Shownotes
Summary:
In this inspiring and deeply personal conversation, I sit down with my friend and coaching client, Leanne Wynn Davies—a Google sales leader, marathon runner, advocate, and someone who embodies what it means to go all in on a dream.
Leanne shares her 11-year journey to qualifying for and finally running the Boston Marathon. What began as a near miss after her first New York City Marathon became a decade-long lesson in resilience, commitment, and refusing to settle for "good enough." Along the way, she faced race cancellations, missed opportunities, changing qualification standards, pregnancy, and countless setbacks.
But this episode is about more than running. It's about what happens when we stop trying to do everything alone, invest in support, and decide that our goals are worth pursuing wholeheartedly.
Whether you're chasing a personal milestone, leading a team, or wondering what your next level requires of you, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger about what's possible.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Going All In Requires More Than Effort
For years, Leanne trained hard but approached marathon qualifying as something she'd figure out on her own. The breakthrough came when she decided to stop relying solely on effort and start investing in expertise.
Hitting the Target Isn't Always Enough
One of the most surprising moments in Leanne's journey came when she technically qualified for Boston—only to learn her time still wasn't fast enough because of the competitive cutoff.
The lesson? In leadership and life, meeting expectations isn't always what creates opportunities. Sometimes you need to exceed them.
Coaching Can Accelerate Growth
After one pivotal coaching session, Leanne hired a professional running coach, revamped her training and fueling strategy, and ultimately qualified by an impressive 11-minute margin.
The right coach doesn't do the work for you—they help you see what's possible and guide you toward it.
No Big Goal Happens Alone
From her husband and family to coaches, friends, and running communities, Leanne credits much of her success to the people who supported her journey.
We often celebrate individual achievement, but behind every breakthrough is a team.
Life Doesn't Follow the Timeline You Planned
Just after qualifying, Leanne became pregnant and deferred her Boston Marathon entry under the race's pregnancy and postpartum policy. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she embraced the season she was in and returned stronger.
Sometimes progress looks different than we expected—and that's okay.
Purpose Makes the Journey Bigger Than You
Leanne's running journey is deeply connected to her advocacy for cystic fibrosis. Inspired by her sisters and her work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she uses marathon fundraising to create impact beyond the finish line.
Purpose has a way of carrying us through challenges that motivation alone can't sustain.
🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:
The Boston Marathon qualification process and competitive cutoff system
The New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, Wilmington Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and Boston Marathon
Professional run coaching and performance-based training
Pregnancy and postpartum race deferral policies
Fundraising and advocacy through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Leadership lessons from sports, coaching, and personal growth
✨ Reflection Prompts:
What goal have you been pursuing halfway that deserves your full commitment?
Where are you trying to succeed alone instead of asking for support?
What would "all in" look like for your next level of growth?
Are you measuring success by effort—or by results?
Who could help you break through the ceiling you're currently facing?
🧠 Who This Episode Is For:
Leaders striving for their next level of growth and performance
Professionals who want to stop doing everything alone
Women balancing ambitious goals with changing life seasons
Athletes, runners, and anyone pursuing a long-term dream
People considering coaching, mentorship, or investing in personal development
Anyone who needs a reminder that persistence, support, and purpose can take you further than talent alone
📩 Want to Go Deeper?
Follow Lori on LinkedIn to continue the conversation
🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast
⭐️ Leave a review to help other heart-centered leaders find the show
📲 Share this episode with someone who’s navigating pressure and wants to do it with more grace
Connect with Leanne on Linkedin
