Authored by Larry Lundstrom
“People don’t need perfect leaders; they need real ones. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can say in a room is, ‘I don’t have all the answers.’ And that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to show up as you are. Let your team, your congregation, or your community see the real you. When we lead with authenticity, we give others permission to bring their full selves to the table, and together, we can create something truly impactful.“
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my journey through ministry and organizational leadership, it’s that strength isn’t about pretending to have it all together. People resonate with what’s real. When I began to share openly about my own story—the challenges, the losses, and the faith that’s carried me through—something incredible happened. Conversations deepened, walls came down, and suddenly, I was connecting with people on a more genuine level. They weren’t following a leader trying to be perfect; they were walking alongside someone who’s also on the journey.
Growing Through Transparency
Transparency wasn’t always my natural choice. In the early years, I thought leadership meant looking strong and capable at all times. But life has a way of teaching us humility, and it didn’t take long before I learned the strength of vulnerability. When I’ve been willing to say, “I’m walking through this hardship, but here’s how faith is getting me through,” I’ve seen how powerful that honesty can be.
In my work with the Come and See Foundation and The Chosen series, we’re on a mission to share the story of Jesus in a way that speaks to people’s hearts. What I love about The Chosen TV series, what many people have shared also, is how real the disciples are, how real Christ is. They each deal with very human and yes, divine circumstances, and unique perspectives. And those of us who watch, connect. The connection is there because it’s real.
Why Open Conversations Matter in Leadership
“If I’m holding back my story, I’m holding back my impact.”
Being transparent isn’t about giving a perfect speech or maintaining an image. It’s about showing the people you lead that you’re in this with them. Whether in ministry, business, or family, people aren’t looking for flawless leaders—they’re looking for relatable ones.
Every time I’ve shared a difficult part of my story, I’ve noticed that it does something incredible: it builds trust. People aren’t afraid to bring their whole selves into the conversation because they know that perfection isn’t the goal—honesty is.
Creating a Culture of Trust
In any organization, transparency shapes the culture and fosters trust. It’s about bringing your full self to the table and making room for others to do the same. We all have struggles; we all have doubts. By sharing mine, I give others permission to bring their questions, their ideas, and their challenges, and we all grow from that openness.
So, to any leader reading this, I’d encourage you to lean into the realness. Be the kind of leader who’s willing to say, “I’m learning, too.” The real power of transparency isn’t just in the story you tell; it’s in the way it gives others courage to share their own stories, building a culture that is authentic, resilient, and deeply connected.
Shared from a recent interview with Tom Dutta and Larry Lundstrom, you can watch online here.
The Collective Agency : : Marketing, Creative & Innovation for Faith-Based Impact 