Leila Boutaleb Brousse tells us about self-leadership, career coaching, and growing her business.
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Tell us the story behind your business.
I spent nearly two decades in corporate leadership roles across Europe and Asia, leading marketing, strategy, and business development teams in fast-moving tech environments. I loved the energy, the impact, the growth. I thrived under pressure. And like many high achievers, I kept raising the bar: promotion after promotion, goal after goal.
But at some point, success started to feel hollow. I was still performing, but I was no longer fulfilled. Every morning, I woke up with a low buzz of anxiety, a lack of motivation, and this quiet question in the back of my mind: What’s the point of all this if I no longer feel alive doing it? That’s when I realised the missing piece was meaning.
I had spent years doing without checking in on why, so I paused and I got honest with myself. I redefined success not as achievement, but as alignment. This journey led me to create Eylee Growth and the Unhooked Leadership Method: a coaching and training practice that helps high-achieving professionals and teams lead with clarity, energy, and intention.
What makes us different? We go beyond surface-level leadership tools to help you unhook from toxic mental patterns like perfectionism, control, and people-pleasing, and build mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and sustainable performance.
I believe success is 80% mindset and 20% inspired action. The leaders who last are the ones who are clear, calm, and fully themselves. That’s what I wish I had earlier in my career. That’s what I now help others build without burning out who they are in the process.
What are some milestones or achievements you’re proud of?
I’ve always been driven by achievement. Give me a goal and I’ll go get it. MBA? Done. Career switch? Done. Promotion, management role, international move? Done, done, done.
That mindset gave me a lot, but it also came with something else: imposter syndrome. No matter how much I accomplished, there was always that quiet voice saying, “Don’t get too comfortable, they’ll find out you’re not good enough.”
One of my biggest milestones wasn’t another title or trophy – it was the moment I decided to stop proving myself and start being myself. That shift changed everything. It’s what led me to build my business, to coach leaders who feel stuck in the same loop I was in – doing more, achieving more, but never feeling enough.
Today, what I’m proud of is this: I turned my story into a method that helps other high achievers lead with clarity, not pressure. I’ve coached leaders across industries to reconnect with their values and step into roles they never thought they were “ready” for. And I’ve built a life and a business that feel deeply aligned with who I am, not just what I do. It’s still a journey. But now, it’s mine.
Share a setback that taught you a valuable lesson about running a business.
One of the hardest lessons I learned was this: being great at what you do is not enough. When I launched my business, I had all the passion, the skills, and the experience. I knew I could help people, but I assumed that if I just showed up, delivered great coaching, and shared good content, the right clients would come. They didn’t, at least not right away.
I realised I was hiding behind my expertise – waiting to be “discovered,” afraid of being visible, afraid of being too much. Deep down, I still had that old fear: “What if they think I’m not credible enough?”
That setback – months of working hard and not gaining traction – forced me to get honest with myself. I had to unhook from perfectionism and start building a business with the same courage I had when I changed countries or changed careers. I started showing up more boldly. I invested in learning sales, positioning, and messaging, not because I wanted to “sell” more, but because I finally owned the value of what I do.
Doing meaningful work is one thing. Owning it is another. If I don’t claim my space, I can’t invite others to step into theirs.
Describe a typical day in your life and what you love most about it.
No two days look exactly the same. Some are packed with coaching sessions, workshops, or team trainings. Others are slower, more reflective, focused on writing, planning, or simply catching up with admin!
But there are a few things I rarely compromise on. Meditation is one of them – 10 to 15 minutes every morning to anchor myself before the day takes over. And movement. I aim to work out three times a week, and I keep it flexible: some weeks it’s weight training, other times it’s yoga, long walks, or a run, depending on my mood and schedule.
I have a three-tier goal system: 4 hours = I feel amazing; 3 hours = I’m on track; less than 2 hours = I know I need a reset.
What I love most about my days? The freedom to design them around my energy, not just my to-do list.
What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show that has influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
It’s hard to pick one. I’ve always been a learner at heart, and so many books and podcasts have shaped how I lead and grow.
“Mindset” by Carol Dweck changed the way I look at failure. It helped me stop seeing setbacks as a sign I’m not good enough and start seeing them as part of the process. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek reminded me that clarity of purpose is more powerful than any strategy. And “The Four Agreements” is a book I come back to, especially the idea of not taking things personally when navigating business relationships.
I also love podcasts that feel like deep, honest conversations. The Diary of a CEO and The Mel Robbins Podcast are two favourites.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
If I had to give one tip, it would be this: success is 80% mindset and 20% consistent, intentional action. You can have the best idea and the perfect strategy, but if you’re driven by fear, self-doubt, or the need for external validation, you’ll either burn out or self-sabotage.
Before chasing “more,” get clear on what matters. Start with self-awareness and know your patterns, your fears, and your inner critic. Choose to act from intention, not pressure, and don’t wait to feel “ready.” Take small, consistent steps, even imperfect ones, while staying connected to your why. That’s how real momentum is built. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things, with the right energy.
Top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
Block off workouts and meditation in your calendar like client meetings – it’s non-negotiable.
Favourite thing to do on weekends?
Activities with my kids that keep them away from screens, like cooking, games, and outdoor activities. Otherwise, I sneak in a long walk, a podcast, or guilt-free chill time.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I often talk to myself out loud! My husband always catches me and makes fun of me like, “Who are you talking to now, your inner board of directors?”
Get in touch with Leila Boutaleb Brousse online.
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