Steve C is the founder of Real Leadership Consultancy, a purpose-driven leadership coach who believes in staying present with his clients—not just handing them advice but being right there in the thick of their real-time challenges. After a 25-year career in consumer research, Steve stepped away from corporate security in search of deeper purpose—driven by a moment that made him realize even his own son wasn’t sure what he truly did for a living. That reflection sparked a transformation not just in his career but in the way he impacted others.
Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Steve’s journey—a story of bold transitions, quiet resilience, and authentic leadership. Through his work, Steve embodies our mission of empowering leaders who in turn create ripple effects in communities. With a global community of over 5 million strong, we believe in He for She and She for She, and Steve’s story beautifully aligns with that ethos.
Steve, could you give a quick introduction about yourself and your journey into leadership coaching?
I spent 25 years in the corporate world, mainly in consumer research, trying to understand human behavior—why people do what they do. But just before the pandemic hit, I felt the urge to find my personal purpose. I left my comfortable job without a clear plan, driven by a pivotal moment—overhearing my teenage son tell his friends he didn’t really know what I did. That pushed me to create a meaningful legacy. I asked people what I was best at, and coaching kept coming up. So I started Real Leadership Consultancy with one goal: help leaders become the best version of themselves.
That’s a brave shift. What makes Real Leadership Consultancy different from traditional leadership coaching?
There are countless leadership models out there, but I intentionally chose not to follow them. My core philosophy is: Be the leader you want to be, not the one others expect you to be. Especially in a post-pandemic world, people crave authenticity, empathy, and emotional intelligence—qualities that weren’t emphasized in old leadership paradigms. I also do things differently. I don’t disappear after a coaching session—I’m available when the hard moments hit: before tough meetings, right after conflicts, during real-time stress. That’s when I want to show up.
Who do you typically work with, and where are your clients based?
Interestingly, around 80% of my clients have been women. I think my message resonates with them because they’re tired of being boxed into traditional leadership molds. They want to lead from a place that feels natural, not forced. I work globally—Europe, the US, the Philippines. My work spans coaching founders in accelerators, female-led organizations, and growing startups. I now travel more than I ever did in my corporate life, which my wife finds ironic!
What are your thoughts on the rise of women in entrepreneurship and leadership?
I once judged a startup competition where female founders gave powerful pitches, but some male investors quickly dismissed them as “not strong enough.” It was painful to watch—and eye-opening. That kind of bias still exists. I’ve seen women be questioned even after raising funds—asked if they’re capable of leading just because of outdated perceptions. I love helping these women build their confidence, challenge those assumptions, and prove their worth. The very skills that were once considered “soft”—empathy, care, emotional intelligence—are now essential. Women leaders bring these naturally, and it’s changing the business landscape.
You mentioned working with both men and women. How does your coaching approach differ across genders?
For women, it’s often about helping them own their space—combatting imposter syndrome, navigating male-dominated environments, and recognizing their leadership strengths. With men, I sometimes have to do the opposite: dial back the hyper-focus on results and encourage more emotional connection with their teams. It’s always about finding a balance that feels real and human.
Can you share one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?
Without a doubt—self-doubt. Leaving a secure job wasn’t easy. I was the “safe” one in my family, and they didn’t understand why I gave that up. I remember my wife telling me, “You’ve got three years to make this work.” I passed the test, but she keeps extending my probation every year! Even now, I wake up wondering about the future, about my clients, and whether I’m doing enough. But I push forward because I believe in what I’m building.
What’s next for Real Leadership Consultancy?
We just launched a new website to reflect how the business has evolved. While one-to-one coaching is still at the heart, I’ve expanded into more traditional consultancy—helping clients with strategy, team building, and even recruitment. I’ve also brought in a trusted network of professionals to support areas outside my expertise. It’s about giving my clients the full circle of leadership support they need.
And finally, what’s your message to aspiring entrepreneurs out there?
Enjoy the journey. It’s easy to obsess over the next milestone, the next investor, or the next big win. But don’t miss the magic in what today is offering. If today was good—tomorrow can be even better.
“Enjoy the journey. If today was good—let tomorrow surprise you with something even better.” – Steve C
Connect with Steve C
You can connect with Steve on LinkedIn
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