Kandy Windom never knew she would become a leadership coach. She began her career in sales in her home country of Colombia. Unexpected life circumstances often lead to remarkable paths and Windom is a testament to that.
At a young age, Windom faced a surprising health challenge. She suffered a heart attack, which dramatically changed her outlook on life. “I used to take everything personal”, she says. After her experience, “I noticed all the beauty around me.”
She received a gift, a new perspective. “How it changed my life is that since then I decide to live with purpose, to live a full life every single day, one of the biggest questions I have every morning is how can I live today like it was my last and not regret anything if I go to bed and not wake up”, she explains.
Windom not only faced a personal medical emergency but also dealt with a tragic family event. One of her children wanted to take his own life. Fortunately, her son was able to heal and is now thriving.
With all of her life’s difficult moments, Windom knew she wanted to give back and leave a meaningful legacy. After taking her son to a Tony Robbins event, she realized that her calling was being a coach and mentor. She found her “purpose,” she elaborates.
Windom’s message is simple and profound: lead from your heart.
Recognizing the impact of meaningful leadership, she decided to focus on leadership coaching and developed the LEAD 100 Mastermind program. “Leadership is important, and I was like no this is something that if you’re running a business, if you don’t lead yourself correctly, you’re going to fail because everything goes back to leadership,” she says.
One of the first things Windom does is to help her clients “find the real purpose” in their lives. Some of her clients have switched careers entirely, recognizing what they truly want to do. From ministry to nonprofit work, Windom pushes her clients to follow her their hearts and dreams. For Windom, it’s easy to encourage her clients because she is a living example of her message.
Windom also emphasizes to her clients that they have a voice and a story to share, even if they are reserved or shy. “Through the program, they find out that they have a voice even though they [have] been scared to speak on camera,” she explains.
Growing up in Colombia, English is Windom’s second language. She understands that it can be difficult to feel heard, especially as one learns a new language. More importantly, she knows her voice is uniquely hers and one of great value. “I have a sexy voice,” she says cheekily, and clients agree.
One of the key components of Windom’s programs is building a legacy. This starts with developing a vision. She asks her clients, what do you think your family or friends think about you? What do you want them to think?
Once a vision is established, Windom helps her clients develop business plans that are reflective of the legacies they want to leave. She wants her clients to “leave this world with no regrets.” Goals are essential to bring clients’ visions to life. Windom works with each client to find steps they can take every day to build their business and legacy.
Windom coaches leaders from around the world virtually. Her clients include individuals from New Zealand, England, Canada and the United States, among others. Companies and organizations she has worked with include Nielsen, GE, the Department of Homeland Security, CareerSource and WellCare.
Windom is passionate about her job and anyone who knows her can tell. “I love teaching, I love training, I love speaking,” she says.
While a majority of her work is virtual, Windom hosts one in person event every year. Best of all, it’s a family affair. Her children regularly participate and her son who experienced depression now DJs at her events. They are actively involved in their mom’s business, and this makes her proud.
Windom is living her dream life. She is a woman who has faced unmeasurable challenges, but they have helped shape her into who she is today. Her work is meaningful and lasting. By encouraging her clients to lead from their hearts, they can become impactful leaders that inspire others every day. For Windom, there’s no greater legacy than that.