You Can't Lead Others Until You Lead Yourself

Most leaders think their biggest challenge is managing other people. Tinna Jackson believes it's managing themselves. In this powerful episode of The Kind Leader Podcast, Gino Degregori sits down with executive coach, bestselling author, and former U.S. Senate Deputy Chief of Staff Tinna Jackson to explore why self-awareness may be the foundation of every great leader. After a decade inside the U.S. Senate, Tinna learned a difficult lesson: The behaviors that limit our leadership are often the ones we can't see. Together, Gino and Tinna explore: • Why leadership begins with self-awareness • How childhood experiences shape the way we lead • The connection between ego, power, and influence • Why influence matters more than authority • How unexamined blind spots create chaos inside teams • Why asking for help is a leadership strength • The role of mentorship, feedback, and personal growth • How leaders can build stronger relationships through trust and authenticity This conversation goes far beyond leadership development. It's about having the courage to understand yourself before trying to lead anyone else. Because the hardest person you'll ever lead is yourself.   Connect with Tinna Jackson: Website: tinnajackson.com LinkedIn: E. Tinna Jackson Instagram: @iamtinnajackson Youtube: Tinna Jackson   Resources Mentioned: The Power Play Journal by Tinna Jackson   Connect with The Kind Leader Podcast: Website: konect.to/thekindleaderpodcast YouTube: Kind Leader Podcast Apple Podcasts: The Kind Leader Spotify: The Kind Leader Email: [email protected]     Chapters 0:00 Why Power and Kindness Belong Together 1:51 From the U.S. Senate to Self-Aware Leadership 2:46 What Kind Leadership Really Requires 4:04 The Leader Who Made Everyone Feel Seen 5:41 Why Workplace Empathy Can't Be Optional Anymore 10:13 The Chaos Leaders Create Without Self-Awareness 13:09 How Childhood Triggers Follow Us Into Work 17:35 Power Isn't the Problem. Ego Is. 23:07 How Anyone Can Build Influence Without a Title 27:10 The Feedback That Changed Tinna's Leadership 34:34 Flip the Mic: Staying Kind When You're Burned Out 38:41 Rapid Fire Questions 43:09 Give Yourself Grace and Ask for Support