Why Nicole Leon Is the Right Hand Leaders Didn’t Know They Needed

When it comes to helping leaders reclaim their time and scale with intention, Nicole Leon doesn’t believe in half measures.

Since founding L. Leon Virtual Assistance in 2022, Nicole has become an indispensable right hand to visionary founders—turning ambitious goals into executable plans through equal parts strategy, hustle, and care. She’s helped grow multiple businesses to six figures and earned the 2024 Entreprenista Award along the way. But for Nicole, success isn’t just about revenue—it’s about building a business rooted in community, trust, and heart.

What, in the earlier parts of your career, best prepared you for this particular role?

Honestly, it wasn’t the polished moments that prepared me; it was the hard ones. The microaggressions, the stereotypes, the times I was underestimated or dismissed—those experiences taught me how to persevere, how to speak up even when it was uncomfortable, and how to trust my own vision when others couldn’t see it. I learned to navigate rooms where I was the youngest, the only woman, or the only Latina. Instead of shrinking, I built resilience and grit. Those lessons didn’t just prepare me to run my own company; they gave me the empathy and tenacity to lead other women and founders who are often carrying the same invisible weight while chasing their goals.

What problem does your company solve, or aim to? When it comes to that issue, what are some of the most meaningful impacts your company has had to date?

Most leaders come to me overwhelmed, drowning in admin, putting out fires, and feeling like there’s no room to actually lead. LLVA solves that. We step in as the proactive right hand, clearing the noise and putting systems in place so their business finally runs with intention instead of reaction. The impact isn’t just inboxes organized or projects moving faster; it’s watching a founder reclaim their time, breathe again, and step back into their role as visionary. Some of the most meaningful moments for me are when a client tells me they had their first true day off in years, or when they finally launch the project that’s been on the back burner because we made space for it. The ripple effects are restored energy, sustainable growth, and a leader who feels supported. Those are the real wins.

What do you most look forward to every day?

Creating space for someone else to breathe. Every day I get to take something heavy off a client’s plate or simply remind them they don’t have to do it all alone. I love those moments when a leader realizes they can finally exhale and refocus on what lights them up. That shift is what fuels me. I also look forward to showing up as proof that women, mothers, and minorities can lead in ways that are deeply human, strategic, and powerful all at once.

What’s something you do outside of work that makes you a better leader?

Motherhood, without question. Being a mom has sharpened my patience, my empathy, and my ability to prioritize what truly matters. It’s taught me how to juggle multiple demands without losing sight of the big picture, and how to lead with both firmness and compassion. Motherhood also keeps me grounded, reminding me daily that success isn’t just about business growth, but about building a life with presence, integrity, and joy. The resilience and adaptability I’ve gained outside of work directly translate into how I lead my team and support my clients.

What’s been the #1 lesson you’ve learned about hiring since you started at your company?

Skills can be taught, but care cannot. I hire first for emotional intelligence, initiative, and alignment with our values. The technical know-how will come with training, but the ability to anticipate needs, communicate with heart, and treat someone’s business like it’s their own? That’s non-negotiable.

What advice would you give someone starting out on the journey you’re on?

Start messy and trust yourself. Don’t wait for the perfect systems, the perfect branding, or the perfect timing; you’ll learn what you need by doing. Build relationships and values into your foundation from day one, because those will carry you further than any quick win. Protect your time and your energy like they’re your most valuable assets. They are! Finally, when things get hard, remember that resilience is built in the moments you feel underestimated, overlooked, or overwhelmed. Those situations are shaping you into the kind of leader who can handle the success you’re chasing.