Leading with Heart: Leona Burton Of Mums in Business International On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership
An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
Builds Trust: Authenticity creates trust within teams and communities. When I share my struggles, it encourages others to do the same.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Leona Burton.
Leona Burton is the CEO and founder of MIB International, the world’s largest community for women and mums in business. A Forbes-featured high-performance and success coach, Leona is also a Jack Canfield Advanced Success Coach and Trainer. With over a decade of experience empowering women globally, she’s built a thriving platform that encourages connection, growth, and support for women entrepreneurs. As a mother of six and a leader who understands the nuances of juggling business and family, Leona brings authenticity, determination, and heart to everything she does. She also hosts the Rebel Influencer podcast and is currently world schooling with her family in Mexico, continuing to inspire women to embrace their unique strengths and stories.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Absolutely. My journey started as a young mum with a fire in my belly to create something meaningful. I wanted to build a life that didn’t force me to choose between being present with my children and having a thriving career. When I looked around for support, I saw a gap, there wasn’t a community that truly embraced women who were juggling business and family. So, I decided to create one. That’s how MIB International was born. It started as a small group of like-minded women and has grown into a global movement of mums and women in business supporting one another.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most interesting experiences was when a member of MIB International went on to pitch her business on Dragons’ Den and secured investment from all five Dragons. It was a full-circle moment for me because she started in our community, seeking guidance and connections, and grew into this powerhouse entrepreneur. It reinforced why I started this journey, to create spaces where women can thrive, achieve their dreams, and celebrate those wins together.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What makes MIB International stand out is our genuine focus on community and connection. We’re not just about networking; we’re about creating a safe space where women feel seen, heard, and valued. A standout moment was when we collaborated with HOPEFULL Handbags on a water tank project. Seeing women from different countries come together to make a tangible impact on their communities was incredible. It wasn’t just business; it was a movement of change.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resilience
There have been countless challenges, from financial setbacks to doubting my capabilities, but I always remind myself that every setback is an opportunity to grow. For instance, when I had to relocate my family to Mexico, it was a tough transition, but it taught me adaptability and opened new doors for world schooling.
Empathy
I’ve always led with heart. When a member of our community shared her struggles balancing business with mental health, we launched initiatives around self-care and mental wellness to address those needs.
Authenticity
I’ve never tried to fit into a box. Whether it’s showing up to meetings as a mum of six or embracing my creative brain as a superpower, I’ve found that being true to myself inspires others to do the same.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
One of the hardest decisions I’ve faced was stepping back from daily operations at MIB International to focus on my family during a challenging time. As a leader, you feel like you need to be everywhere, but I realized that leading by example, prioritizing my family when they needed me was just as important. It taught me the value of trust and delegation.
Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
Early on, I was advised to separate my personal life from my professional persona, but I’ve always believed in transparency. I once shared a vulnerable post about struggling to balance motherhood and business, and the response was overwhelming. Members thanked me for being real, and it sparked deeper connections within the community. It proved that authenticity is a strength, not a weakness.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience with showing vulnerability? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
Resilience and vulnerability go hand in hand. When my son, faced challenges due to his autism diagnosis, I chose to share our story with the MIB community. It was a moment of vulnerability, but it opened conversations about inclusivity and led to initiatives supporting neurodiverse business owners. That blend of strength and openness brought us closer as a community.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes?
By challenging the narrative that women can’t have it all. I’ve shown that it’s possible to be a mum of six, a successful business owner, and a world schooler without compromising on my values. I’ve also made it a point to create spaces where women’s voices are amplified, whether through events, podcasts, or publishing opportunities.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization?
I’ve always made it a priority to listen to the needs of my team and community. When one member expressed struggles with time management, we brought in experts to share practical strategies. By actively listening, we create solutions that empower everyone.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style?
Mentorship has been pivotal. During the Jack Canfield Train the Trainer program, my mentors Jack Canfield and Patty Aubrey showed me the power of kindness and self-belief. I strive to pay it forward by mentoring others with the same grace, reminding them of their unique potential.
5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership:
Builds Trust: Authenticity creates trust within teams and communities. When I share my struggles, it encourages others to do the same.
Inspires Collaboration: Leading with heart creates an environment where people feel safe to collaborate and contribute.
Encourages Innovation: Authenticity allows for creative problem-solving without fear of judgment.
Enhances Resilience: Staying true to yourself builds long-term resilience.
Creates Impact: Authentic leadership inspires others to lead with integrity and purpose.
Are there potential pitfalls associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
Yes, empathy can sometimes lead to emotional exhaustion. Setting boundaries and practicing self-care are essential to ensure you can continue to lead effectively.
If you could start a movement, what would it be?
I’d love to create a global movement encouraging women to embrace their full, messy, and beautiful selves. A space where authenticity and connection are the norm, not the exception.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can find me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or tune into my Rebel Influencer podcast for more insights and conversations.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Pirie is a TedX speaker, author and a Life Empowerment Coach. She is a co-host of Own your Throne podcast, inspiring women in the 2nd chapter of their lives. With over 20 years in front of the camera, Pirie Grossman understands the power of storytelling. After success in commercials and acting. She spent 10 years reporting for E! Entertainment Television, Entertainment Tonight, also hosted ABC’s “Every Woman”. Her work off-camera capitalizes on her strength, producing, bringing people together for unique experiences. She produced a Children’s Day of Compassion during the Dalai Lama’s visit here in 2005. 10,000 children attended, sharing ideas about compassion with His Holiness. From 2006–2009, Pirie Co-chaired the Special Olympics World Winter Games, in Idaho, welcoming 3,000 athletes from over 150 countries. She founded Destiny Productions to create Wellness Festivals and is an Advisory Board member of the Sun Valley Wellness Board.In February 2017, Pirie produced, “Love is Louder”, a Brain Health Summit, bringing in Kevin Hines, noted suicide survivor to Sun Valley who spoke to school kids about suicide. Sun Valley is in the top 5% highest suicide rate per capita in the Northwest, prompting a community initiative with St. Luke’s and other stake holders, to begin healing. She lives in Sun Valley with her two children, serves on the Board of Community School. She has her Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and is an Executive Life Empowerment Coach, where she helps people meet their dreams and goals! The difference between a dream and a goal is that a goal is a dream with a date on it!
Leading with Heart: Leona Burton Of Mums in Business International On The Power of Authentic… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.