Leslie Ehm will reach into your soul, pull out your most powerful authentic self, and help you to realize your full potential. It’s this passion that helped her build a globally renowned training company and continues to drive her work today as a coach, speaker and now author.

A former TV host and and advertising creative director, Leslie’s irreverent spirit and people passion have made her a secret weapon for companies like Google, Uber, TD Bank and Pepsico and she’s literally crisscrossed the globe spreading her ‘swagger’ message.

Unapologetic, cheeky, inspiring and 100% real, Leslie is an irresistible force of nature. That’s why we’re thrilled to be publishing her new book, Swagger: Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want in spring 2021—a kickass read about kicking ass!

Which three words best describe you?
Feeler. Rebel. Dynamite.

What is your book about?
Swagger is about the power that comes from embracing your authentic self. So many people walk around believing that who they are isn’t good enough and spend their lives hiding their real, messy selves behind a false, glossy persona. My book helps them to break through all of the fears that separate them from their true selves and find the confidence to live a life fuelled by truth, intention and self-belief. It’s a guide to becoming the authentic badass you were born to be.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My kids are adopted. I’m able to have children but I didn’t want to make babies when there were already children in the world who needed parents. I asked the universe to bring me my children and it did. My two girls are the best gifts one could ever have received.

Whom do you most admire?
My mother, Evelyn Hannon.

She was a trailblazer, pioneer and certified badass. She was the first person to champion women’s solo travel and became world renowned for it through her Journeywoman website and movement. She taught me how to be a strong, fearless woman and always told me that I could do and be anything I wanted. I am very much her daughter.

(Oh, and my big sister Erica Ehm would kill me if I didn’t include her. She’s also a badass and her, I don’t mess with.)

Yoga or kickboxing?
Neither. I kick it old skool: I’m a boxer! Like, for real. I took up the sport when I was in my late 40s and it was life changing. Nothing like the stank of a boxing gym, a solid punch to the face, and hugging it out after. It’s like playing chess with your body. And there’s no people like boxing people!

P.S. That’s me in the Blue corner. Impressive jab, no?

What is the last book you read?
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Enthralling, suspenseful, human, and insightful. So gritty and gorgeous.

Who is your favorite author?
Anne Lamott. She’s so incredibly vulnerable and real, and writes in service of embracing the human condition in all of its flawed glory. Her book Bird by Bird also helped to make me a much better writer.

What is your personal motto?
“This is not a rehearsal.” We get one life to live; one go around on the carousel. Every moment we exist, every interaction we have is unique and can never be repeated. So live large right now!!!

Where do you find inspiration?
People. I love me some HUMANS! Training and coaching them, having them allow me into their hearts and minds so I can help them to be stronger and happier, seeing their growth and evolution. Damn—I am so lucky to be able to do that. Their vulnerability, trust and potential inspire the crap out of me every single time.