E279: Leigh Esposito - Don't regret the Journey

Learn more about Leigh at: Leigh Esposito | Author, Coach,
Tarotist


Episode Highlights


Leigh Esposito’s Origin Story:


Early Life and Influences: Raised by Italian-American parents,
Leigh’s upbringing was


shaped by her family's culture and values. Although she grew up
in various parts of the


U.S., including the suburbs of Philadelphia and Southern
California, her cultural roots


played a pivotal role in her life and eventually inspired her
work as a writer.


Career in Law: Initially, Leigh pursued a career in law,
believing it to be a stable


profession that matched her skills in communication and critical
thinking. However, she


soon realized that the legal field didn’t align with her
passions, describing it as "dry" and


lacking the creative stimulation she craved.


The Shift to Writing and Coaching:


Pursuing a Second Act: In 2010, Leigh left her law career and
embarked on a journey


to follow her dreams. This transition didn’t happen overnight—she
spent years honing


her craft as an author, developing a unique coaching practice,
and aligning her life with


her values.


Coaching Style and Philosophy: Leigh brings her background in
law into her coaching,


combining the analytical approach of a litigator with a creative
mindset. Her coaching


focuses on guiding clients through major life transitions,
helping them tap into their


dreams and achieve fulfillment in their “second acts.” Leigh’s
approach resonates with


people who want to explore new possibilities while still
balancing their existing


responsibilities.


Embracing Tarot as a Tool for Insight:


Discovering Tarot: While researching her debut novel The
Godmother, Leigh became


fascinated with tarot and began using it as a personal tool for
reflection and insight. Over


time, she developed an expertise in tarot, integrating it into
her coaching practice.


Tarot's Role in Coaching: Leigh uses tarot not as a means of
predicting the future but


as a method of uncovering hidden emotions, perspectives, and
motivations. Each tarot


reading becomes a conversation starter, helping her clients
unlock aspects of


themselves they may not have acknowledged.


Influence on Writing: Leigh’s second novel is set in the world
of tarot, blending


mysticism with romance and fantasy, inspired by her love for the
introspective nature of


tarot cards.


Insights on the Sicilian Experience and Heritage:


Sicilian Heritage: Both Leticia and Leigh share a deep
connection to Sicily. For Leigh,


Sicily represents both her cultural roots and the inspiration for
her novel The Godmother.


She celebrates Sicilian culture by organizing retreats on the
island, where she introduces


participants to its rich history, stunning architecture, and
unique traditions.


ThemesinTheGodmother: Leigh’s novel explores the idea of a
strong


Sicilian-American woman in a position of power, challenging
stereotypes. Her


protagonist, a “godmother” figure, isn’t involved in crime but
uses her influence and


resources to help others—a twist on the traditional mafia
narrative.


Retreats in Sicily: Through these retreats, Leigh invites
others to experience the beauty


and complexities of Sicilian life, from its ancient baroque
architecture to its vibrant,


multi-faceted communities.


Key Messages from the Episode


1. Follow Your Passion While Maintaining Balance


Leigh emphasizes that it’s possible to pursue a passion without
abandoning one’s


current responsibilities. She encourages listeners to integrate
their interests into daily


life, even if it’s just dedicating a few hours a week to that
pursuit.


2. The Power of Coaching and Mentorship


BothLeigh and Leticia discuss the transformative power of
coaching and mentorship.


Leigh believes that having a coach can make a huge difference,
especially when it


comes to accountability and support. This guidance can push
people to take concrete


steps toward their dreams, no matter how daunting they seem.


3. Taking Practical Steps Towards Fulfillment


Leigh shares advice on making small, consistent efforts toward
a goal rather than waiting


for a perfect moment to make a big change. By building momentum
through manageable


steps, individuals can gradually transition to a more fulfilling
path.


4. Blending Personal Interests with Professional Goals


Leigh’s journey shows the value of combining personal passions
(such as writing and


tarot) with a professional approach, creating a career that feels
authentic and uniquely


hers. She advises others to explore ways to incorporate their
unique skills and interests


into their work.


Upcoming Projects and Ways to Connect with Leigh


Writing Workshop: Leigh is leading a 12-week writing workshop
designed for


individuals who want to bring their book ideas to life.
Participants will work on creating a


significant portion of their novel, with Leigh’s guidance on
everything from idea


development to the first draft.


SecondNovel: Currently, Leigh is in the process of writing her
second novel, a romance


fantasy inspired by tarot. She plans to document her creative
journey on social media,


giving readers an inside look at the writing process.


StayUpdated: For updates on Leigh’s work, including her writing
workshop and other


projects, listeners can follow her on social media and sign up
for her mailing list on her


website.


Memorable Quotes from the Episode


OnFollowing Your Dreams:


“You don’t need to quit your day job to feel more fulfilled.
Sometimes, it’s about finding a


way to integrate that second act with the first.”


OntheRoleofaCoach:


“A coach is there to keep you accountable, inspired, and moving
forward. They help you


see your potential and take steps you might not take on your
own.”


OnSelf-Discovery Through Tarot:


“Tarot is about excavating mysteries. The greatest mystery we’re
trying to uncover is


ourselves.”


OnFinding Joy in the Creative Process:


“Being an author is like playing in a sandbox every day. It’s a
journey of exploration, and


I couldn’t be happier.


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