Living with Integrity in Uncertain Times
September often invites a gentle reset; returning to routines or creating new ones. While we’ve had a beautiful Irish summer, many of us are carrying the weight of what’s happening in the wider world, with wars, famine, and public figures posturing rather than leading with integrity and care.
In Episode 1 of my new podcast, Finding Your Purpose, Joseph McGuire spoke about leadership qualities that truly land now: openness, integrity, and vulnerability. We’re no longer inspired by brash, performative styles of leadership; we’re craving something real.
This week on the blog, I’m exploring what it means to live with integrity—not as a lofty ideal, but as a daily practice.
What does Living with Integrity Mean to Me?
For me, integrity begins with listening inward. It’s the courage to say No when something isn’t right and Yes to what is. When we honour our “No,” our “Yes” becomes clearer, stronger, and truer.
Integrity also looks like:
Self-respect over people-pleasing.
Clear boundaries that protect your time, energy, and values.
A grounded, embodied presence—showing up as yourself, not a performance.
Quiet power that doesn’t need to dominate to be effective.
Each of us has a different inner compass. Living with integrity is aligning daily choices with what matters most, to you. This naturally connects to purpose, and in upcoming podcast episodes you’ll hear from people living with integrity and purpose across many fields.
Simple ways to bring more integrity into life & work
Build awareness. Notice what lifts your energy and what contracts it. Your body tells the truth—if something doesn’t sit right, you’ll feel it.
Breathe and regulate. Try a gentle rhythm: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6–8. A few rounds can reset your nervous system.
Have regular “quiet meetings” with yourself. Even five minutes to check in can change the day.
Journal what’s true. Let the pen move without editing—you’ll hear your inner voice more clearly.
Let nature teach you. Step outside, notice the ground under your feet, the sky above. Nature reminds us how to return to centre.
I go deeper into these themes and more in my new Finding Your Purpose podcast. Catch up on the first two episodes below.
Episode 1 – Joseph McGuire
Facial profiler and communication expert Joseph McGuire shares how dropping the masks we wear allows us to live with greater strength, authenticity, and purpose.
Episode 2 – Máirín Murray
Founder of TechFoundHer, Máirín Murray reflects on her journey from philosophy to tech entrepreneurship and her mission to empower 1 million women to launch purposeful ventures.
