Linda Kneidinger is a neuroscience- and psychology-trained coach who helps women—and athletes—navigate self-doubt, transitions, and inner resistance with compassion and clarity. Drawing from decades of experience in brain science, education, and coaching, Linda’s work demystifies why we struggle and shows how real change becomes possible when we stop fighting our brains and start working with them. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Linda’s journey as it deeply resonates with our global community of 5 million changemakers united by a mission of supporting women through She for She and He for She—encouraging empowerment, self-belief, and sustainable growth at every stage of life.
Q: Linda, what first inspired your journey into neuroscience and psychology?
Linda:
It actually goes all the way back to high school. I was the top tennis player at my school, but I struggled during matches—not physically, but mentally. My coach kept telling me I wasn’t concentrating enough, yet the more I tried to think, the worse I played. That contradiction fascinated me. I sensed there was something deeper going on with how the mind works.
When I went to college, I studied neuroscience while on a pre-med track, but I found myself far more drawn to brain-and-behavior classes than chemistry or biology. That curiosity led me into psychology. Over time, through work as a school psychologist, parent educator, and later as a coach, I became deeply interested in how people reach a “flow state”—that place where action feels natural rather than forced. Helping people understand that has been the foundation of my work ever since.
Q: How did coaching become your chosen path?
Linda:
Coaching felt more alive to me than traditional psychology because it’s action-based and outcome-focused. People come with a real problem, and I help them understand why that problem makes perfect sense once you understand how the brain works. Then we build new habits and patterns that align with what they actually want.
I often say I’m “against motivation,” which sounds strange to people. But if something feels painful or threatening to your brain, no amount of motivation will fix it long-term. Instead, we look at what feels unsafe or overwhelming and make it easier. That’s where real change happens—and it’s incredibly relieving for people to realize they’re not broken or lazy.
Q: Who do you primarily work with today?
Linda:
My core audience is women, especially those in transition—midlife women rethinking careers, selling businesses, re-entering the workforce, or finally prioritizing themselves. I also continue to work with athletes, which connects back to where my journey began.
Beyond that, I speak to teenage girls, college students, and young women because I truly believe these conversations should start earlier. If we normalize understanding fear, self-doubt, and confidence at a young age, women won’t have to spend decades unlearning limiting beliefs.
Q: What kind of transformation do your clients experience?
Linda:
The biggest shift is relief. People realize, “Oh, this makes sense—I’m not failing.” Whether they come to me for career changes, relationships, or personal growth, everything is interconnected. Once women understand their patterns, they start reclaiming parts of their lives that fell through the cracks—health, relationships, confidence, and self-trust.
I’ve seen women step into leadership, leave unfulfilling roles, rebuild their lives after burnout, and finally ask for what they need—without guilt.
Q: Imposter syndrome is something many women struggle with. What’s your perspective on it?
Linda:
You never truly eliminate imposter syndrome—and that’s okay. It’s part of how the brain tries to keep us safe. Any time we do something new, the brain says, “Are you sure?”
I like to think of that voice as a little anxious mouse—he’s not trying to sabotage you, he’s trying to protect you. The key is compassion. Instead of fighting that voice, we listen, ask what it’s afraid of, and gently remind ourselves that we’re safe. Even the most successful people still feel like they’re going to be “found out.” The goal isn’t to silence fear—it’s to move forward alongside it.
Q: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently as an entrepreneur?
Linda:
Not really. I invested time in learning, experimenting, and surrounding myself with supportive women who were also building their coaching practices. What I do have to constantly watch out for—even now—is shiny object syndrome. It’s easy to believe the next certification or marketing tool will be the missing piece.
But the truth is, I’m not missing anything. My gift is my work with people. The key is consistency and getting the right support, rather than chasing perfection.
Q: What does success look like for you today?
Linda:
Personally, success means flexibility. I don’t need to work full-time hours anymore, and I value having space for my family and my life.
Professionally, success looks like a steady flow of aligned clients and a few meaningful speaking engagements—people who truly want to do the work. I want systems that attract interest organically so both my clients and I can say yes or no without pressure.
Q: What legacy do you hope your work leaves behind?
Linda:
I want women to know they have far more control over their thoughts and actions than they believe. We don’t have to accept “this is just how I am.” Awareness gives us choice—and choice gives us power. If women feel empowered over their outcomes, that’s a legacy worth leaving.
Q: Tell us a bit about your book and what you’re working on next.
Linda:
The book grew out of my weekly newsletter—short reflections that explain common struggles and offer simple, practical shifts. Putting a book into the world was terrifying, but the response has been incredibly moving. People tell me they see themselves in it, that it feels relieving and validating.
I’m already gathering material for a future edition because there are so many more stories and insights waiting to be shared.
“When we understand how our brain works, we stop fighting ourselves—and that’s where real empowerment begins.”
Connect with Linda Kneidinger:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-kneidinger/
https://lindakneidinger.com/
https://www.ultimateyou-coaching.com/
Instagram: @ultimateyoucoaching
Facebook: @ultimateyoucoaching
The Amazon link for my new book:
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Best-Year-Yet-Challenges/dp/B0FMRHF4B5
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