Candy Barone, CEO of You Empowered Strong, is a transformational leadership coach, speaker, and visionary on a mission to shift the way we think about leadership and culture. With more than 30 years of experience in leadership development, she empowers organizations and individuals to step into their authentic voices, cultivate trust, and build meaningful, conscious cultures. Her journey is about more than business—it’s about redefining leadership as deeply human, relational, and spiritual, making her story one that inspires our global Fuzia community of 5M+ changemakers.
Q: What is your vision and mission behind the work you’re doing now?
Candy: My focus has expanded over time into helping visionary, transformational leaders awaken, activate, and amplify their unique leadership voice. I combine human design, energetic blueprints, and relational dynamics to help leaders create conscious cultures. It’s about moving away from old paradigms of hustle and bottom-line focus, and instead building businesses rooted in meaning, impact, and the quality of relationships.
Q: Who do you primarily work with?
Candy: I work with a diverse group, but three groups stand out. First, couples or partners building businesses together—because relational dynamics deeply affect their work. Second, soul-led corporate or small-to-medium business leaders who want to create cultural shifts across entire organizations. Third, type-A leaders who’ve achieved outward success but feel burnt out, disconnected, and ready to build something more meaningful. Ultimately, it’s about balancing divine feminine and masculine energies and creating leadership that is relational, conscious, and authentic.
Q: How do you create awareness about your work?
Candy: I’ve built my business organically over 12 years. About 75% of my clients come through referrals, speaking engagements, and training sessions. Digitally, I maintain a presence on LinkedIn, Substack, and Medium, where I share my writing and reflections. I also host a podcast and YouTube channel. While social media helps, relationships and authenticity remain the foundation of my growth.
Q: What challenges have you faced on this journey?
Candy: Two big challenges stand out. First, the rise of AI has been both a blessing and a concern. While it streamlines business, I see people losing their authentic voices to overly “AI-polished” content. Preserving the humanness in communication is something I deeply value. Second, on a personal level, I’ve struggled with carrying the weight of others not stepping into their potential. It has sometimes left me physically and emotionally drained, but I continue learning to let go, plant seeds, and trust the process.
Q: What message would you like to share with our readers?
Candy: My message is about radical authenticity. We are living in a time of massive shifts, and every person carries a unique piece of the puzzle. The universe is pushing us forward, asking us to step into our voices and gifts. It’s time to “get your brave on.” Whether you dive in willingly or resist along the way, you are being called to lead. Trust that you already know how to swim—you’re ready.
“You are on this planet at this time with great purpose. The time is now to activate your voice, step into your truth, and lead with courage.” – Candy Barone
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