EPISODE · Jan 21, 2026 · 21 MIN
Stop Trying to Be Liked — Start Getting Things Done with Kim Klemballa
from The NeuroLeadership Edge: Pressure-Proof Leadership™ & Calm Authority · host Kim Klemballa, Claire Hayek
Topics Covered:Leading without needing to be likedPeople-pleasing vs. performanceWomen, approval, and identity in leadershipCorporate marketing under pressureRespect vs. likeabilityManaging energy and focus across rolesCultural communication strategiesCareer resilience after layoffsInternal clarity and purpose Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: When likeability gets in the way04:12 – Kim’s turning point: “It’s not about being liked”08:40 – The corporate trap of performative leadership12:30 – How she resets under pressure (with 3 kids and a big job)16:45 – Navigating career shifts and layoffs21:10 – Letting go of overexplaining25:30 – Aligning with what actually matters28:50 – Claire’s reflection: respect over approval32:00 – Final takeaways: How to lead with less noise and more power What You’ll Learn:How approval-seeking sabotages your authority as a leaderKim’s turning point that redefined how she shows up at workThe difference between being nice vs. being respectedHow to lead across cultures without overexplainingWhy “getting things done” often starts with saying lessA mindset shift for women in leadership navigating burnout and balance Mentioned in This EpisodeCoinDesk Data and IndicesLeadership under pressureRespect vs. likeability in leadershipCareer reinvention and resilienceBalancing leadership and personal lifeMental fitness practicesThe giving tree book Follow Claire on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairehayek/Follow Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-klemballa-80101812/EWTR LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empower-women-that-rock-inc/EWTR Website: https://www.womenrock.world/ 🎓 Want to train your brain for resilience and high performance?Join Claire’s free Mental Fitness Masterclass here:👉 https://go.clairehayek.com/mental-fitness-masterclass 📩 For free resources, upcoming masterclasses, or to join our next live webinar—click here:👉 https://linktr.ee/clairehayek📢 Subscribe to The NeuroLeadership Edge Podcast for brain-based strategies to lead with clarity, courage, and impact. The NeuroLeadership Edge Podcast is produced by Claire Hayek. All opinions are those of the host and guests. For more leadership resources, visit clairehayek.com
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What this episode covers
What if your need to be liked is actually holding your team back? In this powerful episode, Claire Hayek sits down with Kim Klemballa—Head of Marketing for CoinDesk Data and Indices, brand strategist, and board member for Empower Women That Rock. Kim pulls back the curtain on the internal shift that changed everything: replacing people-pleasing with purpose. Together, they unpack the mindset traps that keep high-achieving women stuck in performance mode, and how to lead with clarity when your role demands both influence and execution. Whether you’re managing a team, scaling a business, or rethinking your leadership voice—this episode is your permission slip to drop the facade and lead with unapologetic alignment.
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Stop Trying to Be Liked — Start Getting Things Done with Kim Klemballa
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