Fiona Gomes Bhattacharya is a leadership coach driven by a deep commitment to helping women rise in the professional world. With over 25 years in the corporate sector, including two decades at Accenture in talent and HR, Fiona’s journey reflects resilience, transformation, and purpose. Her story resonates with countless women striving to balance ambition with life’s transitions. Through Humans of Fuzia, a global platform connecting over 5 million changemakers and leaders, we proudly spotlight Fiona’s mission to create more inclusive, empowered spaces for women in leadership. At Fuzia, we believe in both He for She and She for She—together, we rise.
What inspired you to start your coaching journey?
My coaching journey began long before I even realized it. During my time at Accenture, I noticed many women in my team stepping back from their careers due to life events like marriage or motherhood. While I fully respect those choices, I also observed that some of them weren’t aware of the options available. That led me to guide them—asking questions, exploring possibilities, and encouraging them to think beyond the immediate challenges. That, in many ways, was the unofficial beginning of my coaching path. Officially, I pursued my ICF certifications and started my own coaching practice in 2023, which has been a fulfilling journey so far.
What were some challenges you faced when starting your coaching practice?
The biggest challenge? Finding clients. I used to joke that after finishing my certifications, I expected to open my door and find a line of people waiting to be coached! But the reality is, building a coaching business, especially as an independent, requires a completely different mindset—one that involves business development, marketing, and networking, which many of us aren’t naturally trained for. It’s been a learning curve, but also an empowering one.
How did you overcome those challenges?
Initially, I didn’t jump into finding my own clients directly. I collaborated with other coaching organizations and partners. I’m certified in tools like Hogan Assessments and StrengthsFinder, so I offered those services alongside coaching through my collaborators. Over time, as word of mouth spread and my network grew, I became more confident in attracting clients independently. Now, business development feels much more organic.
Is there a milestone or achievement you’re especially proud of?
Yes, absolutely. I had set a financial target for myself when I started—and I achieved it! That felt great. But beyond the numbers, I’m now working toward building a waiting list of clients and securing corporate contracts. That’s my next big goal.
How do you feel your work makes a difference in people’s lives?
I’m especially passionate about supporting women leaders. While I coach people of all genders, I feel deeply connected to helping women grow because I’ve walked that path myself. Sometimes, it’s small shifts—like helping a woman feel confident enough to stop apologizing unnecessarily—that create real, lasting change. Seeing that transformation, the joy and confidence on their faces, is why I do what I do.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
There aren’t enough women in leadership, and that needs to change. Women bring unique strengths to the table, and we need to create more space for their voices. I’m currently working on programs supporting Asian women in corporate America, helping them overcome cultural barriers and build the confidence to lead authentically.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Value yourself—always. So often, we hold back because we question our worth or fear rejection. But you are valuable, your voice matters, and what you bring to the workforce is significant. My simple mantra is: If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. So believe in yourself, ask for what you deserve, and you’ll be surprised by how many doors open.
“Believe in your worth, ask boldly, and the world will open up for you.”
Connect with Fiona Gomes Bhattacharya:
You can connect with Fiona on LinkedIn
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