If you’ve ever been the person who “just handles it,” this episode is for you. Jess and Claude sit down with leadership coach Ronni Landeck to talk about authenticity at work that’s rooted in alignment (not performance), boundaries that protect your time without sounding difficult, and communication that doesn’t come with a side of apology.

They kick off with a powerful distinction: being a high performer is being great at your job — becoming “the default” is being great at everyone else’s job too. From there, Ronni shares how to stay authentic within real workplace dynamics, how to pause with executive presence when you’re put on the spot, and how to build sustainable success without burning out.

You’ll also hear Ronni’s SOURCE framework — a practical guide for staying grounded under pressure — plus a simple way to reframe imposter syndrome using self-compassion and “power phrases” that help you show up with clarity and confidence.

What we cover in this episode

• The difference between being a high performer vs. becoming “the default”
• What authenticity at work actually means (and what people get wrong)
• Boundaries that strengthen executive presence
• A clear script to use when new work gets added to your plate
• Confidence, imposter syndrome, and why self-compassion matters
• Ronni’s SOURCE framework for sustainable performance and personal growth

The sentence to use when someone hands you work that isn’t yours
“Right now, my top three priorities are A, B, and C — where would you like this new task prioritized?”

Memorable moments

• “Hope isn’t a strategy.”
• “Self-compassion is a muscle—you build it.”
• “Action brings clarity and confidence.”

Resources mentioned

• How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie
• Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors — Janina Fisher
• Self-compassion research — Kristin Neff
• Rumi: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.”

Connect with Ronni Landeck
Website: https://ronnilandeck.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronni-landeck-bast/

Send a text

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Work Besties! Theme Song Written by Ralph Lentini @therallyband