What does it really mean to bring your authentic self to leadership? In this episode of Legendary Leaders Podcast, host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Lenya McGrath—global brand strategist, creative leader, and award-winning marketer whose career has shaped some of the world's most iconic brands.

From her early days in Sydney's ad world to leading high-performing teams across continents, Lenya shares how she turned "too happy" feedback into her leadership superpower. With warmth and humility, she opens up about authenticity in the workplace, building psychological safety in creative teams, and how her personal compass guides her through change—from navigating anxiety during the pandemic to saying bold yeses (and firmer no's) in life and career.

Together, Cathleen and Lenya explore what it means to lead with heart, why self-awareness is the ultimate growth tool, and how small acts of courage can make people, brands, and businesses truly fly.

Episode Timeline:

01:03 Meet Lenya McGrath: a creative leader who makes people feel seen

03:20 Early lessons in creative partnership and leading with kindness

11:14 Why optimism is a superpower and how it builds psychological safety

21:13 Motherhood and mentoring: raising confident, self-aware daughters

24:33 Authenticity vs. oversharing—bringing your real self to work

26:44 How masking drains energy and connection

31:59 Reconnecting with your internal compass and values

33:13 Navigating anxiety during the pandemic and finding purpose

36:52 Lenya's five-step approach to move from problem to solution

40:46 Boundaries and values—knowing when to say no

45:12 Falling in love with creativity: from visual merchandising to ad agencies

48:57 How to tell if a company aligns with your purpose

50:29 Reflection and release: check-ins, "letters to self," and letting go

56:28 Saying yes to new adventures—and being firm with your no's

58:40 Why saying no can feel harder for women

01:02:34 Lenya's top two pieces of advice for aspiring creatives

Key Takeaway:

• Authenticity as Leadership: Lenya shares how embracing her true, optimistic self—once labeled "too happy"—became her greatest leadership strength.

• Psychological Safety Through Positivity: She shows how lightness and empathy foster trust, creativity, and deeper collaboration.

• Purpose as a Compass: Whether leading teams or raising daughters, Lenya's guiding goal is to help people, brands, and businesses fly.

• Reflection and Renewal: Her weekly check-ins and "letters to self" reveal how intentional reflection fuels growth and resilience.

• Boundaries and Bravery: From saying yes to new adventures to confidently saying no, Lenya explores how alignment sustains authenticity.

About Lenya McGrath:

Lenya McGrath is a global brand and marketing leader with 15+ years of experience helping consumer brands stand out and scale. Her career spans agency and in-house roles, working with notable brands such as Amazon, PlayStation, Canon, Wilson Sporting Co., Herman Miller, and P&G (Olay). Known for her "market-shaper" mindset, Lenya blends brand strategy, integrated marketing, and leadership to help organizations embed authentic differentiation into their culture, behaviour, and business strategy. With a reputation for positivity, collaboration, and driving commercial results, her work has been recognised across creative and brand awards. Passionate about growth, creativity, and human-centred leadership, Lenya continues to inspire leaders to bring their whole selves to work, build purpose-driven brands, and drive meaningful impact.

Connect with Lenya McGrath:

Website: https://www.lenyamcgrath.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenyamcgrath/

Connect with Cathleen O'Sullivan:

Business: https://cathleenosullivan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-osullivan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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