As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Enas Fleming.
Enas Fleming is a powerful yet quiet force behind The Power Within Training. Originally from Yemen, she defied societal expectations, moving to Dubai to pursue her dreams while overcoming challenges such as social anxiety and navigating a difficult path to success.
Together with James, Enas left a corporate career in oil and gas to build The Power Within Training, driven by a shared vision to inspire growth and transformation.
With a unique blend of emotional intelligence and resilience, Enas specializes in helping others find confidence and clarity. Passionate about personal development, she empowers individuals to face challenges head-on, using Motivational Intelligence to strengthen self-belief and resilience.
Her mission is simple yet profound: to help people not just survive, but thrive—equipped to succeed both personally and professionally.
In this interview, she reveals the mindset shifts, bold moves, and lessons that helped her turn ideas into impactful online businesses.
Some people disrupt industries with bold statements; others change them quietly, with resilience and purpose. Enas Fleming, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Power Within Training, has done both. Born in Yemen, where opportunities for women were limited, Enas defied expectations, built a career in oil and gas, and later co-created one of Scotland’s fastest-growing leadership training companies. Her work — especially through The Power Within HER initiative — is transforming the face of leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as construction. Featured here in our Rule Breakers series, Enas shares the values, risks, and rituals that have shaped her remarkable journey.
What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?
My inspiration comes from two places: my upbringing in Yemen, where women’s opportunities were limited, and my career in oil and gas, where I experienced bias and under-representation first-hand. I wanted to change that. The problem I was passionate about solving was access — ensuring that leadership training wasn’t just for the privileged few, but was available to everyone, regardless of gender, background, or budget. Founding The Power Within Training with my husband, James, gave me the chance to create a business rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and resilience.
How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions have helped drive that growth?
We started at our kitchen table in 2017 with a vision and no safety net. Initially, survival meant making sacrifices — even selling personal belongings to keep going. The turning point came when we decided to focus on Motivational Intelligence (MQ), our leadership framework that goes beyond IQ and EQ. It gave us a unique differentiator and credibility with clients. Another key decision was to transition fully to digital operations during the pandemic. It wasn’t easy, but it allowed us to expand globally and grow stronger.
In your view, what truly sets your brand apart in today’s competitive market?
Our brand stands apart because of MQ. It’s not theory — it’s a science-backed framework that helps people identify and overcome self-limiting beliefs. Where others focus on skills, we focus on mindset transformation. That difference means leaders don’t just learn to manage better; they become more resilient, adaptable, and inclusive human beings. Add to that our commitment to accessibility — lifetime access, funded places, and pro-bono work — and we’re not just another training provider.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?
Our most effective strategy has been storytelling. Whether through our Success or Excuses podcast, client testimonials, or sharing my personal journey from Yemen to Scotland, people connect with authenticity. In a crowded market, being honest about our challenges and values has built trust far faster than polished campaigns alone.
How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviours?
I spend a lot of time listening. That means engaging in direct conversations with clients, receiving regular feedback from participants, and being present on platforms like LinkedIn, where leaders openly share their struggles. These insights shape our programmes. For example, The Power Within HER originated from hearing women in construction discuss imposter syndrome and a lack of support.
What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?
Launching The Power Within HER in 2022 was pivotal. It wasn’t just a programme — it became a movement in construction. Supporting over 250 women, many of whom went on to senior leadership roles, positioned our brand as a changemaker, not just a service provider. It also earned national recognition and awards, elevating our credibility and visibility.
What does success look like for you, not just in numbers, but in purpose or impact?
Success is seeing someone walk taller after our programme, believing in themselves in a way they didn’t before. It’s a woman in construction stepping into a leadership role she thought was out of reach. It’s a young person in school, realising they have potential beyond what others expect of them. Numbers are important for growth, but purpose is about the lives we change.
How do you personally define success, beyond revenue and growth metrics?
For me, success is quiet. It’s knowing I’ve created an environment where my team feels supported, clients feel seen, and women feel empowered. It’s not the spotlight; it’s the small wins — an email from a graduate who just got promoted or a colleague who feels more confident in their role.
Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?
The pandemic was that turning point. Overnight, we lost all in-person work. It could have ended us, but instead, we adapted. I personally worked around the clock to shift everything online, even selling belongings to keep cash flow steady. It was exhausting, but it forced us to innovate. Today, over 90% of our programmes are digital, and that decision made us stronger and greener.
What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?
Early morning walks with James are non-negotiable — a chance to enjoy fresh air, reflect, and often learn through audiobooks. I prioritise wellbeing: a good breakfast, gym time at lunch, and a wind-down routine in the evening. I also make space for stillness, whether that’s mindfulness or simply cooking for my family. Those habits keep me grounded and energised.
How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?
Risk is necessary for growth. Coming from Yemen and moving alone to Dubai taught me that stepping into the unknown creates opportunities. At TPWT, innovation means listening deeply and acting boldly. Whether it’s launching new programmes like Deconstruct: The Status Quo or introducing a four-day working week, we pilot, learn, and refine. Risk is manageable when guided by purpose.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?
Start with clarity on your why. Digital tools are powerful, but they’re meaningless without purpose. Focus on solving a real problem, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid of failure — it’s part of the process. Most importantly, build resilience. The digital world changes quickly, but if you believe in your mission and stay authentic, you’ll find your audience.
Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn and explore our programmes at thepowerwithintraining. I also invite you to listen to our family podcast “Success or Excuses” and follow us on TPWTD LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for regular insights on leadership, mindset, and Motivational Intelligence.
