What happens when you embrace your authentic self at work?

In this episode of The Standup, global marketing leader Cynthia Kleinbaum, Co-founder of the A LA LATINA Network, shares how staying true to her identity and flipping biases into strengths has shaped her success. From her journey as a Latina in corporate America to fostering environments where employees thrive, Cynthia dives into actionable tips for impactful leadership. Discover why “leading like a mom” can be the ultimate leadership superpower and learn her Barometer Method—a simple framework for creating honest, open team communication.

Listen in for practical advice on empowering your team, overcoming biases, and redefining leadership.

What you’ll learn:

• Bringing your true self to work builds trust and drives better results
• Leading with care creates environments where teams thrive and feel valued
• Traits often seen as weaknesses—like passion or kindness—are actually leadership advantages

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to Cynthia Kleinbaum

(01:26) Realizing authenticity as a strength: Humor in the workplace

(03:13) Owning identity: The impact of being a Latina leader

(07:31) Leading like a mom: Empathy meets accountability

(09:18) The Barometer Method: Checking in with your team

(11:07) Breaking down workplace barriers for authentic leadership

(14:44) Advice for leaders on navigating biases and cultural expectations

(17:24) Cynthia’s favorite resources and habits for success

Resources:

• Connect with Cynthia
• Connect with Yael
• For more leadership insights and trending news sent to your inbox weekly, subscribe to monday insights