For many coaches, money is one of the hardest topics to talk about. Not because they lack intelligence or discipline, but because money carries emotion, history, and deeply ingrained beliefs.
In a recent episode of She Coaches Coaches, I sat down with Leah Hadley, CEO of Intentional Wealth Partners, to talk about why traditional financial advice often misses the mark for coaches. And what it really takes to build wealth in a way that feels aligned, ethical, and sustainable.
When Success and Shame Coexist
One of the most powerful themes in our conversation was how common it is for highly successful women to feel uncomfortable or ashamed when it comes to money. Leah shared stories of clients who appear accomplished and confident on the outside, yet feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or disconnected from their finances.
This disconnect isn’t about capability. It’s about conditioning.
Many women were never taught how money works. Others delegated financial decisions to partners or avoided learning because life was busy. Over time, that avoidance can lead to fear, self-judgment, and missed opportunities.
The Intentional Money Method
Leah’s work centers around the Intentional Money Method, which includes six interconnected pillars:
- Clarity – Understanding not just the numbers, but what you want money to support
- Values – Aligning financial decisions with what truly matters to you
- Mindset – Identifying and shifting unconscious money beliefs
- Strategy – Creating a plan that fits your life and goals
- Action – Taking consistent, aligned steps forward
- Support – Having accountability and guidance instead of doing it alone
What makes this approach especially relevant for coaches is that four of these pillars focus on inner work. Clarity, values, mindset, and support. Areas coaches already understand deeply.
Money and the Coaching Business
For coaches building businesses alongside other careers, money decisions can feel especially complex. Leah spoke about common challenges she sees, including underpricing, confusing revenue with profit, and struggling to value the transformation coaches provide.
Many coaches default to hourly thinking, even when the value they create far exceeds time spent. Reframing pricing around transformation and alignment is a crucial shift.
What’s Possible With Support
One of the most moving stories Leah shared was about a woman who described herself as “a two-million-dollar bag lady.” Despite having financial resources, she felt paralyzed by fear and lack of understanding. Through intentional work, she was eventually able to enjoy her wealth without guilt, including taking her grandchildren on a meaningful trip to Italy.
That’s the heart of this work. Not just accumulating money, but feeling safe, empowered, and free to use it in ways that matter.
A More Compassionate Way Forward
This conversation is an invitation for coaches to rethink their relationship with money. To move beyond shame or avoidance and toward clarity, confidence, and intentional choice.
Because sustainable coaching businesses aren’t built on hustle. They’re built on thoughtful decisions that honor both values and reality.
Connect with Leah
Leah Hadley is the CEO of Intentional Wealth Partners, where she helps women gain clarity and confidence in their financial lives. She is also the founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions where they provide specialized financial planning for women navigating divorce, and The Empowered Sisterhood, a membership community for women ready to transform their relationship with money. As the creator of the Intentional Money Method™, Leah guides her clients to align their money decisions with their deepest values, moving beyond traditional budgeting to create wealth that truly supports the life they want to live.
Website: http://www.watchherthrive.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchherthrive
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