PICA Member Spotlights
Q&A with independent consultants who successfully “made the leap” and created the consulting career of their dreams
Q: Introduce yourself. What is the name of your business and your consulting specialty?
A: My name is Leah N'Diaye, and I am the Founder of Lion's Tooth Leadership. I specialize in leadership coaching and consulting, focusing on enabling people and organizations to thrive through simple, strategic solutions and practical expertise. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve partnered with Fortune 500 companies, led transformative initiatives, and built high-impact teams to deliver meaningful results. I am also a published author and a certified Executive Coach.
Q: How long have you been independent?
A: I have been independent for approximately 1.5 years, dedicating this time to building Lion's Tooth Leadership and helping others navigate change, grow their leadership capacity, and achieve success.
Q: Why did you become an independent consultant? What inspired you to “go for it” and become a solopreneur?
A: I was inspired by my extensive background in management consulting and my firsthand experience as an organizational leader. When faced with unexpected challenges, I saw an opportunity to channel my skills into a venture that aligns with my passion for helping people and organizations unlock their potential.
Through deep reflection with my own executive coach, I aligned my values, strengths, and interests to design my next chapter. This transformative process of self-discovery gave me clarity and purpose. Now, I help others design their next steps while continuing to support organizations with expertise in organizational design, change, and transformation.
Q: How did you “make the leap”? What steps did you take to get started?
A: Becoming independent was something I had envisioned for later in life. However, unexpected circumstances served as a catalyst, prompting me to embrace this path sooner than planned. I chose to find the gift in the challenge, transforming a difficult situation into an opportunity to create Lion’s Tooth Leadership and pursue my passion.
Q: How did you get your first client? How did you get your second?
A: My first client came through connections with former colleagues—people who knew me and could vouch for my expertise. The strong reputation I built during my career, or my "street cred," made it easier for them to trust me.
One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of having others recommend you. Your reputation and the relationships you’ve cultivated are powerful tools for launching a successful solopreneur journey.
Q: What do you wish you’d known before you started? What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
A: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of trusting the process. Entrepreneurship often comes with uncertainty, but it’s in these moments that resilience and creativity flourish.
For those just starting out, I’d say: Embrace the unknown and view challenges as opportunities to grow and refine your vision. Avoid internal negative dialogue and external doubts from others who might question your path. Through deep mindset work—a practice I developed through coaching—I’ve learned to stay centered and confident.
Now, I help others do the same. I’ve worked with clients navigating career transitions, returning to leadership roles, and clarifying their values as CEOs. These experiences have reinforced the importance of leading with intention and maintaining a growth-oriented mindset.
Q: What’s surprised you the most about being self-employed?
A: What has surprised me most is the generosity and support from other self-employed individuals. They’re often eager to share insights, offer advice, and collaborate. While I no longer have a traditional team, I’ve learned the importance of building my own “team” by cultivating a network of like-minded peers who understand the solopreneur journey.
Q: What’s been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest challenge has been managing the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, like loneliness and self-doubt. I leaned into my core values of creativity and connection, built a support network, and focused on the impact I wanted to make.
Q: What does the word “solopreneur” mean to you?
A: To me, a solopreneur is an entrepreneur who operates independently—"alone" but not lonely. It’s about leveraging your individuality to create impact while cultivating a network and vision that extend far beyond yourself.
Think of it as blooming where you’re planted, not just as a single flower but as part of a global garden that creates value and connection.
Q: What’s something aspiring solopreneurs think they need but don’t?
A: Many believe they need a perfect plan, but what you really need is comfort with ambiguity and the resilience to face disappointment. Be relentless in pursuing projects and trust that your efforts will pay off.
Focus on specialization rather than being a jack of all trades. Invest in relationships—they’re as important as revenue-generating activities. Finally, start with a simple, functional website. Spend your resources on a good accountant instead; they’ll provide far more value than an overdesigned website.
Q: Is there a quote or saying you use for motivation?
A: Yes, my favorite quote from Khalil Gibran is:
“The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.”
This beautifully reflects my approach to leadership and consulting—creating space for others to discover their own insights and strengths.
Q: What’s next for you and your business?
A: I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in my first year. Looking ahead, I aim to double my revenue—not by working harder, but by delivering even greater value to my clients.
I plan to focus on helping organizations develop people strategies that support both individual growth and long-term business goals, like succession planning. By embedding myself within organizations, I can craft tailored solutions that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes.
Q: How can people learn more about you?
A: You can learn more about Lion’s Tooth Leadership by visiting www.lionstoothleadership.com or contacting me directly at Leah@lionstoothleadership.com.
Q: Why the name Lion’s Tooth Leadership?
A: Lion’s Tooth Leadership symbolizes resilience, strength, and healing. The name comes from the dandelion, often misunderstood as a weed but known for its medicinal properties and persistence.
The dandelion’s jagged leaves inspired its name, dent de lion or “lion’s tooth,” while its botanical name, Taraxacum officinale, reflects its history as a remedy for disorder. Similarly, Lion’s Tooth Leadership helps individuals and organizations tap into their resilience and grit, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
Additionally, the lion symbolizes strength and leadership—qualities I aim to inspire through self-awareness and discovery.
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