We recently connected with Lindsay Benitez and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
The biggest risk I’ve taken in my life is betting on myself and starting a business.
People often ask if becoming an entrepreneur was something I had always dreamed of. My honest answer is that I’m still creating the dream as I go. I never expected, or even imagined, that this would be my path.
Looking back, there were small signs early on. As a kid, I loved selling things. Candy, crafts, cosmetics. I enjoyed the creativity and the connection. But for most of my career, entrepreneurship wasn’t the plan. I spent 15 years building a career in Human Resources and was genuinely happy doing that work. And yet, somewhere along the way, I started to feel a quiet pull toward something more.
I remember writing in my journal many times that I felt there was something bigger waiting for me. At the time, I didn’t know what that meant. Now I’m beginning to understand that feeling was guiding me all along.
When I first left my corporate job and began designing what my business could look like, I had moments of doubt. It would have been easier to return to the comfort of a steady role, a predictable paycheck, and a clear career path. But my intuition kept nudging me forward. It kept telling me there was something I could create outside of the structure of a corporate setting.
When I share my story, people often say how “brave” it is. The truth is, I didn’t necessarily feel brave. What I felt was curious. Curious about what might be possible if I trusted myself.
Starting a business is absolutely a risk. There is uncertainty, vulnerability, and plenty of moments where you question what you’re doing. But when you build something from your heart and allow intuition to guide you, that risk begins to feel less like a gamble and more like your purpose.
Betting on yourself is not always comfortable, but it allows you to discover who you were meant to become.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Lindsay Benitez, the Founder of Lindsay B Coaching, LLC. I’m a certified coach, speaker, and HR expert who helps leaders build confidence, communicate effectively, and lead with authenticity. Much of my work focuses on supporting First-Generation professionals, managers, and HR leaders who want to show up more confidently in their careers while also creating healthier, more human-centered workplaces.
Before starting my business, I spent over 15 years in Human Resources leadership within the marketing and advertising industry. During that time, I worked across talent management, recruiting, leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness. I saw firsthand how powerful leadership, communication, and culture can be in shaping people’s experiences at work. At the same time, I also saw how many talented individuals struggled with confidence, imposter syndrome, and feeling like they had to navigate their careers alone.
That realization led me to coaching.
Today, my work sits at the intersection of leadership development, coaching, and workplace culture. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and one-on-one coaching, I help individuals and organizations develop the self-awareness and communication skills needed to lead with clarity and confidence.
Some of my most requested workshops include topics like The Confident Communicator, From Limiting Beliefs to Limitless Potential, and Coaching the Coaches – Effective Coaching Skills for Leaders. I also offer leadership coaching, group coaching programs, and assessments such as the Energy Leadership Index and DISC to help leaders better understand themselves and how they show up with others.
A big part of what sets my work apart is that I bridge both the organizational and personal side of leadership. With my background in HR and my training as a coach, I understand both the business realities organizations face and the internal experiences individuals navigate. My approach blends practical tools with deeper self-awareness so that people don’t just learn concepts, they experience real shifts in how they think, communicate, and lead.
I’m especially passionate about supporting First-Generation professionals and individuals who have ever felt like the “only” in the room. Many of my clients are incredibly capable, but they’ve spent years questioning whether they belong. Helping them recognize their strengths, own their story, and step into leadership with confidence is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
What I’m most proud of is creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. Whether I’m speaking to a room of leaders, facilitating a workshop, or coaching someone one-on-one, my goal is always the same: to help people build the awareness and confidence they need to take aligned action in their careers and their lives.
At the heart of my work is the belief that leadership starts with self-awareness. When people understand themselves, communicate with intention, and lead with care, they don’t just transform their own careers. They transform the teams and communities around them.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
One of the most important things leaders can remember is that people are human before they are employees. Every person on a team has a universal need to feel heard, seen, and valued. At the same time, we all naturally think about the same question: “What’s in it for me?” Not in a selfish way, but in a very human way. People want to know that their contributions matter, that their voices count, and that the work they are doing has meaning.
That’s why one of my core trainings is my C.A.R.E. model for team building, which focuses on Communication, Awareness, Recognition, and Empathy. It provides a simple, human-centered, and practical framework that leaders can use to strengthen trust, collaboration, and morale within their teams.
Communication is the foundation. Teams thrive when there is open dialogue, clear expectations, and space for people to share ideas, concerns, and feedback without fear.
Awareness is about understanding yourself and others. Leaders who take time to understand different working styles, motivations, and challenges are better equipped to support their teams and create alignment.
Recognition ensures that people feel valued. Acknowledging effort, contributions, and growth builds confidence and reinforces positive behaviors across the team.
Empathy reminds us to lead with humanity and curiosity. There’s always more than one version of the story if we take the time to understand that we all have our own filters and perspectives. When leaders take time to truly listen and understand what their team members are experiencing, it builds trust and strengthens relationships.
When leaders consistently practice Communication, Awareness, Recognition, and Empathy, they create environments where people feel respected, supported, and motivated to do their best work. High morale doesn’t come from perks or pressure. It comes from building a culture where people feel they belong and know that what they do matters.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe my reputation has been built by leading with authenticity, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping people grow. At the core of my work is the belief that we can make the world a better place one person at a time, and that starts with how we support people in their careers, leadership journeys, and their growth beyond just the role they hold.
My work is grounded in both my professional and personal experiences. With over 15 years in Human Resources leadership, I understand the realities organizations face and the dynamics that shape workplace culture. At the same time, my lived experience as a First-Generation leader gives me a deep understanding of what it feels like to walk into spaces where you may question whether you truly belong or feel hesitant to speak up for yourself.
Because of that, many people who work with me say they feel understood in a way that goes beyond traditional leadership development. They know that I’m not just teaching concepts, I’m speaking from experience and from a place of empathy and understanding.
Referrals have also played a significant role in growing my business. Many of my clients come through word of mouth from people who have experienced my coaching or workshops firsthand. I focus on raising awareness of what’s possible for individuals and teams, and I lead with heart in everything I do. When people feel supported, seen, and empowered through the work we do together, they naturally want to share that experience with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindsaybenitez.com
- Instagram: @lindsaybcoaching
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaybenitez
