Empowering Authenticity: Transforming Work and Leadership from the Inside Out

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the insightful and empowering Corrine Ishio. In this conversation, Corrine shares her journey of self-discovery, the vision behind My Working Soul, and how we can all transform work by bringing our authentic selves to the table.

Corrine, it’s great to be with you today. I think a lot of folks will benefit from hearing your story, lessons, and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that many people have struggled with, but you’ve managed to overcome it—could you share your journey and how you tackled this challenge?

I want to speak directly to anyone who doesn’t see themselves as a leader, who feels like they’re not good enough, or perhaps haven’t been given a reason to believe in themselves yet. I used to feel that way too. When I first started in my career, I didn’t think of myself as a leader. I wasn’t sure I had the skills or the right to stand up and take charge, and I often worried that others would think I didn’t belong.

For a long time, I believed that to be truly successful, I needed to hide behind my work, to be the “silent operator” who let my actions speak for themselves. The idea of stepping forward, making my presence known, and using my voice felt like I was overstepping.

But as I moved through my career, I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers or pretending to know everything. Leadership is about recognizing your own value, your unique perspective, and what you bring to the table. It’s about showing up fully and owning your impact—because that impact is real. I realized that my work wasn’t just about the clients I served or the roles I filled—it was about the energy and perspective I brought to every project.

If you don’t see yourself as a leader right now, I want you to know this: leadership is not about perfection, it’s about presence. It’s about believing in yourself enough to show up, even if it’s just for you. And the world needs you, just as you are.

Thanks, Corrine. Before we move on, could you share a bit more about My Working Soul and your broader vision for the future of work?

At My Working Soul, our mission is to create a sustainable and human-centered world of work. We’re not just about finding talent—we’re about transforming lives, connecting people with opportunities, and giving everyone a chance to do meaningful work that aligns with their true purpose.

We see ourselves as a way station for working souls navigating this period of transition. In a world where the workplace is changing so rapidly, we act as a bridge, helping people discover who they are and where they belong, while offering organizations the tools to create environments that empower their people.

We are a movement. A movement that believes work is not just about punching the clock. It’s about purpose, dignity, and the connection between self-sufficiency and meaningful contribution. We’re empowering people to claim their own success and transform work into something that aligns with their values. We’re doing this by focusing on the dignity of hard work, the empowerment of the individual, and the recognition that everyone deserves to be seen and heard in their work.

In industries like semiconductors, AI, and other rapidly evolving sectors, human potential cannot be overlooked. We are designing a future where talent is developed alongside technology, where every individual has the chance to grow and thrive. It’s about aligning people with purpose—whether they’re looking for their next opportunity or building a culture of success in an organization.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to those looking to succeed in today’s fast-paced, competitive environment?

One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is this: Be yourself. Stop looking to others to validate who you are and what you bring to the table. In the hiring process, I’ve seen it all—the biases, the assumptions, the quick judgments—and frankly, it’s not always pretty. But the good news is, you have the agency. You get to decide how you show up in the world, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

If you want to succeed, stop letting other people’s opinions dictate your journey. Trust yourself and take action that speaks for itself. Be rebellious in your confidence. I’ve seen people judged, overlooked, and underestimated, but time and time again, the ones who succeed are the ones who believe in themselves first.

Take control of your narrative. You are more than just a checkbox on a resume or an interview answer. Your worth is not defined by others. And when you own your story, you not only create opportunities for yourself—you create opportunities that are in alignment with who you truly are.

Who is your ideal client or what characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

The ideal clients for My Working Soul are those who are genuinely committed to transformation. We work with organizations that are not just looking for short-term gains, but are willing to go on a journey of meaningful change. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires humility and the willingness to roll up your sleeves and work hard.

This is about organizations and professionals who are ready to evolve, to embrace a mindset of growth and collaboration. It’s about creating something together, being open to new ways of working, and being humble enough to learn along the way.

If you are a company that recognizes that people are at the core of success—and are ready to invest in the development of your talent—then we should talk. If you’re an individual looking to take control of your career and make bold decisions that are in line with your authentic self, we’re here for you. Let’s embark on this journey together, with commitment, courage, and collaboration.

Business Solutions
We address key challenges in talent acquisition, culture, and organizational effectiveness.

  • Global Talent Acquisition: Struggling to attract and retain the right talent? We help you connect with candidates who align with your core values and fit your company culture.
  • Culture Transformation: Is employee engagement low? We assist in creating a workplace culture that drives high performance by aligning employee experiences with company values.
  • Organization Effectiveness: Are your teams struggling with collaboration? We implement tailored strategies to enhance team performance and promote continuous improvement.
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