Woman To Watch :: Gretchen Pisano

Meet Gretchen Pisano, the CEO and founder of pLink Leadership®, a women-owned leadership development and executive coaching consultancy. For more than a decade, she has guided leaders and organizations to thrive by blending evidence-based positive psychology with the science of leadership. Her work spans corporate, military, education, and nonprofit sectors, always with the goal of creating healthier, more effective leaders.

Beyond her professional achievements, she is a devoted wife and mother of three, and she brings the same care and passion to her personal life—whether she’s gardening, cooking, or traveling. Her holistic approach to leadership and life is as inspiring as it is impactful.

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Tell us a little about yourself and your story:

I’m the CEO and founder of pLink Leadership®, a women-owned leadership development and executive coaching consultancy. For more than a decade, I’ve helped leaders and organizations thrive by blending evidence-based positive psychology with the science of leadership. Our work spans corporate, military, education, and nonprofit sectors — always with the aim of creating healthier, more effective leaders. Alongside my professional life, I’m a wife and mom of three, and I find joy in gardening, cooking, and traveling.

How did you get to where you are today?

Curiosity, courage, and a love of learning have been my guideposts. I trained as a coach, followed my fascination with human potential into the field of positive psychology, and eventually founded a company with the vision of scaling impact by fusing the science of positive psychology with the discipline of leadership. Each step has been about asking, “What’s possible?” and then leaning into the work of making it real.

What do you think has helped you the most with your success?

Two things: relationships and energy management. Strong relationships — with colleagues, mentors, clients, and my family — have sustained and stretched me in the best ways. And learning how to manage my energy, not just my time, has made it possible to show up fully for what matters most.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in order to achieve your goals?

Balancing ambition with wellbeing. Early in my career, I equated success with hustle and long hours. That approach led me to exhaustion. My real growth came when I began to practice what I now teach: success that is fueled by renewal, resilience, and sustainable energy.

What are you most proud of?

Professionally, I’m proud of building pLink Leadership into a company that is bigger than me — a team of coaches who bring positive impact to organizations every day. Personally, I’m proud of raising three kids who are stepping into their own dreams with courage and kindness.

What are three pieces of advice you could give to our readers?

Protect your energy — it’s the fuel for everything else.
Don’t mistake familiarity for safety or trade courage for comfort.
Develop a strong working relationship with your Inner Critic and surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow and cheer for you along the way.

You inspire us, but what/who are YOU inspired by?

I’m inspired by people who continuously stretch themselves — who meet the world and other people with curiosity instead of certainty. Especially those who devote their energy to changing long-standing injustices – locally and globally.

How do you reward yourself when you’ve reached a goal or after a hard day of work?:

Time outdoors is my best reset — walking, gardening, or getting on the water. I will confess to loving retail therapy and re-designing spaces in my home.

What is one sassy saying or quote that inspires you? Why?

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Why? Because if someone tries to hand me their judgment, I don’t have to take the package.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

If you’re in a season of doubt or uncertainty, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. What matters is staying curious, taking the next right step, and trusting that you’ll figure it out as you go.

Mary Lawyer

Content Manager at Sass Magazine | Related Posts

Mary Lawyer is the content manager at Sass Magazine with a passion for storytelling and creativity. When she's not crafting engaging content, you can find her lifting weights, getting her hands dirty in the garden, or hunting for hidden gems while thrifting.