Meet Basel Yandem, founder of L.E.I.L.A. Coaching, a civil engineer turned life and leadership coach who believes that happiness is not something you find—it’s something you create.
Basel’s journey—from being a Boy Scout in his youth to working with refugees in Lebanon, and later stepping into leadership roles in engineering—has always been fueled by service, resilience, and a deep desire to help others. After losing his cousin to suicide, he felt called to expand his impact by guiding people to embrace happiness, lead with purpose, and elevate their potential through coaching.
At Humans of Fuzia, we are proud to feature Basel because his story is a powerful reminder that true leadership starts with compassion, and that every person has the ability to create their own happiness and live fully.
Q: Basel, could you share a bit about your background and what led you to coaching?
I’m a civil engineer with a master’s degree, and I’ve worked in both humanitarian and public service roles—including supporting refugees in Lebanon and now working for the city of Bethlehem in New York.
But beyond the technical work, I always felt drawn to people’s growth and well-being. I managed people more than I managed projects—because when you coach and empower people, results naturally follow.
My passion for coaching grew stronger after a personal tragedy: two years ago, I lost my cousin to suicide. That moment made me realize I needed to expand my circle—to reach more people, raise awareness, and remind others they are not alone. That’s when I officially launched L.E.I.L.A. Coaching, to help people live with purpose and happiness.
Q: What does L.E.I.L.A. stand for, and why did you choose that name?
L.E.I.L.A. is named after my grandmother, who was my greatest role model. She was selfless, supportive, and always giving—mentally, financially, emotionally. Naming my company after her is my way of continuing her legacy.
It also stands for a process:
- Lead your life
- Elevate your potential
- Inspire action
- Launch your goals
- Accomplish your vision
This cycle represents what I want my clients to experience: not just living, but feeling truly alive.
Q: What kinds of coaching do you offer?
I provide:
- Life Coaching (one-on-one): Helping individuals create their own happiness, find purpose, and live fulfilled lives. I believe life coaching must be personal—there’s no one-size-fits-all.
- Leadership Coaching (one-on-one or group): Supporting managers and leaders to unlock their full potential, build strong teams, and lead with empathy.
For me, it’s always about bringing out the best in people—helping them see strengths they didn’t realize they had.
Q: How do you reach people and share your message?
So far, my digital presence is mostly on LinkedIn, where I post 2–3 times a week, sharing motivational thoughts and stories. People tell me they look forward to my posts every morning—it gives them energy for the day.
At this stage, it’s just me managing everything—no team, no ads. I’ve been growing organically through social media and referrals.
Q: What are your aspirations for the next couple of years?
By the end of 2025, I want to:
- Launch my own podcast, sharing stories about happiness, purpose, and leadership.
- Build my coaching practice to support 30+ clients, expanding my reach while maintaining deep, meaningful work with each individual.
Q: What challenges have you faced along this journey?
One of the hardest things is that people often struggle to admit they need help—especially when it comes to happiness or mental well-being. Many are hesitant at first, but once they open up, they build trust and realize how transformative coaching can be.
Another challenge is simply reaching more people. Growing an audience organically takes time, but I see challenges as opportunities—they push me to grow and adapt.
“Life is beautiful—you just need to know how to live it. Happiness is in your control. When you learn to manage your thoughts and mindset, you can live fully, with peace and purpose.”
Connect with Basel Yandem
You can connect with Basel on https://www.linkedin.com/in/baselgyandem/
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