I’m so excited to introduce this month’s AW Member Q+A with Monica Lenches. Monica is a true trailblazer and visionary. I know Monica not only from the AW Community, but we both live in Santa Barbara, where Monica is a residential realtor with a unique perspective and process for working with clients and providing a holistic real estate experience. One of my favorite things about Monica is her passion for kindness. Her Kinder World of Commerce initiative has brought together a wonderful group of people who believe in doing business differently. I have enjoyed so much each of the gatherings that she has hosted which bring together people who have a true desire to give back, learn, and connect. Monica cares deeply about the people and world around her, and it is evident in everything she does.
Name…
Monica Lenches
My true north/WHY is…
I believe that self-love is humanity’s greatest superpower. When we heal ourselves and practice genuine self-acceptance, the resulting compassion naturally extends to others and our planet. A world filled with people who truly love themselves becomes a kinder world capable of achieving the miraculous. Whether it’s in my personal or professional life, I strive to create beautiful, life-affirming experiences that:
- inspire self-inquiry
- support personal empowerment and healing
- connect people to each other in meaningful ways
- motivate authentic action
My expertise/zone of genius is…
For nearly 20 of my 34 years in residential real estate, my zone of genius was effectively integrating my life coaching skills into the real estate process, crafting a more efficient, meaningful, and memorable experience for my clients. However, I’ve recently uncovered a new zone of genius that has evolved from an educational initiative I launched four years ago with a fellow AW member, Claudia Rucker, called “A Kinder World of Commerce.” This campaign aims to raise awareness in our community about the importance of doing business not just locally, but socially responsibly — across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.
Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing impact leaders who prioritize more than just profit, including our beloved Ali & Marissa. These individuals, who we call Legacy Brands, are mindful about the impact of their choices on their employees, their community, and the environment. Last year, I started getting a clear message that it was time to unite these visionary leaders (who at the time numbered 26) and bring them together — moving them off their individual islands onto a larger one where they could experience the synergy and support of like-minded, purpose-driven individuals. What began as a vision for just one event in 2024 quickly grew into three, and now we are preparing for our fifth – a partnership with Santa Barbara’s ILLUMINATE Conscious Film Festival.
What I’m beginning to realize is that I not only enjoy bringing kind and purpose-driven individuals together for a common cause, but I’m also discovering that community building may very well be a new zone of genius for me.
My daily practices are…
My daily practices have evolved significantly over the years. Two years ago, I faced a health crisis that propelled me into the world of integrative healing. As part of my healing journey, I embraced a daily meditation practice, committing to at least 60 minutes each morning and waking up between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. I maintained this routine for two years, rarely missing a day.
More recently, I’ve been refining my routine:
- 20-minute “Open Focus” meditation
- Setting my daily intentions
- 30-40 minutes of journaling, focusing on self-connection and personal growth
This ritual helps me move through each day with clarity, purpose, and intention.
My favorite indulgence is…
Without a doubt, is soaking in natural mineral hot springs. Every quarter, I set aside an entire day to immerse myself in the healing waters of Sycamore Hot Springs. I begin with a two-hour private hot tub session in the morning, followed by a healthy lunch, during which I often journal and, inevitably, gain clarity on something that’s challenging me. Then, I enjoy another two-hour soak in the afternoon. This peaceful, rejuvenating time leaves me feeling lighter, more energized, and genuinely happier — it’s a ritual that always restores me to my best self.
I’m reading, listening and/or watching…
Lately, I’ve been deeply immersed in the Quantum field and exploring ways to tap into energy for transformation.
- The Field by Lynn McTaggart
- The Power of 8 by Lynn McTaggart—on the power of intention to heal and create change
I’m also re-reading a book I discovered earlier this year, The Open Focus Brain by Dr. Les Fehmi, a brilliant psychologist and pioneering researcher known for his work in biofeedback and the development of a technique called “Open Focus.” His short meditations have been nothing short of life-changing, particularly in the realm of physical pain.
What is accountability to you….
To me, accountability is a way of life that centers on personal growth and empowerment – taking responsibility in the pursuit of becoming the best version of ourselves. It’s about making our most meaningful contributions to the world. Accountability demands authenticity, vulnerability, and compassion for our own journeys, recognizing the importance of healing along the way. It involves adopting a mindset open to learning from every challenge, setback, trauma, and difficult relationship we encounter.
Accountability also requires taking intentional action on the inspirations, messages, and signs we receive from our Higher Self and the Universe/God/Divine—or whatever term resonates with your understanding of the greater power that connects us to the field of infinite possibilities. For accountability to lead to true transformation, we must be willing to seek and accept support, especially when we’re ready to take risks that require us to step beyond our comfort zones, in pursuit of a breakthrough that lasts. When we commit to the path of accountability, we transcend ordinary change, unlocking the potential for truly miraculous transformation in our lives.
Accountability Works helps me…
Stay focused, on track and deeply involved with my transformational journey. Both my current coach, Kelly, and previous coach, Marissa, have an incredibly beautiful way of supporting me through the messiness that has been a part of my process over the last few years. Their ability to listen objectively and feedback what they’re hearing without any attachment whatsoever to being right, has been a precious gift that has helped me make meaningful changes in my life that have supported my leadership goals. I am forever grateful to them both. Ali and Marissa have an amazing ability to attract some of the best people I have ever met – best in terms of kindness, integrity, care, skill and professionalism…all wrapped into one effective, compassionate human.
You can connect with me or learn more about what I do…
For real estate: www.monicalenches.com
Instagram: @monicalenchesrealestate
LinkedIn: Monica Lenches
and for A Kinder World of Commerce, check out our Legacy Brand interviews
Thank you, Monica, for being this quarter’s Member Q+A!
