Kayla Vatalaro is the Founder of Vatalaro Coaching and CEO of Future Leaders Movement. Her work centers on empowering professionals and communities to unlock their potential through coaching and structured opportunities. With a background in neuroscience, strategic leadership, and talent management, Kayla has led transformative growth at scale and guided others to develop skills for meaningful, sustainable impact. At Vatalaro Coaching and Future Leaders Movement, she focuses on fostering inclusive leadership and bridging access to opportunity, building more equitable pathways in professional development and the broader economy.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your Entrepreneur journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up as a Korean adoptee with two deeply compassionate and resilient parents, I was surrounded by an abundance of love that guided me through times of scarcity and shaped my sense of purpose. These values led me into neuroscience and later the corporate world, driven by a commitment to unlocking human potential. Before founding my ventures, I worked with high-growth companies and served on nonprofit boards, combining strategic insight with a human-centered approach to drive impactful change. Today, my life’s work is dedicated to transforming economic outcomes and creating equity—enabling children from all backgrounds to see themselves in role models who shape our world. It’s a calling deeply tied to my story and my journey to give back with purpose.
What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you to say YES, go for it?”
The initial spark came from recognizing how many talented individuals and communities lacked structured support to reach their potential. I wanted to create an accessible framework for people to develop meaningful, high-impact careers. For Vatalaro Coaching, this means helping clients build skills to thrive as authentic leaders. Future Leaders Movement was inspired by a vision of economic empowerment for underrepresented communities, believing that professional opportunities should drive systemic change, not just individual success. My ‘Yes!’ moment came when I saw how combining coaching with strategic development could create lasting impact.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
At Vatalaro Coaching, we work with clients to refine executive presence, foster inclusive leadership, and unlock potential for personal and professional growth. Our approach is deeply rooted in values of integrity, empathy, and resilience. Future Leaders Movement, on the other hand, is an initiative dedicated to opening doors for underrepresented talent in impactful industries, creating pathways to roles that are historically out of reach. We aim to equip participants with the tools, connections, and experiences to elevate economic outcomes and contribute to transforming the landscape of professional opportunities for future generations.
Are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
One of the accomplishments I’m proudest of is launching a grant program through Future Leaders Movement, which has supported individuals to pursue professional development opportunities that were otherwise inaccessible. At Vatalaro Coaching, our leadership development programs have helped clients successfully navigate complex career transitions and build impactful teams. Each step forward, whether in funding a grant recipient or guiding a leader through their journey, has reinforced our mission and demonstrated the power of investing in people and inclusive pathways.
What change would you like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would love to see a world where pathways to impactful careers are accessible to everyone, especially to those often overlooked. It’s not just about diversity; it’s about genuinely inclusive workplaces where talent from all backgrounds can see themselves in roles that shape industries and drive innovation. I envision a future where women and individuals from marginalized communities can lead not only as exceptional professionals but as architects of more equitable systems, fostering spaces that value a diversity of experiences and viewpoints as strengths.
What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women leaders are transforming the landscape with unique perspectives, empathy, and resilience. Today’s environment, though more inclusive, still demands resilience from women, especially those navigating underrepresentation in leadership. It’s crucial we continue supporting women by creating more equitable pathways and redefining leadership beyond traditional expectations. I believe women bring invaluable strengths to the table—adaptive thinking, collaboration, and innovation—and that our workplaces benefit tremendously from their contributions. True leadership requires that we make space for each other, setting a foundation for future generations to build upon.
What would you want to say to our young leaders/audience reading this?
Stay grounded in your values. Your journey might be full of challenges, but it’s in those moments that resilience is built. Find mentors, seek out opportunities for growth, and remember the impact you aim to make. Success is not just about personal achievement but also about uplifting others and making a difference in your community. Every step you take towards that vision is a powerful one—trust in the process, lean into your strengths, and know that meaningful change is often built one courageous step at a time.
