Leah Boxell, Founder and CEO of Enablists. From Chaos to Enabling: Leah talks of her journey of resilience and empowerment

Life shapes us through challenges, and my journey to founding Enablists has been anything but ordinary. Marked by adversity, resilience, and a deep desire to help others, I now dedicate my work to empowering businesses and individuals to navigate uncertainty and thrive.

A Childhood of Hardship and Survival

My story began with heartbreak. At just five years old, I lost my baby brother and, not long after, witnessed another brother being kidnapped at knifepoint. My home life was unstable and filled with verbal and physical abuse. By 12, I was taking on small jobs to contribute to my family, and by 14, I helped my mother take the brave step of moving to a women’s refuge. Adjusting to new schools and balancing responsibilities, I quickly learned that resilience wasn’t just about getting through each day. It was about finding ways to keep moving forward.

By 16, I was financially independent. The weight of adulthood came early, but it instilled in me a work ethic and determination that shaped my future. Those years of struggle taught me a lesson I carry with me today: resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about using it as a foundation for strength.

Creating Enablists: Turning Pain into Purpose

Enablists was built with a simple yet powerful mission: enable, empower and deliver. We don’t just offer strategies; we offer support, helping leaders manage chaos and turn challenges into opportunities. Every struggle carries the potential for growth, and I’ve made it my life’s work to help others see that, too.

Two moments in my career stand out. First, my role as Silver Command for NHS Professionals, where I helped deploy healthcare workers to the front lines as quickly as possible. Second, sharing my story with women in prison. Standing before them, I saw reflections of my younger self, people who had faced immense challenges but still had untapped potential. That experience reinforced my belief that, with the right support, anyone can rewrite their story.

A Call to Action: How Can We Enable Others?

Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable; it’s about adapting, learning, and using challenges as a foundation for growth. The lessons I’ve learned in navigating uncertainty, problem-solving under pressure, and turning adversity into opportunity are the same principles that drive business success.