Leslie Gaudet
Leslie Gaudet is a Self-Care Strategist for female CEOs. Her mission is to empower female CEOs and their Teams with self-care strategies to prevent burnout and enhance quality of life in business and beyond.
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
Before embarking on the journey that led me to become a self-care strategist, my life was a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, each contributing to the person I am today. Born in the 60s during the civil rights movement, I grew up in a family dynamic filled with love yet marred by the complexities of societal challenges. My early years in Canada, after moving from New Jersey, were marked by personal losses and the struggle to find a sense of belonging.
Growing up in social housing, I often felt a stark contrast between my world and that of my peers. This environment, while challenging, instilled in me a sense of resilience and a desire to rise above circumstances. Despite the feelings of inadequacy that shadowed my youth, I pursued a career in law as a Legal Assistant and throughout my tenure as a Paralegal, a field that promised stability and respect but also demanded an immense toll on my well-being.
My venture into the world of law was not just a career choice; it was a search for identity and worth. Over four decades, I navigated this demanding profession, which, while fulfilling in some respects, gradually led me to confront the unsustainable nature of my lifestyle. The pivotal moment came in 2017, at the age of 54, when the toll of a grueling work schedule and a life devoid of self-care became undeniable.
The realization that there must be more to life than this cycle of exhaustion sparked a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It was not just about changing careers but about redefining what success and fulfillment meant to me. This journey wasn’t an escape from my past but an embrace of a future where I could thrive, not just survive.
My transition from a seasoned legal professional to a self-care strategist and entrepreneur was fueled by a newfound commitment to wellness and empowerment. The decision to leave the familiar behind and step into the unknown was driven by a deep desire to reclaim my time, health, and happiness.
Today, as I help female entrepreneurs integrate self-care into their lives and businesses, I draw upon my own experiences of burnout, resilience, and transformation. My mission is to empower others to recognize their worth, embrace their potential, and create environments where they, along with their teams, can flourish.
In sharing my origin story, I hope to inspire others to reflect on their paths and recognize that transformational change is possible, regardless of where we start. It’s about more than just surviving; it’s about thriving, embracing self-care, and creating a legacy of empowerment and wellness.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
HER Extraordinary LIFE By Design was founded as a beacon for Female CEOs and their teams seeking to triumph over burnout and elevate their quality of life, both in the business realm and beyond. In my work, I bring to the table four decades of rich corporate insight, with a compassionate understanding of the exhaustive impact of burnout on ambitious, high-achieving women and their dynamic companies.
My philosophy is grounded in the conviction that the integration of self-care into daily life is not a luxury but the very pulse of enduring success. It is my mission to instill self-care as a foundational element of the workplace, cultivating an environment where well-being and achievement coexist harmoniously.
Through HER Extraordinary LIFE By Design, I offer more than just advice; I deliver transformational experiences, guiding my clients to weave self-care seamlessly into their daily existence. This strategy is designed to rejuvenate their emotional and physical well-being, making self-care an indispensable part of their life. By prioritizing their own well-being, my clients emerge as revitalized leaders, capable of inspiring their teams, nurturing a supportive culture, and propelling business growth to new heights.
I empower these leaders with hands-on, practical self-care tools that imbue them with the vigor, clarity, and self-assurance needed to commit to their professional and personal goals with unwavering dedication. My evidence-based approach ensures female founders replenish their inner resources, preserving their emotional and physical stamina.
At the heart of my approach is the vision of creating role models in self-care, shaping leaders who exemplify the balance of productivity and well-being. This ripples out into their teams, creating a happier, more resilient, and more cohesive workforce. By championing self-care at the forefront, my clients not only witness the transformational benefits within themselves but also see it permeate through their organizations, culminating in a symphony of work-life harmony, robust relationships, and lasting business achievement.
HER Extraordinary LIFE By Design is not just a service; it’s a movement towards a lifestyle where self-care is the cornerstone of profound personal and professional transformation.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
The response from consumers to my venture has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve had the privilege of guiding female solopreneurs through their own journeys of self-discovery and growth, which has led to profound transformations not only in their businesses but in their personal lives as well.
One of my clients, Wadzie, encapsulates the essence of these changes beautifully. She expressed how the journey with me has been a source of inspiration and strength, enabling her to face situations with clarity and emotional intelligence. This newfound perspective has been “the most brilliant thing” for her marriage and relationships, leading to greater self-confidence, motivation, and a serene awareness of her own mind, body, and spirit. Her heartfelt words affirm the core objective of my work – to assist in the unveiling of the best version of oneself.
Similarly, Liz, another entrepreneur I’ve worked with, found the courage to overcome personal grief and professional challenges through our sessions. She learned to release heavy emotional burdens, embrace positivity, and extend forgiveness, both to herself and others. This transformation has rippled through her life, enhancing her sleep, fueling her daily enthusiasm, and empowering her to build an impactful business. Her gratitude underscores the profound influence that attentive coaching can have on an individual’s well-being and success.
These testimonials are not just words; they’re reflections of the real, tangible change that comes from integrating self-care into one’s life and business practices. My approach has helped these women—and many others—create a harmonious balance that catalyzes growth, fosters resilience, and instills a lasting sense of joy and fulfillment.
Receiving such acknowledgments is a testament to the journey we’ve embarked on together. It’s an honor to be a part of their transformation and to witness their evolution into empowered leaders who not only dream but do so with an enriched spirit and a clear vision for their future.
My experience with these exceptional women, along with my own personal narrative of growth within corporate America, has galvanized my transition towards working with female CEOs who lead teams. The drive to expand my reach is rooted in a powerful conviction: quality of life should transcend personal boundaries and become a cornerstone of professional environments. I believe that when the well-being of a team is placed at the forefront, the entire organization thrives. It’s not just about individual successes; it’s about fostering a culture where every member feels valued, heard, and cared for. This holistic approach to leadership and team dynamics is what I am passionate about instilling in businesses led by visionary women, who understand that the health of their teams is integral to their success.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
My venture has been a catalyst for profound change in my life, manifesting a sense of freedom and fulfillment that had once seemed elusive. In taking back my time, I liberated myself from the constraints of a life that, for many years, felt predetermined and restrictive. This single act of reclaiming my schedule opened doors to avenues of self-development that transformed not just my career, but my entire approach to living.
The journey began with a deep introspection and an unwavering commitment to personal wellness, leading me to step away from the traditional corporate environment that no longer served my holistic vision of success. It was not merely about changing what I did from nine to five but redefining what I valued and how I wanted to impact the world around me. I swapped lengthy commutes and endless hours at a desk for purposeful work that aligned with my passion for helping others.
As I ventured into entrepreneurship, I discovered that my professional aspirations and personal well-being were not mutually exclusive but rather intricately intertwined. I gained not just the freedom of time but also the space to grow emotionally and spiritually. It was in this space that I found the clarity and the courage to guide other women on similar paths, helping them to integrate self-care into the tapestry of their lives and businesses.
My life has changed immeasurably for the better because of my venture. Each step on this path has brought me closer to the person I aspired to be — one who lives authentically, empowers tirelessly, and celebrates the collective growth and well-being of the community I serve. This evolution has been the greatest reward of my professional journey, marking a transformation that continues to fuel my mission and purpose every day.
What are you working on right now?
At this moment, my primary endeavor is nurturing and expanding my podcast, HER Extraordinary LIFE By Design. This platform is a labor of love, born out of a desire to amplify the voices of women who are shaping their destinies with courage and creativity. Each episode is a mosaic of inspiration, featuring stories of women from all walks of life — who they are, the paths they’ve forged, and the indelible marks they’re making on the world.
The podcast is more than just a collection of narratives; it’s a movement. The goal is to create a global echo of empowerment, reaching ears in every corner of the world with a simple yet powerful message: your dreams are valid, attainable, and deserving of pursuit. Through these shared experiences, I hope to foster a community that not only celebrates achievements but also supports each other in the face of challenges.
As the podcast grows, my intention is for it to become a beacon for any woman seeking the spark to ignite her own journey. By showcasing the extraordinary lives of everyday women, I aim to inspire listeners to design a life that resonates deeply with their own definition of extraordinary.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
To every woman who may find these words on her path, know this: Your journey, with its ebbs and flows, its unexpected detours, and serendipitous moments, has unfolded just as it was meant to. The tapestry of your life, with every thread of experience, has been woven with the timing that’s unique to you and only you.
Remember, it’s not about the pace at which you travel but the depth and richness of the experiences you gather along the way. It’s about embracing each moment, each challenge, and each triumph with the knowledge that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
A quote that I wrote, and live by, captures this essence, “When you recognize that timing is far more important than how long it took you to get to where you are, you will realize that you are right where you are meant to be, right now.” This isn’t just a mantra; it’s a reminder that our personal growth and achievements cannot be rushed nor can they be compared to another’s journey.
Through my podcast, HER Extraordinary LIFE By Design, I strive to share stories of women who have harnessed this truth, who have broken free from the constraints of ‘should be’ and stepped into the power of ‘what can be.’ Let these stories be a testament to the potential that lies within you, waiting to be realized in its own perfect time.
So, to you reading this, allow yourself grace. Celebrate how far you’ve come. Keep dreaming, keep striving, and trust that with every step you take, you’re not just moving forward—you’re arriving, time and time again, at the life that is waiting for you to claim it.
Get in touch with her:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-gaudet-744713113/