In this episode of the NEGOTIATEx podcast we delve into the essence of authentic leadership with retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Rich Ramsey. Rich is an experienced coach with a rich background in military and leadership development. Firstly, Rich highlights leadership as fundamentally human interactions, advocating for the importance of connecting genuinely with others and the willingness to “drop the armor” of defensiveness and ego to foster real connections. Through examples ranging from military engagements to corporate settings, Rich illustrates how dropping defensive barriers and reassessing narratives can lead to transformative leadership outcomes. He also emphasizes the role of empathy, trust, and open communication in achieving organizational success and personal growth.