Flying High Women Leaders | Change By Challenge
Laura Weiner-Kiser’s workspace is as fluid as the concepts she champions. Change By Challenge, her five-year-old coaching firm, operates entirely virtually, a testament to Weiner-Kiser’s belief that transformation transcends physical boundaries. But her impact is anything but intangible. As President and Stress & Mindset Coach, Weiner-Kiser isn’t just offering strategies; she’s crafting a philosophy of resilience, built on the bedrock of integrity and authenticity.
“Driven by Purpose, Guided by Integrity,” reads her company motto. For Weiner-Kiser, this isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the guiding principle that has shaped her unconventional journey. Her path, marked by personal struggles and a relentless pursuit of self-discovery, has led her to a profound understanding of the human psyche. “True transformation comes when we reconnect with who we truly are, not who others say we should be,” she explains, her voice imbued with a quiet intensity.
Change By Challenge is more than a coaching service; it’s a partnership built on trust and mutual respect. Weiner-Kiser’s value proposition lies in her ability to build relationships that empower and sustain long-term success. “We don’t just deliver results—we build relationships,” she emphasizes. “Our approach is not just about solving problems but about anticipating needs and elevating potential.” This client-centric approach, coupled with a rare blend of high-touch service and ethical responsibility, sets her apart in a crowded field.
Weiner-Kiser’s unique selling proposition (USP) is her holistic, integrity-driven approach. “Every decision made in partnership with us leads to sustainable, values-aligned success,” she asserts. This is not mere rhetoric. Her journey to coaching was forged in the crucible of personal crisis. Struggling with weight and self-esteem, she initially pursued personal training and nutrition, seeking to help others overcome similar challenges. However, she soon realized that lasting change required more than just physical transformation.
“I learned to earn acceptance by abandoning my own needs,” she recounts, her voice tinged with the weight of past struggles. “I believed that if I could just keep the peace, I would be loved and worthy of connection.” This behavior, rooted in fear of rejection, permeated every aspect of her life. A pivotal moment came when she faced a profound personal crisis, contemplating suicide. “What stopped me, ironically, was the thought of the pain it would cause those I cared about.” This moment of clarity became a turning point, solidifying her belief that “change can only come from challenge.”
This principle became the foundation of her business, which evolved from a personal blog into a thriving coaching practice. Weiner-Kiser’s approach is rooted in three core traits: resilience, curiosity, and authenticity. Resilience, forged in the depths of her personal struggles, allows her to guide clients through their own challenges. Curiosity drives her relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding. And authenticity, her unwavering commitment to being true to herself, builds genuine connections with her clients.
"I always ask myself if this challenge or opportunity aligns with my core values—integrity, respect, and excellence."
“The ability to be authentic in all that I do has been a cornerstone of my success,” she says. “When I started my business, I shared my personal journey and struggles openly with my clients, showing them that transformation wasn’t just about changing the outside; it was about doing the inner work first.”
This authenticity extends to her leadership style. Weiner-Kiser eschews traditional top-down approaches, favoring collaboration and shared ownership. “I don’t believe leadership is about being the center of attention or having all the answers,” she explains. “My leadership style is about collaboration, mutual respect, and shared ownership of the company’s direction.” This approach has fostered a culture of innovation and empowerment within her team.
As a woman in leadership, Weiner-Kiser navigates gender stereotypes by focusing on the individual, rather than adhering to rigid gender roles. “What sets us apart is our deeply personalized approach that focuses on humanity, not gender,” she states. “Some men thrive in their feminine energy, and some women find fulfillment in embracing their masculine energy—it’s not about gender; it’s about the energy that drives them.”
Weiner-Kiser’s commitment to integrity extends to every aspect of her business. She draws a clear line between perseverance and knowing when to let go, guided by her values and a deep understanding of her own needs. “I always ask myself if this challenge or opportunity aligns with my core values—integrity, respect, and excellence,” she explains. “If it feels disconnected from who I am or what I stand for, that’s a huge red flag.”
Looking ahead, Weiner-Kiser is focused on expanding her impact in the corporate world, helping companies cultivate cultures of well-being and resilience. “My goal is to help companies transcend their current limitations, evolve their culture into one that is truly collaborative, and build resilience and confidence in employees,” she says. “Most importantly, I want to help unlock and enhance each individual’s inner leader.”
Laura Weiner-Kiser’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the transformative potential of embracing challenge. Her approach, rooted in integrity and a deep understanding of the human psyche, is not just changing lives; it’s redefining the very concept of success. Her work is a reminder that true leadership is not about power or control, but about empowering others to discover their own inner strength and lead with purpose.
