Who Is Isabel Fonseca?
Isabel Fonseca is an Amsterdam-based Executive & Leadership Coach and the Founder of Nextfem Leaders, dedicated to helping women navigate high-stakes corporate transitions with authenticity and sustainable influence. With over 13 years of experience in Finance and Risk Management at global firms like PwC, Allianz, and NN Group, she bridges the gap between rigorous business strategy and conscious leadership. An ICF-certified coach and NLP Master Practitioner, Isabel hosts the NextFEM Leaders Podcast and has empowered over 600 women through her signature coaching programs and international workshops.
Isabel Fonseca understands that the journey to the top of the corporate ladder is rarely a straight line; it is a series of transitions, thresholds, and “liminal spaces” where the old rules of hard work often collide with the new requirements of influence and identity. A former finance professional turned Executive & Leadership Coach, Isabel has spent over 13 years navigating the rigorous environments of global giants like PwC and Allianz across Uruguay, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Today, as the Founder of Nextfem Leaders, she is on a mission to redefine leadership for women, moving away from traditional masculine norms toward an integrated approach that values authenticity as much as business impact.
Finance, Risk, and the Catalyst for Change
Isabel’s professional story began with a foundation of discipline and technical excellence. She earned her Certified Public Accountant designation in Uruguay before completing a Master of Science in Finance at Trinity College Dublin. Her early career was defined by rapid ascent; at PwC, she was promoted five times in five years, eventually managing financial statements for FTSE 500 companies in the oil and gas and financial services sectors.
However, her path took a profound turn following a significant personal loss twelve years ago. This “threshold moment” sparked a decade of subtle shifts and deep reevaluation. As she navigated high-stakes roles in Enterprise Risk Management at NN Group and Risk Regulatory Affairs at Allianz Partners, she began a parallel journey into coaching, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and mindfulness. She realized that while she was managing corporate risk, the women around her were managing a different kind of risk: the risk of losing their well-being and authenticity in a quest to fit a mold not designed for them.
Bridging the Gap Between Competence and Presence
Isabel recognized a recurring pattern among capable, trusted, and ambitious women: they often hit a ceiling where technical skill was no longer enough. She observed that many high-achievers over-identify with competence, which can inadvertently become a form of self-sabotage when moving into senior leadership where visibility and trust are paramount.
“I was tired of seeing brilliant women playing small, women who could make amazing leaders holding themselves back. That frustration… fueled my desire to support them in becoming different leaders in the world.”
Her transition from finance executive to founder was a natural evolution of this desire. Leveraging her status as an ICF-certified Leadership Coach and NLP Master Practitioner, she founded Nextfem Leaders in 2023. Her approach is unique because it combines “corporate skin” with conscious leadership practices. She doesn’t just teach strategy; she facilitates identity work, helping women navigate the “liminal spaces” of promotions and role changes where self-trust matters more than working harder.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Through her signature 1:1 program, “Becoming HER,” and the NextFEM Leaders Podcast, Isabel has supported over 1,000 women so far through individual coaching and leadership workshops. Her influence extends into major organizations like ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and Adidas, where she helps develop female leaders who combine clarity and presence with measurable results.
The true weight of her impact is best described by the women who have walked the path with her:
"Isabel has some of the top professional and technical skills needed to be a great coach… She makes you feel comfortable to share your insecurities and questions, making the sessions truly productive." — Carolina Raya Saleme, Senior Relationship Manager
"Working with Isabel has been a truly transformative experience… Isabel created a supportive and nonjudgmental space that encouraged honest reflection and real growth." — Marija Pop Trajkova, Programme & Community Manager
"The work I did with Isabel was deep, it reached all the way to my core beliefs… She doesn’t treat this as just a job, but as her true vocation." — Carolina Jimenez, B Corp Lead
"Despite being in the same role, I now feel completely different. I’ve allowed myself to believe in my work again and embrace my potential." — Ana Ines Machado Soria, Payroll Manager, Coca Cola FEMSA
Ambition and Consciousness Coexisting
Isabel Fonseca is building a legacy where ambition and personal well-being are no longer mutually exclusive. She envisions a corporate world where women can be both practical and spiritual, assertive and empathetic. As a Guest Lecturer for the Women Leaders Development Program at Universidad ORT Uruguay, she continues to shape the future of senior leadership.
Her philosophy is simple yet transformative: women do not have to betray themselves to advance; they advance by fully stepping into who they are. Through Nextfem Leaders, Isabel remains dedicated to ensuring that when women reach the top, they arrive there whole, grounded, and ready to lead with both strength and heart.
Editorial Note
Isabel Fonseca’s journey reminds us that the most powerful form of leadership is one rooted in authenticity. Her transition from managing financial risk to fostering human potential serves as a blueprint for any professional standing at a career threshold. If you are ready to navigate your next level of leadership without sacrificing your values, Isabel’s work offers the strategy and support to bridge that gap.
