Heather Brown is an entrepreneurial business coach and co-founder of Empowering Leadership Teams, a women-owned business helping organizations and their people work better together. Her journey from actress to coach is a story of self-discovery, empowerment, and purpose. Through her work, Heather supports entrepreneurs and their teams to think collaboratively, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Heather for her inspiring mission of helping individuals step into their most empowered selves — a message that deeply resonates with our global community of over 5 million members who believe in uplifting one another through both He for She and She for She support.
Q: Heather, your journey to becoming an entrepreneurial coach is so inspiring. Could you share what led you here?
Heather: Honestly, I never set out to become a business coach. As a child, I dreamed of being a teacher, and later I pursued acting in New York and Los Angeles. But life had other plans. After retiring from acting, I went back to school and earned a master’s degree in spiritual psychology because I’ve always been fascinated by the human element of life. Through that, I met a business expert who became my mentor. I worked for her for a decade, leading online programs and helping teams collaborate effectively. That experience showed me how much I loved helping people grow, communicate, and solve problems together — and that naturally evolved into coaching.
Q: That’s such a meaningful transition. What do you focus on through Empowering Leadership Teams?
Heather: We focus on helping entrepreneurial businesses and their teams feel empowered to do their best thinking and problem-solving. My two women business partners and I are passionate about supporting people to collaborate better, delegate wisely, and communicate clearly. There’s such a powerful difference between being empowered and not — and when people feel empowered, they bring their best selves to work and life.
Q: How do you typically connect with your clients?
Heather: I work with clients globally through virtual coaching. Most people start with a personalized coaching package so we can address their specific needs and challenges. I also run a year-long leadership training program that combines coaching, curriculum, and community. Anyone interested can reach out through my website — there’s even a free “Coffee Chat with Heather” call to get started and see if we’re the right fit.
Q: You’ve mentioned having clients across different countries. How do you manage that globally?
Heather: My clients are spread across the U.S., Australia, Ireland, and Brazil — so time zones are really the only limitation! I’m based in California and tend to work late nights, which actually aligns well with my international clients. My business partner on the East Coast covers morning sessions, so together we’re able to work with clients across various regions.
Q: Let’s talk about AI — it’s such a big part of today’s business world. What’s your perspective on it?
Heather: I use AI every day and absolutely believe it’s an important tool for entrepreneurs. Small businesses, especially, should embrace it to maximize their resources. However, I think there’s a balance to strike — AI can enhance what we do, but it shouldn’t replace people. The best results happen when good humans do good thinking with AI. Businesses need to be smart and respectful of their teams, giving them the tools and freedom to use AI creatively rather than fearing replacement. Ultimately, innovation requires human creativity, and AI works best when powered by that.
Q: That’s such a balanced view. From your experience, what’s the biggest challenge entrepreneurs face today?
Heather: The biggest challenge is staying calm in times of financial or global uncertainty. There’s so much happening in the world that can cause panic, but great leaders and teams are the ones who stay centered and think clearly under pressure. I always remind my clients about the “power of the pause” — taking a moment before reacting emotionally helps you make better, more strategic decisions. Emotional reactivity rarely leads to good business choices.
Q: That’s such valuable advice. What about leadership — what do you think many entrepreneurs overlook?
Heather: Many entrepreneurs rely heavily on external advice from other CEOs, but they forget that their own teams hold a wealth of insight. Your employees know your customers, your processes, and your challenges more intimately than anyone else. Listening to them — truly listening — can uncover solutions and opportunities that external consultants might miss. It’s one of the most underutilized resources in business.
Q: And finally, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur for you?
Heather: Freedom and creativity. Being a business owner allows me to create something meaningful and make a direct impact. I never planned to be an entrepreneur, but now I can’t imagine anything else. It’s empowering to design my own path and help others do the same. That, to me, is the best part — seeing people realize what they’re truly capable of.
“Empowerment is about more than leadership — it’s about believing in your ability to think, create, and contribute meaningfully to the world.” — Heather Brown
Connect with Heather Brown:
Website: www.empoweringleadershipteams.com
LinkedIn: Heather Brown
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