In a candid interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Leisse Wilcox—leadership expert, two-time bestselling author, and breast cancer survivor—shares her vision for leadership in 2025. Leisse, a trailblazer in emotional intelligence and resilience, brings her own life experiences as a single mother and cancer survivor to her work, helping leaders harness soft skills as powerful tools for navigating an AI-enhanced business landscape. Her insights reveal why relational intelligence and authenticity are essential for future leaders and how entrepreneurs can balance business growth with personal integrity. Leisse’s approach is a blueprint for a new era of leadership, one that prioritizes both success and self-fulfillment.
Leisse Wilcox is a leadership development expert, two-time bestselling author, and breast cancer survivor who’s built a multiple six-figure business from the ground up. Featured in Forbes, Global News, Thrive Global, and NOW Magazine’s body positivity issue, Leisse has become a fierce advocate for self-love and resilience. As a single mom of three, she inspires audiences and clients alike by showing that authentic success starts with embracing our whole selves—scars and all. Her work helps leaders and teams live with purpose and thrive, both personally and professionally.
Why do you believe “soft skills” like emotional intelligence have become the new hard currency in today’s business landscape, particularly as AI continues to reshape the workforce?
As AI takes on more of the technical and analytical tasks in our businesses, it’s creating a surprising “gap” that only humans can fill—relationships. The irony is that as technology gets smarter, our need for “soft skills” like empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence becomes stronger. These are no longer just nice-to-have skills; they’re actually our competitive edge in a world where anyone can automate processes, but only a true leader can build trust, inspire a team, and foster loyalty.
Think of emotional intelligence as the glue that holds a company culture together: AI can streamline tasks, but it’s our human ability to connect, communicate, and motivate that’s truly driving growth and success. Leaders who master these skills are the ones who will not only survive but thrive in an AI-enhanced future.
How has your journey as a single mother and breast cancer survivor influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and leadership development?
My journey through single motherhood and breast cancer profoundly shaped how I see resilience, purpose, and leadership: going through such intense life experiences back to back, I learned that success is less about “toughing it out” and more about leaning into your own humanity, vulnerability, and courage. It’s a matter of showing up for yourself and others, even when things get tough.
In business, this translates to walking my own talk, leading with empathy, authenticity, and a results-oriented approach. I know firsthand that challenges can bring clarity—on what matters, what doesn’t, and how to take meaningful action. When I work with clients, I bring this “lived resilience” to the table, helping them see that they can build strong, sustainable businesses without compromising on what matters most in their personal lives.
In what ways do you encourage leaders to embrace resilience and authenticity, especially in the face of challenges? Can you share an example of how these qualities have transformed your clients’ careers?
Resilience and authenticity are the twin engines of true leadership, and embracing them requires a shift in mindset. I encourage leaders to see challenges as opportunities to refine, which strips away the unnecessary and brings out our core strengths. Authenticity, especially, means getting comfortable with who you are, period, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a leader.
One client, for example, came to me feeling she had to “toughen up” to lead in her male-dominated industry. Together, we worked on embracing her natural strengths—compassion, honesty, and an empathetic leadership style. By reframing these qualities as assets rather than weaknesses, she didn’t just achieve her financial goals; she also built a loyal team that felt truly valued. Her authenticity became her superpower, transforming her career and team culture.
What advice would you offer to entrepreneurs who are balancing family obligations with business responsibilities, especially those who are facing personal adversity?
I call it work-life integration. Balancing family and business—especially during times of personal adversity—is about redefining what “enough” looks like for you and letting go of perfectionism. It’s easy to feel that both family and business deserve 100% of you, but it’s not sustainable. Setting realistic boundaries and honoring your priorities can be incredibly empowering.
There’s no blueprint, so please be gentle with yourself. Ask for help when you need it, delegate, and learn to trust others in both personal and professional circles. Finally, be intentional about making time for things that bring you joy and peace, whether that’s a quick coffee with a friend, family dinner, or binge-watching Season 2 of Dexter—these small moments restore your energy and remind you why you’re doing this work.
Looking ahead, what do you envision as the future of leadership and success, and what legacy do you hope to leave for those you mentor?
The future of leadership lies in relational intelligence: a blend of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and courage. As technology continues to evolve, leaders will need to be nimble and deeply human, focusing not just on results but on relationships. Success in this new era means prioritizing well-being alongside productivity, creating a human-centered work environment that allows people to BE human.
For my legacy, I hope to leave behind a blueprint that shows how to succeed in business without losing your sense of self. I want to empower leaders to trust in their own voice, embrace authenticity, and know that it’s possible to lead with heart and ambition at the same time. To me, that’s the ultimate success—a world where leaders inspire others to do meaningful work, supported by the values that make them truly unstoppable.
