Meet April Vuong

We were lucky to catch up with April Vuong recently and have shared our conversation below.

April, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Growing up, I was captivated by fantasy-kung fu (wuxia) movies—the superpowers, the ability to heal through energy work. What stood out to me wasn’t just the action but the underlying message of harnessing one’s inner power. While society viewed it as fantasy, a part of me always felt it was real, even if I couldn’t explain why.

Life led me down a more conventional path. I pursued a career in higher education, earned my doctorate from USC, and became a Dean at the age of 35. Externally, I had it all—a thriving career, a home purchased by 31, and a long-term relationship. By societal standards, I was living the dream. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The external achievements weren’t enough; internally, I felt unfulfilled, uninspired, and even lonely at times.
My self-discovery journey began in my late 20s when I started practicing yoga. The practice planted a seed of awareness, but it wasn’t until 2018 that everything came to the surface. I ended a 10-year partnership, blaming my partner and circumstances for my unhappiness. It was only after the dust settled that I realized the truth: the change had to start with me.

I immersed myself in healing practices like reiki, sound healing, meditation, and qigong. What began as personal exploration became a profound awakening. These practices not only transformed me but illuminated my purpose: to make an impact by helping others awaken to their own self-awareness and power. It’s about guiding individuals—especially those who’ve worked hard to achieve external success but still feel something’s missing—to look within, heal, and create lives that truly fulfill them.

Now, 13 years after starting my self-discovery journey, I help others bridge that same gap between external accomplishments and internal alignment. My purpose is clear: to support the awakening of those ready to embrace their true potential and create lives they genuinely love.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the founder of Leap & Peak, I am dedicated to activating success in professionals and leaders by helping them overcome challenges, elevate their influence, and achieve meaningful results. At its core, my work is about raising consciousness and holding space for others to awaken to their true potential. I provide tools and strategies that empower individuals to break free from limiting beliefs, take control of their lives, and create the futures they truly deserve.

This mission stems from my personal journey and professional experience. After over 13 years in leadership roles in higher education, where I supported thousands of students and professionals, I realized that external success alone isn’t enough. Many of us achieve milestones yet still feel stuck or unfulfilled because we lack the emotional tools and mindset mastery to thrive internally. That’s when I understood that personal transformation is the foundation for professional excellence—and it’s what drives everything I do.

Leap & Peak is more than a coaching business; it’s a call to action to wake up from the “matrix” of self-doubt and stagnation and step into a life of purpose and fulfillment. My signature program, Leap Beyond Limits, is designed to guide clients through releasing stress and other negative emotions, reframing limiting beliefs, and developing emotional resilience. The process empowers them to reconnect with their authentic selves and create sustainable growth in both their personal and professional lives.

What excites me most about this work is witnessing people unlock their true potential and really owning their mind. When you chance your Mind, you change your Life. Seeing someone transform from feeling stuck and unsure to radiating confidence and clarity is incredibly fulfilling. It’s proof that with the right tools and mindset, we’re all capable of extraordinary change.

Currently, I’m focused on expanding my offerings to reach even more people. I recently launched Leap Beyond Limits, and I’m hosting workshops and events to provide accessible, transformative experiences for busy professionals. My goal is to continue building a movement that inspires leaders to take ownership of their lives and embrace their highest potential.

For anyone feeling stuck or unsure about their next step, I want to remind you: the life you deserve is within reach—you just need the right support to help you leap and reach the peak.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been most impactful in my journey:

Ownership and Accountability:
One of the biggest shifts I made was moving to the cause side of the equation—taking full responsibility for my actions, choices, and outcomes. I learned that playing the victim or blaming others doesn’t lead to growth or progress. My advice? Embrace reflection, seek feedback, and focus on what empowers you. Let go of taking things personally, and instead, channel that energy into growth and solutions.

Celebrating Wins and Practicing Gratitude:
Gratitude has been a game-changer for me. It’s easy to focus on what’s missing or what’s next, but taking the time to celebrate wins, big or small, fuels momentum and joy. My tip? Start a daily gratitude practice. Recognize your achievements, no matter how small, and let them inspire you to keep going.

Mastering Your Mind and Embracing Holistic Practices:
Meditation, sound healing, yoga, reiki, and qigong have been transformative. These practices not only help shift brainwaves but also connect you to your higher self. Daily meditation, in particular, has been life-changing—it gives you the power to control your reactions and see challenges from new perspectives. As Joe Dispenza teaches, “You change your energy, you change your life.” In essence, you can reprogram your mind and unlock your potential, opening the door to a life of clarity, emotional resilience, and purpose-driven action. These practices aren’t just tools; they are gateways to a more empowered, connected, and fulfilled version of yourself.

For anyone starting out, my biggest advice is to do the inner work. Get to know yourself—your triggers, limiting beliefs, and patterns that no longer serve you. Release negative emotions and beliefs that were passed down from family, society, or even generations ago. Perspective matters. When you shift how you see the world, the world around you shifts.

You have the power to create the life you want—start by looking inward and doing the work to access that power.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has been embracing and integrating the deeper truths of who I am and what I stand for—allowing spirituality to take its rightful place in my professional work. For years, I framed my offers in ways that felt “professionally appropriate” and surface-level safe, avoiding the deeper layers of holistic practices and their spiritual roots. This approach stemmed from a belief that spirituality might not align with the professional image I was trying to portray.
In my perspective, spirituality isn’t about religion; it’s about living in alignment with purpose, connecting with universal energy, and honoring the reason we came to this earth. Fulfillment isn’t found in titles or external accomplishments but in living authentically and aligning with your higher self.
This transformation required me to step fully into my role as someone who helps raise consciousness, awakens others from the societal “matrix,” and guides them toward healing and personal transformation. It’s about helping people release inherited limiting beliefs, face the inner work, and reconnect with their truest selves.

Today, my work is a true reflection of this journey. My offers integrate holistic practices alongside professional development, creating a balanced and profound approach to transformation. I am honored to serve individuals who have reached external success but feel an unshakable void. These are the hardworking achievers who have persevered and taken accountability yet find areas of their lives out of alignment with their inner happiness or higher purpose.

Through this integrated approach, I help them bridge the gap between external achievement and internal fulfillment—providing tools and pathways to live authentically, in alignment with their truest purpose. This shift has not only transformed my life but has allowed me to guide others to uncover the fulfillment they’ve been seeking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leapandpeak.com
• Instagram: leapandpeak
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leapandpeak