You already know how to succeed
Now make it yours

I help founders and leaders create more impact and joy in their work, so they can build success that feels like theirs.

Schedule a call to learn more

You thought success would feel better than this

You’ve built your career on high standards, hard work, and results.
You’re capable. You’re trusted. And you deliver.

But as the stakes rise, it’s taking more out of you than you expected.

  • You can keep going, but it’s exhausting.

  • You don’t have much space to think. You’re mostly reacting.

  • More people depend on your judgment and leadership.

  • What used to drive you isn’t enough.

From the outside, it looks like success. But it’s costing you more than you want it to.

You start to wonder: Is this how I want to keep going?

There is a better way

You don’t have to become less ambitious. You don’t need to walk away from what matters.

You can keep building, leading, and achieving but in a different way.

  • You have space to think, not just react.

  • You know your voice and trust your decisions.

  • You lead others more effectively as expectations grow.

  • You stay focused on what matters most.

You’re still successful, still driven. But it feels different.

You feel lighter and stronger. And ultimately, more you.

Hi, I’m Gwen Fonarow
Welcome to Real Impact Leadership

I created Real Impact Leadership after more than 30 years in business, including over a decade as a CFO, to support founders and senior leaders navigating the realities of growing a company.

I’ve been where you are. I understand what it’s like to carry the responsibility, make high-stakes decisions, and lead in environments where the pace doesn’t slow down.

I bring both experience and perspective to this work, shaped by years operating where expectations were high and the margin for error was small.

This work is focused on building leadership capacity in a way that is practical and directly connected to the decisions you’re making every day.

It’s a space to think clearly, be challenged, and step back from the constant push so you can continue to perform at a high level without it taking the same toll.

Learn more about me

Ways We Can Work Together

For one-on-one coaching, there are two ways to get started depending on your needs

Real Impact Leadership Program

This engagement will help you lead in a way that is more grounded, focused, and aligned with who you are and what matters to you.

Strategic coaching designed to improve your performance now and develop as a leader over time.

Learn more

Real Impact
Intensive

A short-term engagement to work through a specific challenge, decision, or transition.

Focused coaching to gain perspective, meet the issue at hand, and develop practical next steps towards resolution.

Learn more
Schedule a call to discuss which is right for you
Learn more about coaching for teams and organizations

What People Are Saying

  • "Working with Gwen, I experienced a true partnership. With her guidance, I found myself exploring creative alternatives I hadn't considered and shifting my mindset in lasting ways. Gwen brings a rare combination of leadership insight, wisdom, and compassion to her coaching. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking greater impact in their business and life."

    —Laura T.

  • "Working with Gwen was such a meaningful experience. She showed up as a grounded, present, and deeply intuitive coach who held space without judgment. I always felt heard, supported, and gently challenged in a way that helped me see things more clearly and move forward with confidence."

    —Mai A.

Three Steps to Get Started

  • 1. Schedule a call

    We’ll talk about what you’re navigating and what you need.

  • 2. Decide on a plan

    We’ll determine the right way to work together based on your situation.

  • 3. Get to work

    We focus on what’s in front of you and start making progress.

You don’t have to navigate the challenges you’re facing alone.

If you’re ready to start or simply curious to learn more, let’s talk.

No pressure. No sales tactics.

Just a thoughtful conversation to see whether coaching is right for you.

Let's have a conversation

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