HELLO, I’M LEELA BASSI
I’m a trilingual speaker, facilitator and consultant who supports people and organisations to lead with inclusion and empathy. I share real stories and lived experiences to help others rediscover their voice, handle change with confidence, and lead in a way that feels authentic to who they are.
Who is Leela Bassi?
With over 25 years of experience across continents, cultures and industries, I bring grounded insight into how we lead through uncertainty, build inclusive and resilient cultures, and earn trust. From deep work with global teams to journeys through some of the world’s most extreme environments, these experiences shape the way I show up, serve others and support meaningful change.
Whether in a boardroom, a purpose-led organisation, a learning space, or under Arctic skies, I meet people where they are. I help them grow trust, shift behaviour and build cultures where everyone feels they matter.
Leela Bassi’s Biography
In April 2015, Leela Bassi was part of an all-female team that completed a 100-kilometre ski expedition across Baffin Island in the Arctic Circle. Facing temperatures below minus 40 degrees Celsius and winds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, the team camped on the ice and relied on emergency support over 24 hours away. The journey was part of a bold initiative to challenge how people think about diversity and inclusion, and to prove what is possible when we test our limits and lead with belief.
Leela chose to join the expedition because she believes women are constantly evolving, navigating changing identities at home and work. Her question was not “What am I?” but “Who can I become?” A wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, a leader, why choose just one? The Arctic gave her space to step beyond expectations, confront personal fears, and discover what strength means.
After returning, her outlook on life shifted. She founded Above & Beyond Resilience in 2017 and began speaking and consulting on themes such as Beyond Resilience, Growth Mindset, Inclusive Leadership, and turning setbacks into breakthroughs. Her message is grounded in lived experience and a deep belief that adversity can shape empathy, purpose, and positive change.
What is Leela known for?
Leela is known for her transformational presence, authenticity, and storytelling that connects deeply with every audience. Whether speaking in corporate boardrooms, on global leadership stages, or in more intimate team settings, she brings lived wisdom and professional insight to life. Her talks are often described as moving, empowering, and unforgettable, weaving together personal resilience, cultural insight, and inclusive leadership in a way that inspires real change.
Audiences leave her sessions not just motivated, but changed, equipped with practical strategies and a renewed sense of purpose. Leaders across sectors describe her as a powerful guide through adversity, someone who helps them dig deeper, lead with intention, and create cultures where everyone can thrive.
Lead with empathy, resilience and purpose
