By: Zach Miller
Authenticity in leadership, though not a new concept, requires a deeper understanding to be able to truly embody it. Modern leaders are expected to align their inner truths with their outward actions to genuinely connect with their audiences and resonate with their messages. Alison Pothier, a passionate coach, intuitive leader and former investment banker, teaches leaders how to integrate a concept she has coined, energetic congruence. To improve relationships, corporate cultures and results, Alison believes that leaders must not only be aligned in words and deeds, but also in the energy behind these to be authentically resonant. Through her coaching, facilitated offsites and remote retreats, Pothier emphasizes the importance of refining one’s inner landscape to improve one’s professional impact.
With over 30 years experience in the corporate world and wellness space, Alison Pothier is transforming leaders and cultures by coaching energetic congruence in leadership. Having previously held high-ranking roles in investment banking, including that of a Chief Operating Officer and Global Head of eTrading, Pothier became passionate about the role and responsibility of leaders to define healthy cultures. During that time, she noticed a persistent leadership disconnect: leading with self-compromise and martyrdom. Leaders sacrificed their well-being and authenticity for the sake of professional success, resulting in resentment, burnout and high turnover. Unsustainable and costly, Pothier noted that martyred leadership – valuing self-sacrifice over self-actualization – gave rise to internal as well as external conflict, resulting in wounded cultures lead by wounded leaders. Now a specialist executive coach as well as a highly intuitive energy practitioner, Pothier launched her coaching practice and wellness business called, Inside Out Retreats, to help people gain inspired results through energetic congruence and self-actualization as key ingredients to their success.
Authenticity, according to Pothier, is not a performance-based skill or checklist item. It is a state of being that must be embodied and emanated. It can be deeply felt and experienced, both by the leader and those they lead. Pothier describes authenticity as an energetic congruence that radiates from individuals who are in alignment with themselves. “When we are congruent, we are in harmony with ourselves and so too are our words, deeds, beliefs and emotions,” she explains. This inner harmony translates into a resonance, allowing leaders to connect with others on a deeper, more impactful level.
One of Pothier’s core teachings revolves around the concept that “what we vibe with, vibes with us.” In other words, the energy a leader projects—whether harmonious or conflicted—has a direct influence on how their audience receives their message. If a leader is internally conflicted, their message will carry a dissonance, causing disconnection with their teams or organizations. Whereas, when leaders operate from a place of inner congruence, their messages resonate clearly and cohesively, creating environments where trust and positive change are possible.
Pothier helps leaders identify and reconcile energetic dissonance caused by internal conflicts, wounds, limiting beliefs and suppressed emotions. She teaches that the unreconciled within can manifest in leadership inconsistencies, contributing to disconnect with audiences. By addressing inner conflicts, leaders can develop not only the self-awareness but also the energetic congruence necessary to inspire trust and loyalty in their teams.
Pothier also emphasizes the shift in today’s leadership landscape. The modern workforce is highly attuned to the authenticity of their leaders. “Everyone’s intuitive, it’s a human condition. The difference is, nowadays, people know they are intuitive and are increasingly embracing the clarity of their senses,” she says, adding that people can see through leaders who are out of alignment with themselves.
Authenticity requires more than just self-awareness; it requires self-reconciliation. To be aware of one’s internal landscape is not enough to change it energetically. Authenticity reflects an inner harmony – an energetic congruence – with one’s story. Leaders must actively reconcile their inner worlds, reframing limiting perceptions to resonate with transcendent outcomes. By doing so, they not only improve their communication and relationships but also enhance their ability to guide organizations toward success.
Coaching energetic congruence in leadership, Alison Pothier offers leaders a path to improve personal alignment and authentic impact while building thriving cultures.
Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views and insights shared are based on personal experience and expertise in leadership coaching and energy practices. Individual results may vary, and readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance before applying any strategies or recommendations. This content does not establish any formal coaching relationship or guarantee specific outcomes.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
