You already know how to succeed.
Now make it yours.
I work with founders and leaders to create greater impact and enjoyment in their work, so they can succeed without losing themselves in the process.
You thought success would feel better than this.
You’re stepping into bigger roles, making more decisions, and carrying more responsibility than ever before.
You know how to perform. You’ve done it your whole career.
But it’s starting to feel heavy.
More is required of you, without a clear way to figure it out
You’re expected to have answers, even when the path isn’t clear
You’re making high-stakes decisions with limited time and information
What used to work isn’t working the same way anymore
At a certain point, working harder isn’t the solution.
There is a better way.
You can continue to grow, lead, and perform at a high level without carrying it the same way.
You make clear decisions, even under pressure
You focus on what matters instead of reacting to everything
You lead with confidence instead of second-guessing yourself
You perform at a high level in a way you can sustain
Success doesn’t have to feel this way.
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.
Ways We Can Work Together
There are two ways to get started, depending on what you need right now.
Leadership Engagement
An ongoing coaching engagement focused on how you lead, make decisions, and operate day to day.
This is real work on what’s actually in front of you, including your decisions, your team, and the pressure that comes with your role.
This is a structured approach to building grounded, effective leadership over time. We focus on both the internal shifts and the practical actions that strengthen how you lead.
Ongoing support as you navigate decisions, challenges, and growth
A place to think things through and get an objective perspective
Focused on how you operate and lead on a daily basis
Builds leadership capacity over time so you can perform at a higher level as your role evolves
Focused Intensive
A short-term engagement to work through a specific challenge, decision, or transition.
We focus on what’s true for you right now and what it will take to move forward.
This is focused, practical work on something that matters right now.
Focused support on a specific challenge, decision, or transition
A way to work through something important in real time
Combines perspective, challenge, and practical next steps
Get unstuck and move forward with confidence
What People Are Saying
Three Steps to Get Started
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1. Schedule a call
We’ll talk about what you’re navigating and what you need.
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2. Decide on a plan
We’ll determine the right way to work together based on your situation.
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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.
