It Pays To Be You: Create an Authentic Career with Emotional Intelligence

Build a career you don’t have to fake.

What if the key to career success isn’t becoming more polished, more strategic, or more impressive—but becoming more authentic?

Originally written as a collection of essays for Malakye.com, the career community for the surf, snow, skate, and action sports industries, It Pays to Be You brings together Leslie Juvin-Acker’s insights on emotional intelligence, confidence, personal branding, leadership, burnout, workplace culture, job searching, and professional growth.

With a foreword by Chad Mihalick, founder of Malakye.com, the book grew out of Leslie’s years working inside and alongside the action sports world and coaching professionals from interns and emerging talent to executives, founders, and investors.

Part career guide, part coaching session, It Pays to Be You offers practical tools and honest guidance for building a career that reflects who you are—and what you are truly capable of.

Each easy-to-read chapter ends with coaching questions that help you reflect, grow, and take action. Across the book, hundreds of questions turn the reading experience into a practical process of career development and self-discovery.

Inside, you’ll discover how to:

• Develop emotional intelligence using the Four Cs

• Build confidence without losing your authenticity

• Prevent burnout and recognize stress signals early

• Strengthen your personal brand and career direction

• Lead people instead of simply managing them

• Navigate job searching, workplace culture, and professional growth

• Make career decisions with greater clarity and self-awareness

• Build a career aligned with your values, strengths, and purpose

Whether you’re breaking into the industry, reinventing your path, or ready to lead at a higher level, It Pays to Be You will help you grow, lead, and get paid for the value only you can bring.

Because in the right career, it pays to be you.

Leslie Juvin-Acker is a trailblazing author, emotional intelligence expert, and renowned executive coach dedicated to transforming lives and careers worldwide.
With a diverse background in action sports, lifestyle industries, and corporate coaching, Leslie brings a unique blend of intuition, authenticity, and practical wisdom to her work. Born from a deep passion for personal growth and empowerment, Leslie's journey into the world of coaching began organically, driven by her own experiences navigating the challenges of her upbringing.
As a teenager, she found solace and inspiration in action sports, which fueled her desire to help others unlock their full potential and thrive in their careers. Throughout her career, Leslie has worked with a diverse range of clients, from professionals in the action sports and lifestyle industries to executives in corporate settings. Her coaching approach is deeply rooted in emotional intelligence, authenticity, and resilience, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, embrace their true selves, and achieve their goals.
Leslie's expertise extends beyond traditional coaching methods, incorporating elements of intuition, mindfulness, and personal branding to help clients create fulfilling and authentic careers. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the field of emotional intelligence coaching.
In addition to her work as an executive coach, Leslie is also an accomplished author, speaker, and educator. Her book, "It Pays To Be You: Create an Authentic Career with Emotional Intelligence," offers practical insights and actionable strategies for building a career that aligns with one's values and aspirations.
With a focus on authenticity, resilience, and personal growth, Leslie Juvin-Acker is dedicated to helping others unlock their true potential and live their best lives.