Rachel Heavens is an internationally certified coach, facilitator, and passionate advocate for women’s leadership. With over two decades of experience, her journey began in 2001 when she first discovered the power of coaching. Today, she combines her professional expertise with her deep commitment to social impact, working with entrepreneurs, leaders, and the homelessness sector in the UK. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Rachel because her story embodies growth, courage, and the belief that women are already strong enough to step into leadership. Her journey will inspire our 5 million–strong community to embrace courage, resilience, and purpose as they pursue their goals.
Q: Rachel, what first inspired you to begin your journey as a coach?
Rachel: It all began in 2001 when I took part in a six-month leadership training program. I excelled in it, and the organizers invited me to become a coach for others going through the same program. I had no formal training at that point, but I went in with pure enthusiasm and loved seeing the transformation in people. Fast forward to 2018, I formally trained, became certified by the International Coaching Federation, and realized that coaching is a lifelong journey of learning.
Q: Thinking back, what were some challenges you faced in the early years of coaching?
Rachel: One of the biggest challenges has been learning to get myself out of the way. As coaches, we all bring our own judgments, assumptions, and beliefs into the room, often unconsciously. Over the years, I’ve realized that the real skill is noticing those beliefs and setting them aside so I can be fully present with the client. It’s not something you overcome once—it’s an ongoing practice.
Q: What milestone or achievement are you most proud of?
Rachel: Right now, I’m working on completing my postgraduate certificate. It’s been decades since I last wrote essays, so going back to academic writing has been a huge challenge. I’ve already completed two of the three essays and am heading toward the final one. Balancing that with work and family commitments has been tough, but it’s also given me a great sense of achievement.
Q: Are you a solopreneur, or do you work with a team?
Rachel: I’m a solopreneur, but I also work as an associate with organizations. One is a program that supports entrepreneurs, and another is with a charity in the homelessness sector, which is very close to my heart. I’d love to have my own team in the future, but for now, I enjoy the mix of one-to-one clients and collaborative work.
Q: What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
Rachel: Women are already leading in so many ways, but systemic barriers are still there. We need to acknowledge discrimination exists, but also be courageous enough not to let it stop us. Leadership for women means being brave—speaking up, applying for roles, stepping into visibility even when it’s uncomfortable. We’re already strong because of what we navigate in life, but we must take risks to be seen. Leadership, to me, isn’t about power—it’s about equality, fairness, and balance.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders?
Rachel: Practice the art of the beginner’s mind. Clear away the assumptions, fears, and defensiveness, and show up as if you’re starting fresh. Reflective writing is one practice that helps me do this daily—acknowledging what went well, what didn’t, and what I want to learn next. It’s about being intentional, present, and courageous as you step forward.
Q: Finally, what does success mean to you?
Rachel: Success for me is doing more of the work I love and knowing it aligns with my values and purpose. Of course, money matters—it allows me to give my children experiences and look after others—but true success is when my work makes a difference. Sometimes you don’t even realize the impact you’ve had until years later. That, for me, is the deepest form of success—knowing you’ve touched someone’s life in a meaningful way.
“Success isn’t about power or money—it’s about living your purpose, making a difference, and stepping courageously into the roles you were meant to lead.” – Rachel Heavens
Connect with Rachel Heavens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-heavens-icf-coach-acc-56aa11138/
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