We recently connected with Léo Devillers and have shared our conversation below.

Léo, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

Follow your passions and do what you love.

I have a passion for art, horses, and helping others. I am a happy painter, horse trainer, and life coach, born in Bordeaux, France, and I have been living in the Bahamas for quite a few years now.

I owned an equestrian center called Trikk Pony Stables, here in the Bahamas, where I taught horseback riding and offered private excursions on one of the most beautiful beaches of Grand Bahama Island. Being with horses is a true passion for me, working with these amazing gentle souls brings me so much joy and freedom to feel. Sadly, several major hurricanes battered our island throughout the years, and after 13 years of bliss with my horses, I had no choice but to shut my business down, as tourism became scarce.

I then turned to my art and became a full time artist for 3 years. I created pastels at first, and then turned to acrylic painting. Being an artist on a small island was not easy. I struggled being seen enough to make a decent living, and though I was selling, it was not enough at times.

Helping others was always something that came naturally for me, so I took on the amazing journey of becoming a life coach. After my certification, I was so passionate about what I had learned about the brain and emotions during my independent studies, that I decided to further my learning, which led me to become a brain coach.

I have learned that even if it doesn’t come easy, even if it is hard, even if it takes time, even if it feels uncomfortable, even if it feels like it is not working out, do what you love. Don’t give up on your passions and your purpose, and keep pushing. Believe in it strongly, and the universe will align with you.

Léo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My life story started out a little sombre. I grew up in a world shaped by emotional abuse, which made me shy and insecure, and I found safety in the shadow of my twin sister, Valérie. At 16, I lost my best friend in a car accident, and just a few years later, Valérie was taken from me in a tragic horse accident. My trauma shaped me into someone consumed by insecurity, people-pleasing, and an aching soul.

I found deep comfort in creating art from an early age. It was the place where I felt safety in expressing myself. Later in life, I was able to share my love for art with my clients and fans. I create what I see and feel, and also accept commissions. My paintings are spread out between Canada, France, Japan, United States, England, Costa Rica, and The Bahamas.

Through my journey becoming a life coach, I experienced an incredible transformation. I went from living in my trauma, to shifting into my true reality with a clear understanding of what it means to live with passion, gratitude, acceptance, and purpose. It is to me the equation for positivity and endless opportunity, and I witnessed the little shy and insecure girl I always knew, blossom into the confident, happy, loving woman that I am today.

Apart from serving others as a mindset coach, I am also very proud to say I have now joined a wonderful group of coaches whose mission is to serve Veterans, and their families, who suffer from PTSD. I am infinitely grateful to be part of this truly noble calling.

I feel so fulfilled to be contributing to the change of others through my passions and purpose, helping amazing human beings who find themselves where I once was, and bringing joy to others through my artwork.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Being insecure most of my life, I always tried to be perfect, so people would like me. It is exhausting, and let’s face it, not everyone is going to like you.

You don’t have to strive for perfection; what truly matters is embracing your authentic self. Love yourself, accept yourself, and be YOU. When you’re unapologetically you, you attract people who appreciate your uniqueness and share your values. It’s this genuine connection that fosters deeper relationships, creating a supportive circle that celebrates your flaws and strengths alike. So let go of the pressure to be perfect, and instead, focus on being real—because the right people will love you for exactly who you are.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I believe constant learning is crucial for personal growth, adaptability, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world. It deepens understanding, ultimately enriching both professional and personal lives. During my coaching certification course, I had to complete a large acrylic commission which was taking a lot of my time. It was then that I began listening to podcasts for my self-study hours. The first podcast I listen to was On Purpose, with Jay Shetty and Dr. Joe Dispenza as his guest. It was that podcast that opened my eyes to what we really are, and I became so curious about the emotions and the brain, which led me to get certified as a brain coach. I wanted to know why we subconsciously react the way we do, and how we can change it, to become greater and extraordinary.

I regularly listen to The School of Greatness (Lewis Howes), Diary of a CEO (Steve Bartlett, whose book “Diary of a CEO” I am currently reading), On Purpose (Jay Shetty), Dr. Joe Dispenza, Julien Blanc, and Nick Pollard.

Additionally, meditation has become a very important part of my daily life, which keeps me focused and centered.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: thelionartiste