One of the Most Influential Woman Coaches of 2026 highlights the journeys of women who are redefining what coaching and leadership mean today. The edition brings forward voices that focus on transformation, mindset, and personal and professional growth, showing how coaching is evolving into a powerful force for change across different fields.

A Strategic Reassessment That Redefined Success However, by the time Irina Willems was in her early thirties, she had already gained experience in structured professional settings that required accountability, analysis, and disciplined implementation. Looking from the outside, her professional life seemed stable and on an upward trajectory. But on the inside, she felt a sense of increasing disconnection between achievement and alignment.

A real change is taking place in the current business environment. More women are taking up leadership and boardroom roles, and as this trend continues, businesses are realizing something profound – women in leadership are not only changing the face of business, but they are also transforming the way businesses think about sustainability, growth, and innovation.

Leadership has never been defined by technical skills alone. While skills, experience, and vision are important, they are only a part of what makes someone truly effective as a leader. What is becoming increasingly important, and what is emerging as a key differentiator, is the concept of emotional intelligence. For many women leaders, emotional intelligence has become a key catalyst for influence, impact, and success.