We recently connected with Leslee Fontenette and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Leslee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
Years ago before I started coaching I was an elementary school teacher. I wanted to impact our future by helping influence the kids in my community. After a couple years teaching it became very clear to me that no matter how great of an influence I tried to be, at the end of the day, their parents/caregivers always were the most influential. No matter what kind of influence they had at home, that is the one they leaned on the most. At that point I started to realize maybe it was the parents and caregivers that needed the positive guidance. Just around the same time, I had my first daughter.. and almost immediately I understood that taking care of your kids AND yourself was HARD! That the parents absolutely needed the help, direction, and support in a realistic way. My daughter wasn’t even a year old before I left the classroom and started working with adults. It continues to be an anchor to why I coach the way that I do.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
89% of women are unhappy with their weight. 95% of people who diet gain the weight back within a year. I used to be a part of that 89% and I tried every diet and pill I could get my hands on.
I am here to help women understand their bodies and trust it so much that they don’t fall for the crash diets or the next magic pill. The diet pills and teas can cause chronic pain and constipation, not to mention the distrust it gives us thinking we don’t know our own body.
I teach how to listen to your body again, to understand hunger and fullness cues.
The difference between emotional hunger and physical hunger, and how to feed both.
How movement can be fun and enjoyable, and how to understand your own self sabotage, why it happens, and flip the script on that narrative.
I’m proud to have have helped women, men, and young girls understand that they already have everything they need in order to be healthy.
I offer 1:1 coaching, as well as a women’s group coaching that includes virtual calls and workouts every week. I host girls camps for 8-15 year old’s on how to take care of yourself and trust your own body in a world of social media.
With support, direction, and accountability I believe anyone can move forward with their health and overall joy in life.
Certifications: Health & Life Coaching, Personal Training, Mindset Coach, Nutrition Coach, Youth Exercise Specialist
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy I believe for growing clientele is honesty. Letting people in on what the journey actually looks like for myself personally. Sharing the challenging thoughts that I face with my own health or even the struggles of everyday life. I think that human connection is crucial and even though it feels scary its the most real thing we can offer. Google can tell anyone the answer to whatever question they have.. but it can’t offer the genuine connection and understanding.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
The Gap and The Gain is by far the book that I could read over and over again that has impacted my coaching. It proves just how important it is to always look at how far you’ve come rather than always chasing the next big ideal that you have. It won’t slow you down from reaching your goals but it will definitely make the journey so much more enjoyable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livingwellwithleslee.com
- Instagram: @livingwellwithleslee
Image Credits
Angi Lewis Studios