Bozoma Saint John: Leading with Authenticity and Urgency

In this multimedia case, Bozoma Saint John recounts numerous defining moments from her childhood and work experiences. We learn what empowered and inspired her to be her authentic self, to be vulnerable and open to new experiences, to find commonality with others, to cultivate courage and confidence, and to drive urgently toward her goals. She provides powerful frameworks and leadership insights of her own: Saint John suggests approaches to fight against imposter syndrome and ways to positively reframe feedback. In this case, Saint John also discusses failing and its ability to create empathy and resolve. This case intends to challenge students with Saint John's self-confidence and authenticity. The multimedia nature of the case allows students to experience Saint John's presence in its most dynamic form, leading to a lively conversation about the types of organizations that are likely to embrace a leader such as her, versus the types that are likely to struggle to absorb someone with her leadership style. The case thus enables instructors to push students hard on notions associated with organizational "fit" and the complicated and potentially biased assumptions underlying such notions. What ultimately unfolds is a deep exploration of the personal and systematic hindrances to true inclusion.