From Corporate Leader to Transformational Coach: Lucia Franchi’s Journey to Unlocking Potential

Lucia Franchi is a seasoned Leadership Coach and Trainer whose journey began in the corporate world, leading teams at global brands like Swiffer and Finish. She spent years developing talent and fostering growth in others, but eventually realised her true passion lay in empowering individuals to reach their full potential. A personal turning point led her to transition into coaching, where she now helps others navigate their challenges and unlock their leadership abilities. Lucia’s coaching philosophy centres on creating lasting transformation, believing that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. She is particularly passionate about supporting young professionals, especially women, as they navigate the complexities of their careers. Her own early experiences with gender bias in the workplace fuel her commitment to helping others find their value and thrive. Today, she is dedicated to guiding individuals and teams to success by instilling purpose-driven leadership and resilience.

What was the pivotal moment in your corporate career that led you to realise coaching and training others was your true passion?

The pivotal moment came when I realised that my greatest satisfaction didn’t come from the business successes I achieved, but from the moments when I could help people grow. Leading teams at global brands like Swiffer and Finish was rewarding, but I often felt that something was missing. I had my own “valley” moment when, despite my success, I felt stuck. Then, I knew my true passion was empowering others to reach their full potential. Transitioning to coaching and training allowed me to focus on what truly matters to me: helping people unlock their leadership skills and achieve breakthroughs in their careers.

Your experience with gender bias during a job interview was a defining moment. How has this shaped your approach to empowering young professionals, especially women, in their career journeys?

That experience of blatant gender bias early in my career shook me to the core. Being told I was the perfect fit but denied the opportunity because of my potential to become a mother left me frustrated and unsure where to turn for guidance. This is why I’m so passionate about coaching young professionals, particularly women. I want to be the mentor and support that I didn’t have at that time. I help them navigate biases, recognize their value, and build the confidence to stand tall in the face of challenges. My approach is about empowering them to own their worth and not let systemic obstacles hold them back.

You believe that every challenge presents an opportunity to grow and lead with purpose. Can you share an example of how you’ve applied this philosophy in your coaching practice?

In my coaching practice, I often work with young professionals who feel overwhelmed by the challenges they face in the workplace. One example that stands out is a young woman who felt stuck in a role where she wasn’t being recognized for her contributions. Together, we reframed the situation as an opportunity for her to step up as a leader, even without the formal title. By focusing on her strengths and taking proactive steps to showcase her skills, she was able to transform her situation and gain the recognition she deserved. Challenges like these aren’t roadblocks; they are opportunities for growth and leadership.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced transitioning from a corporate leadership role at global brands like Swiffer and Finish to becoming a leadership coach?

The transition from corporate leadership to coaching was both exciting and daunting. One of the biggest challenges was shifting from a structured corporate environment, where success is often measured by tangible business outcomes, to a more personal, one-on-one approach where success is about individual growth and transformation. I also had to learn to trust the process of coaching—understanding that helping others navigate their paths would be just as rewarding, if not more so, than leading teams myself. I had to embrace the vulnerability of not having all the answers but knowing I could guide others to find theirs.

You’re passionate about guiding younger professionals. How do you help them build resilience and confidence in the face of workplace biases and obstacles?

Resilience and confidence are built through a combination of self-awareness and strategic action. With younger professionals, I work on helping them recognize their strengths and identify areas for growth. But more than that, I help them reframe obstacles as opportunities. For example, when faced with bias or criticism, I encourage them to use these experiences as fuel for improvement, rather than letting them define their self-worth. By setting clear, actionable goals and celebrating even small victories, they begin to build the confidence that will sustain them through challenges.

As someone who experienced bias firsthand, what advice do you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries?

My advice to young women in male-dominated industries is to never let bias define your path. There will be moments when you’re underestimated or sidelined, but these are opportunities to prove your worth, not just to others but to yourself. It’s also crucial to build a support network—surround yourself with mentors and allies who will champion your growth. Lastly, own your voice and never be afraid to speak up. Your perspective is valuable, and your contributions are needed. Stay persistent, and don’t be afraid to take up space.

 How has your definition of success evolved from your time in the corporate world to your role as a coach and trainer today?

In the corporate world, success is often measured by the numbers—revenue growth, market share, or business results. As a coach, my definition of success has shifted dramatically. Now, success is about the impact I have on individuals. It’s watching someone unlock their potential, overcome their fears, and step into their leadership. It’s about helping people transform not just their careers, but their lives. Success, for me now, is the ripple effect of empowering one person to then inspire others.

In your coaching experience, what are some key strategies or mindsets that lead to lasting transformation in both personal and professional leadership?

One of the most important strategies for lasting transformation is self-awareness. Understanding your strengths, your triggers, and your values creates a foundation for growth. Another key is resilience—learning to bounce back from failure and to view challenges as stepping stones rather than setbacks. Finally, leading with purpose is crucial. When you connect your actions to a deeper mission or goal, it’s easier to stay motivated and inspire others. In my coaching, I focus on helping individuals align their leadership style with their personal values, which creates more sustainable and authentic leadership.

You mentioned feeling “stuck” despite success in your corporate role. What advice would you give to leaders who find themselves in a similar valley, feeling unfulfilled despite their achievements?

Feeling stuck despite external success is more common than we realize. My advice is to pause and reconnect with your “why.” What motivated you in the beginning? What are you passionate about now? Often, we get so caught up in chasing success that we lose sight of what truly fulfils us. It’s important to reflect on what brings you joy and purpose, and then consider how you can align your career with that. Sometimes, this might mean pivoting to something new, like I did with coaching, or it could mean re-engaging with your current role in a different way.

Looking back on your career, what do you hope your legacy will be in leadership coaching, particularly in supporting young professionals and future leaders?

I hope my legacy will be one of empowerment and transformation. I want to be remembered for helping young professionals, especially women, realize their potential and lead with confidence. I hope that the people I’ve coached go on to inspire others, creating a ripple effect of leadership and empowerment. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be about giving back and creating a supportive space where the next generation of leaders can thrive.