Why I Lead with Authenticity, Not Approval
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
By Melissa Bauknight, Founder & CEO of The Nova Global
For a long time, I measured my success by applause. External validation became my compass—praise, performance, perfection. I built my career following the blueprint that many ambitious women are handed: say the right thing, smile often, don’t make too much noise. It worked, until it didn’t.
Because deep down, I wasn’t leading.
I was performing.
It wasn’t until I experienced burnout and a sense of soul-deep misalignment that I asked the harder question:
What would it look like to lead as myself, not as who I was told I had to be?
That question became the catalyst for The Nova Global, a community I created not because I had all the answers, but because I knew I wasn’t the only woman craving freedom from performative leadership.
Authenticity is the New Power Move
Leading with authenticity isn’t just about being “real”; it’s about reclaiming your voice, vision, and values without shrinking. It’s trusting that your truth is enough.
Everything shifted when I stopped trying to win approval and started building alignment. My relationships deepened, my leadership became magnetic, and the right people, clients, collaborators, and friends began to show up.
Because authenticity has a frequency, and when you lead with it, you give others permission to do the same.
Community > Competition
Let’s be honest. The old system taught women to compete for a seat at a table that was never built with us in mind. But what if the real power was in building our own table and setting more places than we needed?
At The Nova Global, we do just that. We are a growing community of visionary women who believe in collaboration as the new currency. We believe in honest conversations, rooting for each other’s rise, and showing up with messy action and wholehearted energy.
We lead from our core, not our conditioning. And we support each other in doing the same.
Authentic Leadership Is Liberation
This journey taught me that authenticity isn’t a buzzword; it’s a liberation practice.
It’s saying no without guilt.
It’s building a business that supports your life, not vice versa.
It’s turning your story into your strategy.
It’s letting go of proving, pleasing, and perfectionism and choosing presence, purpose, and power instead.
And here’s the truth: when women lead from this place, they don’t just grow businesses.
They build movements.
They break cycles.
They create freedom: financial, emotional, and generational.
To the Woman Reading This
If you’ve ever felt like your power lies just beyond someone else’s permission;
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to take up space, speak louder, or stop dimming;
Let this be it.
You don’t need to earn your seat. You already own your crown.
Lead with your story. Lead with your truth.
Lead with authenticity, not approval.
Because when you do, you don’t just rise.
You ignite a revolution.
Founder & CEO, The Nova Global
Thank you,
Zuhura
About The Nova Global
The Nova Global is a transformative community that empowers high-achieving women to lead with authenticity, balance, and purpose. By fostering deep connections and leadership development, The Nova Global helps women build careers and lives that truly align with their values.
About Melissa Bauknight
Melissa Bauknight is a Conscious Business Coach and Founder of The Nova Global. She helps women reclaim their purpose, step into leadership, and create meaningful success without burnout. Through coaching, curated experiences, and a powerful community, Melissa is redefining what it means for women to thrive.
Connect With Melissa
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