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Myth of the Perfect Leader

When we talk about leadership, people usually focus on Big 3 strategy, communication, and making decisions.

These are all good tings, but here’s the truth most leaders ignore: your mental health is leadership health.

Culture loves to hype up the superhero version of leadership: wake up at 4 am, grind, meditate, workout, crush deals, repeat.

It’s not real. It’s curated content. And when leaders chase that image, they disconnect from themselves.

True leadership is not about looking flawless. It’s about being real, honest, and self-aware.

Ignoring your mental health doesn’t make you strong, it makes you fragile.

I sat down with Lucas Krump, co-founder of Everyman, and his story hit different. Lucas calls himself “a work in progress.” That’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about arriving at some perfect destination. It’s a journey filled with mistakes, setbacks, and growth moments. And the real leaders? They lean into that.

Lucas shared how losing family members exposed the fact that he didn’t have the emotional tools to handle grief. That broke him down until he discovered the power of reflection, vulnerability, and community.

Lesson for leaders: if you’re falling apart inside, you can’t show up for your team. Mental health isn’t optional. It’s the base that everything else rests on.

Lucas also reminded us that we actually need struggle. Struggle is what makes us grow stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically. Leadership without struggle isn’t leadership. It’s just existing.

Instead of running from discomfort, embrace it. Admit when you are choosing the easy route. Build habits that make you stronger. Surround yourself with people who push you to keep going when life gets heavy.

Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Lucas put it in today’s language: if you are not auditing your life: your values, your motivations, your mental health.. you are on the fast track to burnout.

Leadership starts with self-leadership. And self-leadership starts with courage. The courage to face yourself!

TL;DR

• Leadership and mental health are linked

• The “perfect leader” image online is fake

• Struggle makes you stronger, not weaker

• Honest self-reflection is non-negotiable

• Take care of your mind first, or your leadership will collapse

👉 Want the full conversation? Check out the latest episode of the IncrediPaul Leadership Podcast where I go deeper with Lucas on how mental health fuels real leadership.

DETAILS ABOUT EPISODE

In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi interviews Lucas Crump, co-founder of EVRYMAN, a global organization focused on helping men develop emotional skills and deeper connections. Lucas shares his journey of self-discovery, the importance of embracing struggle for personal growth, and the impact of social media on self-perception. He emphasizes the significance of community and connection in the journey of self-improvement and discusses the pursuit of freedom and fulfillment in life. The conversation concludes with Lucas offering valuable insights and wisdom for listeners.

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P 133: Finding Your Passion while Balancing Work w/ Paul Faronbi

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