Transforming Through Change and Growth: Leadership Lessons from Libby Cook-Black

In an age where comfort often takes precedence over courage, Libby Cook-Black stands as a powerful example of purpose-driven leadership and personal growth. A proud Zenath Kes woman from Erobe Island, Libby has transformed her career from elite athlete to social impact leader as founder of The Female Co., a not-for-profit empowering women and girls.

In this conversation with Fran Harper, leadership coach and host of What I Wish I Knew at 30, Libby opens up about embracing change, building resilience, and leading with authenticity.

From Security to Self-Discovery

Libby shares how she left a stable government career to pursue her purpose full-time, a leap that would redefine her life and leadership.

Her story reminds us that true growth often begins when we step beyond our comfort zone. For many professionals and leaders, this shift represents the heart of personal development and clarity in purpose, values central to Fran Harper Coaching’s philosophy of living with intention.

Mindset Shifts

💡 Lessons from Sport to Leadership

Libby’s years as an athlete shaped her performance mindset, one grounded in discipline, consistency, and perseverance.

This alignment mirrors what many executives experience when they work with an executive coach, discovering how mindset and performance drive long-term success. Her insights underscore the value of coaching for leaders and founders who want to elevate their performance and lead consciously.

💡 Overcoming Bias and Building Connection

As a First Nations woman in business, Libby acknowledges the systemic barriers and biases that still exist in leadership spaces.

Instead of allowing these challenges to define her, Libby channels them into mentorship and intergenerational leadership, building bridges between women and communities. Her resilience is a testament to emotional intelligence in leadership, showing that empathy and connection can dismantle barriers where strategy alone cannot.

💡 Leading with Vulnerability and Emotional Intelligence

Libby also challenges the outdated idea that emotion and leadership can’t coexist.

This perspective aligns beautifully with mindful and conscious leadership coaching, where leaders learn to integrate logic with empathy and lead from a place of authentic awareness. As Fran often teaches, emotional intelligence isn’t weakness, it’s a strategic strength for modern leaders.

💡 Final Thoughts: Growth Beyond Comfort

Libby’s journey is more than a story of professional reinvention, it’s a reminder that resilience, authenticity, and courage define sustainable success.

Her message echoes the foundation of holistic coaching for leaders: growth happens when we align purpose, mindset, and wellbeing.

Explore Your Own Growth

At Fran Harper Coaching, we believe that every leader can evolve through clarity, confidence, and conscious leadership.

If Libby’s story inspired you to reflect on your own journey, explore how executive coaching can help you:

• Build resilience and confidence

• Reconnect with purpose

• Lead with emotional intelligence

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For more inspiring stories and actionable insights on leadership growth, mindset transformation, and holistic wellbeing, subscribe to “What I Wish I Knew at 30” with Fran Harper.

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