Femme Fatale Files: Leslie
When Leslie accepted my invitation to be part of my Femme Fatale Files series, she didn’t hesitate. Just eight days later, she was on a plane to New York City, ready to step in front of my camera and explore the themes of femininity, power, and authenticity.
Leslie isn’t just any woman. She’s a West Point graduate, a trailblazer who piloted helicopters in the military, and a leader who has helped train global organizations with courage, compassion, and precision. Reflecting on her experience as a pilot, she shared:
“Flying CH-47D helicopters is also something I am very proud of. I remember someone saying one time, ‘Tiny woman, giant helicopter!’ 'Tis true...I am super proud that I learned to fly such a massive machine & accumulated over 700 flight hours in my 7 years on active duty!”
This ability to trust herself has shaped every facet of her journey, from flying aircraft to leading teams, and now, to embracing her evolving identity as a woman.
Her incredible history is a testament to resilience, determination, and grace. But what always struck me the most during our times together was not just her impressive achievements. It was her authenticity and the profound connection she has to the woman she is constantly becoming, as well as hr connection to the women around her.
Reflecting on her time at West Point, she shared:
“It was one of the hardest and best things I have ever done. It was a total boys’ club, and at the time, it felt like a competition with the other women. But 25+ years later, those same women are some of my very best friends.”
Her bond with those women shows the depth of her character: strong, supportive, and loyal.
Leslie and I have collaborated on previous campaigns and movements I’ve created, but this time, it felt different somehow. She arrived with minimal makeup and a more refined sense of style, and she radiated a confidence that can only come from truly knowing oneself, like a true Femme Fatale!
When asked what it means to be a “femme fatale,” Leslie laughed:
“My first thought was, ‘Not me.’ Haha! Then I decided to look up the definition to see what Webster had to say and found this: ‘an attractive and seductive woman, especially one who is likely to cause distress or disaster to a man who becomes involved with her.’ Interesting.”
But after sitting with it for a bit, she came to a definition that felt more authentic to her:
“For me, a Femme Fatale is a woman with confidence. Someone who owns her identity and isn’t afraid to be different than everyone else… It isn’t about looks or body type, but more a vibe. I think of her as someone who is kind and approachable, but with an underlying signal that she is not to be fucked with.”
These days, Leslie embraces femininity in her own way. She says:
“I am a bit more of a ‘Sporty Spice’ than a girly one. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I do love my favorite lip gloss. Such a small thing, but it makes me feel like I can smile with flair!”
And she’s quick to credit the women in her life for helping her tap into her inner strength:
“Sometimes it takes a friend to remind us [of our Femme Fatale], which is why women are so damn strong when they stay connected and support each other. I am grateful for all the Femmes Fatales that have helped to shape who I am.”
Our photo session was more than just a day in front of the camera. It was a celebration of all the layers that make Leslie who she is: bold, kind, resilient, and undeniably inspiring. This session wasn’t just about creating beautiful portraits (though the results are stunning); it was about honoring who Leslie is today and the journey she continues to embrace. Capturing her natural, grounded energy felt like celebrating her authenticity and the power she’s stepping into with each new chapter in her life.
As I share these images, I hope you see what I saw: a woman deeply in tune with herself, her journey, and her evolving sense of purpose.
Stay tuned for the upcoming podcast episode, where Leslie and I dive even deeper into these themes. She shares her thoughts on what makes women exceptional leaders, how she’s preparing for the woman she’s growing into, and what embracing your inner femme fatale means in today’s world. You won’t want to miss it!
And if Leslie’s journey inspires you to embrace your own authenticity, confidence, and power, I’d love to help you explore that through a portrait session. Whether you’re an author preparing to promote your next book, a woman stepping into your next chapter, or someone who just wants to reclaim your spark, I’m here for it! Reach out to me today and let’s make it happen!
Leslie’s bio:
A sought after facilitator, storyteller & trainer on the topic of team communication, Leslie built her career by answering the number one question she was asked, “How do I fix the dysfunction on my team?” After training and facilitating teams inside organizations across the globe, from SoCal to Sweden, Leslie realized she not only saw the same dysfunctions happening in almost every team around the world, but also inside every individual as well. This discovery led her to reenvision how she speaks & trains leaders, at all levels of an organization - so they can create cultures where it’s safe to communicate what previously felt un-sayable and in doing so, achieve goals that previously felt un-reachable. Leslie has shared her passion for leadership through better communication in such places as VISA, Disney, CapitalOne, Procter & Gamble, Adobe, Fidelity, The World Bank, and even her alma mater, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Leslie’s Website: Lead Like a Girl
