conversation, Joanna brings that to life with real examples, from leaders navigating a crisis with heartfelt honesty to crafting communication strategies that don’t just serve organizations, but individuals. We’ll dive deep into how these more human, transparent approaches help build trust, inspire teams, and, ultimately, lead more effectively. If you’ve ever wondered how to show up as a more impactful communicator, or what it really means to lead with your words, this conversation is full of insights.