Leah Brown's journey from corporate law to social entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. Known for her role as a successful corporate lawyer, Leah took a bold leap into the world of entrepreneurship.
As the founder of The WayFinders Group, she now specialises in guiding organisations through complex transitions and high-stakes situations.
With a focus on empathy, innovation, and a strong commitment to social impact, Leah's work not only transforms leadership but also bridges gaps in communication and trust.
Join us as we delve into Leah's remarkable journey, her vision for the future, and the incredible impact she's making in the world of leadership and change.
Can you share a bit about your early life and how it influenced your career choices?
I grew up in rural North Yorkshire, surrounded by sheep, cows, and lush fields. My mother was an academic, and my father, though I didn’t know it then, worked in intelligence.
Unlike many pushed by their parents, I had an inner drive and determination from a young age, likely due to a challenging home environment. I was often on stage, whether in public speaking, debating, playing the violin, or acting. Music was a major part of my life-1 achieved Grade 8 in Violin by 12 and completed my diploma exams by 19. 1 also enjoyed team sports and became an officer in both the US Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and the RAF’s CCF in England.
I was raised to believe I could do anything, which led me to a career that combines diplomacy, advocacy, and collab-oration. As a corporate lawyer, I felt out of place, longing for more creativity and connection in my work. Writing, which I started in 2014, gave me an outlet for my thoughts.
Now, along with running The WayFinders Group, I have the privilege of serving on impactful boards and learning from inspiring people.
How did you become an entrepreneur, and what has the journey been like so far?
I’ve always been driven to do the right thing and help oth-ers. Leaving my corporate law role to become an entrepreneur was a tough decision, but seeing communication breakdowns and poor crisis management inspired me to find a better way. I founded The WayFinders Group to help leaders navigate change and rebuild trust. While I enjoy the flexibility of self-employment, juggling three companies is a challenge, but it’s led me to meet incredible people like Emma Thompson and Kerry Washington.
Can you share some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career and how you overcame them?
Qualifying as a lawyer was tough. After university, I was nearly deported, making my law studies in the UK seem impossible. During my Bar exams, my parents divorced, I struggled financially, and I was supporting my mother, who was unintentionally homeless. I failed an exam due to its structure, almost losing the honorary LLB needed for a work visa. During the Accelerated LPC, more financial and personal challenges nearly cost me my training contract and visa.
The biggest challenges came in my early thirties when I had a breakdown managing my responsibilities under the UK
Mental Health Act, which pushed me to re-evaluate my purpose.As a faith-driven entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn to be kinder to myself and stop striving so hard. I’ve faced rejection for my gender, race, age, and approach, enduring lonely seasons. But I’m learning that you don’t need to do anything to be worthy.
What isThe WayFinders Group, and what inspired you to create it?
The WayFinders Group challenges the status quo by helping organisations and leaders navigate complex, high-stakes situations to create lasting positive outcomes. We guide leaders in understanding what’s really happening beneath the surface, allowing them to explore new possibilities instead of being limited by current challenges. The business is rooted in a personal calling to promote reconciliation and transformation in a divided society. I strive for those lightbulb moments when people see that conflict can lead to growth and understanding. I envision a world where disagreements foster constructive dialogue, not shame or fear.
What are some of the key goals and missions of The WayFinders Group, and how do you see it impacting your audience?
At The WayFinders Group, our goal is to empower leaders to discover new paths through values-driven problem-solving.
We envision a future where leaders create positive change in people, organisations, and communities. By guiding leaders on an unconventional path, we help them, their teams, and their communities to grow and transform.
As a changemaker, you must be comfortable with discom-fort. At The WayFinders Group, we approach challenges differently, inviting vulnerability to identify and address the root of problems. Mediators like us help people separate themselves from their issues, leading to more peaceful, less complicated relationships. Taming egos is a big part of our work, and we’re dedicated to brokering reconciliation in boardrooms and beyond. Our business is bold in challenging the status quo and humble in leading the way forward.
How do you balance your various roles, from paying invoices to podcasting and writing?
There’s no single path to success-opportunities vary, and consistency is key. I believe in showing up for my commit-ments, even when life is tough, as
“The Princess Bride”
reminds us. The WayFinders Group reflects my journey in embracing complexity. It took me four years to find a literary agent,so juggling getting a book to market with building a business wasn’t ideal. I’m a stickler for lists and deadlines, but I’ve learned to extend timelines to avoid burnout. The biggest challenge in my work is managing the emotional toll of others’ conflicts.
I host “The Longest Day” podcast, which has been crucial for business development and networking. I also write and speak to build brand awareness. We’re a small team doing amazing things, like heading to South Africa in October to deliver a UN community mediation training program. I write whenever I can—in pubs, on trains, or early in the morning.
Writing, like playing the violin and walking my dog, helps me decompress. Social media has become overwhelming, so I’ve stepped back to regain balance. I’m grateful for a full life, doing impactful work with fascinating people, where no two days are the same.
What are some of your proudest achievements so far?
My greatest achievement is developing and growing peo-ple, especially in their faith and confidence. I’m proud of my ability to quickly identify and nurture others’ strengths.
I’m also grateful for the progress I’ve made in closing the gap between how I see myself and how others see me since becoming an entrepreneur. I’m continually amazed by the opportunities and spaces we’re invited into.
How do you envision the next few years for you and your various endeavours?
When I started The WayFinders Group (formerly Broadstairs Consulting), I had the team watch “Scandal” to inspire our work. My stretch goal was to become a cross-governmental advisor to No. 10 Downing Street. Today, I aim to be known for taming the egos of leaders in high-stakes situations across NGOs, charities, and government departments. As I build the business, I’m curious and excited to see how it evolves over time. I’m also looking forward to having my debut memoir and novel acquired.
