My Story
“Empowering to live your worth, creating lasting change in work and life.”
Hello!
I’m Ekaterina Leonova, a fiercely driven and open-minded person who draws on a diverse background in psychology, chemistry, talent acquisition, and entrepreneurship to empower others. As a consultant and executive coach, I help people understand and express their worth, guiding them to live by this value in both their personal and professional lives. I’m passionate about human progress and believe we all have a choice: to either continue on auto-pilot or step into personal and professional growth, discovering our true potential and purpose along the way.
My journey began in Russia, where I was captivated by the sciences. This led me to pursue a PhD in chemistry, traveling from Moscow to Paris and eventually to Sweden. Not many executive coaches start in a chemistry lab, but my background in the life sciences shaped my deep curiosity and problem-solving mindset. I thrive on puzzles, constantly asking “why” and analyzing challenges from every angle to find the quickest and most effective solutions.
While working in preventive health care, I noticed a troubling pattern—people were chronically stressed, depressed, and anxious, despite wellness policies being in place. That observation changed the course of my career. I returned to school, earned a master’s in psychology, and became a certified executive coach. This shift allowed me to address deeper issues in both individuals and organizations, helping them break free from old patterns and embrace new ways of thinking.
I realized early on that my greatest impact would be in large corporate environments, where I could work with leadership on organizational design and talent acquisition. I’ve created innovative recruitment practices, onboarding workshops, and talent strategies that place people in positions where they can truly thrive. By working closely with both candidates and companies, I’ve been able to challenge biases and foster meaningful partnerships that go beyond the surface. My goal is to guide leadership away from simply looking for the “obvious fit” and instead find the best fit—someone who enriches company culture and shares the organization’s values.
For me, personal development isn’t just something I apply at work—it’s a way of life. I’m constantly driven by a desire to understand myself and the world more fully, whether as a coach, a friend, or a family member. Although I’m introverted by nature, I love meeting new people and building connections. I’m always open to new experiences, though I might draw the line at bungee jumping! I’m fluent in English, Russian, and Swedish, and conversational in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and soon German. I jump at any chance to practice these languages. When I’m not traveling, you’ll find me dancing forró, writing, or reflecting on life’s journey, hoping to inspire others through my story.
