About Me

From Burnout to Breakthrough: My Story

I’m Lila, an experienced executive, coach, mentor, and communications consultant who is passionate about helping people and organisations thrive—not just survive. Here’s how I built my business in 2024.

My Career

My career has been anything but linear. I’ve tackled roles in communications, strategy, sales, marketing, public affairs, PR, digital transformation, and engagement—jumping from fitness to manufacturing, telecoms, and financial services. As a female executive in Financial Services, I broke the glass ceiling, thriving under pressure and solving problems quickly.

I never went to university, but I’ve been shaped by incredible mentors, colleagues, and friends. Your network matters—choose wisely. Some people lift you up. Others? Not so much.

My Values

Kindness, integrity, authenticity, and approachability guide me, keeping me grounded and focused. Work should be enjoyable—it’s time to move on when it stops being fun. And yes, the best leaders are kind. Tough conversations belong in an environment of trust, not fear.

My Vision

Too often, we get stuck—unsure where we are, overwhelmed, and held back by self-doubt. I help individuals, teams, and organisations cut through the noise, challenge limiting beliefs, and turn ‘I can’t’ into ‘I did it.’

"If I can do it, so can you"

The Breaking Point

2023 pushed me to my limits. I loved my job but was burnt out. I worked nonstop. My personal life suffered. I felt drained, irritable, and unmotivated. Then my body forced a stop—TMJD, a stress-induced jaw disorder, left me unable to eat, talk, or function. Signed off sick, I spent a month on the sofa, hating myself.

The Shift

A trusted friend said:
"Resilience isn’t about enduring misery. It’s about knowing when to change."

That was my wake-up call. In Feb 2024, I leapt—left my corporate role, enrolled in an ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching & Mentoring Diploma, and started my business. It’s been terrifying, exhilarating, and life-changing. I’ve rekindled my love for research, realised leadership is my superpower, and now use my experience, spending time genuinely helping and supporting people and organisations to achieve their goals and more. Sometimes, it's focussing on the simple things, and other times, it's a much more fundamental shift.

Life Beyond Work

I couldn’t do this without my husband, Tony—my rock—and our 13-year-old lurcher, Saffie. My Peloton has been a mental lifesaver, and I’m always up for skiing, a great night out, and a good glass of red.

Let’s chat. Explore my website, check out my blogs, join an event or two or connect on social media. There is no pressure—just a conversation about how you can thrive, not just survive.

Call me: 07962 101879

Email me: lila@lilapleban.com