Leading the Way in Holistic Executive Coaching: Lisa Leit and the Happy Whole Human Movement

In an era where leadership is measured not only by financial results but by resilience, empathy, and adaptability, few voices have resonated as powerfully as Lisa Leit, founder of Happy Whole Human (HWH). Named Executive Coach of the Year (USA) at the Women in Leadership – 2025 Awards, Lisa has pioneered a new model of leadership development: one that integrates personal well-being with professional performance.

Her recognition is more than a personal milestone — it reflects the growing demand for leadership approaches that see individuals as whole humans, capable of growth, balance, and extraordinary influence when supported holistically.

From Psychology to Coaching: A Visionary Path

Lisa’s journey began in the world of developmental psychology, where she immersed herself in understanding human growth, identity formation, and self-actualization. While many in her field pursued academic careers, Lisa recognized a pressing need in the professional world: a bridge between personal well-being and business success.

“I saw a critical gap between personal well-being and professional achievement,” she recalls. “Executive coaching gave me a practical framework to bridge that divide — helping leaders align their inner world with their external roles.”

This insight became the cornerstone of her work: coaching leaders not just to perform, but to flourish.

Founding Happy Whole Human

In 2013, Lisa founded Happy Whole Human, an institute dedicated to holistic executive coaching and leadership development. Its mission is clear: to equip individuals and organizations with the tools to thrive in environments that are often high-pressure and unforgiving.

Central to HWH’s approach is the Happy Whole Human Holistic Wellness Assessment — a validated tool that enables individuals to assess their well-being across multiple life dimensions. “Our assessment became the backbone of everything we do,” Lisa explains. “It gives clients a clear snapshot of where they are, and actionable insights to grow in the areas that matter most.”

This evidence-based foundation has set HWH apart in a coaching industry often dominated by one-size-fits-all models.

Coaching the Whole Human

What distinguishes Lisa’s methodology is its truly integrated nature. She blends psychological insights, mindfulness practices, relational intelligence, and goal-setting techniques to create an experience that touches every dimension of a leader’s life.

Her work goes far beyond productivity metrics or surface-level performance goals. Instead, Lisa empowers leaders to explore and resolve deeper issues — from communication breakdowns to burnout, from work-life imbalance to leadership blind spots.

One standout case involved a senior executive on the brink of burnout. Through Lisa’s coaching, he not only regained his professional passion but also repaired critical personal relationships. “Seeing that kind of turnaround is why I do this work,” Lisa says. “When leaders reclaim their wholeness, the ripple effects are felt across their teams, families, and organizations.”

Recognition and Impact

Being named Executive Coach of the Year at the Global 100 Awards highlights Lisa’s influence and the effectiveness of her approach. For her, the recognition is not just validation but a platform to amplify impact.

“This award validates our approach and gives us a stage to expand our mission,” she shares. Looking ahead, HWH plans include scaling online coach training programs, developing digital self-help tools, and forging partnerships with progressive organizations dedicated to employee well-being.

Such initiatives are timely. Research consistently shows the value of inclusive, holistic leadership:

• Women now hold 34% of senior leadership roles globally (Grant Thornton, 2023).
• 60% of consumers prefer companies promoting gender equality (Deloitte, 2023).
• Companies with diverse leadership see 21% higher profitability (McKinsey, 2020).
  

Lisa’s work speaks directly to these trends, ensuring that leaders — particularly women in executive roles — have access to tools that enable them to excel sustainably.

Training the Next Generation

Through the Happy Whole Human Institute, Lisa is also shaping the future of the coaching profession. Her programs emphasize qualities that are increasingly vital in today’s leadership environment: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural competence.

“Our goal is to equip coaches to facilitate real, lasting change,” she emphasizes. By training others, Lisa extends her impact far beyond her direct client base, creating a multiplier effect that strengthens organizations globally.

Living What She Teaches

Leadership coaching can often be demanding, but Lisa practices the very principles she advocates. She prioritizes mindfulness, maintains healthy boundaries, and actively engages in self-care — ensuring her own well-being is sustainable. This authenticity is part of what makes her coaching so effective; clients trust her not just as an expert but as someone who walks the talk.

A Vision for the Future

Looking forward, Lisa envisions Happy Whole Human as a global force redefining success. “In five years, we aim to create a movement that redefines what it means to be successful — where well-being and performance go hand in hand,” she says.

Her vision is bold, but grounded in a simple truth: leaders cannot drive sustainable growth if they neglect their own well-being. By aligning personal health with professional excellence, Lisa Leit is setting a new standard for leadership in the modern age.

Final Thoughts

Lisa Leit’s recognition as Executive Coach of the Year (USA) is more than an accolade; it is a testament to the transformative power of holistic coaching. Her pioneering methods are empowering executives to lead with clarity, compassion, and resilience — ensuring that leadership success is not achieved at the expense of personal well-being.

Through the Happy Whole Human Institute, she is building a legacy that will shape leaders and coaches for generations to come. In a business world increasingly defined by complexity, Lisa’s work offers a simple but profound message: to lead others effectively, we must first become whole ourselves.