Today’s economy largely runs on data. No modern business succeeds for long without a steady handle on the underlying information flow, modeling, and analysis that enable good strategy and decision-making.

Most leaders know data is the beginning, and not the end-all. This is especially true when pursuing ambitious business goals, where the data doesn’t often all line up. In fact, data can sometimes unwittingly influence a leader to temper the boldness of their vision.

In our experience, the leaders who move mountains in their marketplace successfully leverage their authenticity.

Authenticity is essential to have people go to inspiring places and deliver big. If it doesn’t touch the heart and soul, it doesn’t move.

As with anything, authenticity can be developed. It’s about having straight and real conversations where people get in their core they are accountable for their impact, their potential, and for unlocking that same ambition in the people they lead.

Leaders can’t avoid this mode for fear of offending people. Instead, they must develop the skills to infuse their people with possibility, talk to them like giants, and bring out the true innovators and creators wherever possible. People want straight talk, and they thrive when they get it.

Authenticity fuels breakthrough performance. Being bold and open—while leading with heart—frees up the organization to think big. And deliver bigger.