Leonard Cochran, executive director of Leah's House, and founder of UpWords Unlimited.

Leonard Cochran finds purpose in leadership and restoring people

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Leonard Cochran never imagined his purpose in life would be tied to helping women overcome addiction and trauma. But, as he stepped into a leadership role at Leah’s House, a women’s restoration home in Olive Branch, Miss., he discovered a calling that would redefine his later years.

Now, after launching UpWords Unlimited, his business focused on relational leadership, Leonard is fully dedicated to guiding individuals and organizations toward growth, healing and transformation.

Leah’s House: A home for healing

Leah’s House is not just another rehabilitation facility. It is a 12-month faith-based residential restoration program for women recovering from addiction and past trauma.

Leonard and his wife, (name), who runs the day-to-day operation, took over the nonprofit three years ago after serving on its board for two years. The home provides women with structure, support and a path toward stability.

“My wife and I rent the home, and the nonprofit pays for it,” Leonard said. “It’s an actual house, not an institution, and we deliberately make it feel like a family environment.”

The home accommodates four women at a time, plus a resident director who has completed the program and now serves as a house mom. Many of the women who come to Leah’s House have endured deep trauma, and some have been incarcerated.

“Most residents have a history of abuse, neglect or addiction,” said Leonard. “We’re here to help them heal and move forward with the tools they need to sustain themselves.”

The program is structured to provide the right balance of guidance and independence. The first month is intentionally light, allowing women to adjust to the environment and begin a foundational curriculum. During that time, they do not have access to personal cell phones and are gradually introduced to responsibilities like employment and financial management.

Around the six-month mark, those who are progressing well can begin working, managing their own phones, and preparing for independent living.

“Science shows it can take six months to a year for the brain to clear from long-term substance use,” Leonard said. “That’s why we take this structured approach.”

Despite its success, Leah’s House is not for everyone. Some women leave early because they are not ready for the commitment, but for those who embrace the program, the results are life-changing.

“We’ve had three women complete the full 12-month program since we took over,” Leonard explained. “It’s a short runway to rebuild a life, but for those who stick with it, it’s transformative.”

Becoming a role model

Leonard’s role at Leah’s House extends beyond administrative leadership. As a man working closely with women who have often suffered at the hands of men, he is intentional about how he interacts with the residents.

“Most of these women have never had a healthy relationship with a man,” Leonard said. “I have to be cautious in my approach and mindful of the role I play. My wife helps me navigate that.”

Leonard sees his presence as an opportunity to model trust, respect and integrity. He hopes to demonstrate that men can be supportive and caring without seeking to control or harm.

“I might be one of the first men they can trust,” he said. “That’s a responsibility I take seriously.”

A passion for relational leadership

Leonard’s second calling is UpWords Unlimited. It is a leadership development business he founded to help organizations cultivate strong, relationship-focused leadership. The name reflects his belief that words matter and that leadership should be centered on genuine human connection.

“Leadership in the 21st century needs to evolve,” Leonard said. “We are still leading the way our fathers and grandfathers did, but the workforce has changed. We have to adapt.”

His focus on relational leadership emerged after researching the term and finding limited resources. He decided to make it his mission to develop and promote the concept.

“At its core, relational leadership is about knowing and valuing the people you lead,” Leonard explained. “It’s not just about being in charge. It’s also about building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where people thrive.”

In his book “Relational Leadership: The Introduction,” Leonard outlines four key principles: purpose, principles, people and profits.

He wrote the book as a business narrative, telling the story of a fictional character who inherits a donut shop and learns to implement relational leadership under the guidance of a mentor.

“I wanted it to be fun to read, not a dry textbook,” Leonard said. “The story format makes the lessons stick.”

Building meaningful connections

A key aspect of relational leadership is Leonard’s framework of four C’s: conversation, connection, collaboration and community. He believes these elements are essential for strong relationships, whether in business or personal life.

“Everything starts with a conversation,” Leonard said. “That leads to connection, which opens the door for collaboration. And when you have all three, you build real community.”

He contrasted this approach with the transactional nature of many online interactions today.

“Too often, people connect on LinkedIn and immediately start selling,” Leonard said. “That’s not relationship-building. Real connections take time and trust.”

Leonard also started a small group called Market Ministers, which meets weekly to discuss faith and leadership in the workplace. He believes faith has a vital role in how people lead and interact in their careers.

“More people are at work on any given day than in church on Sunday,” he said. “If we want to make an impact, we have to start in the marketplace.”

A legacy of leadership and service

Now fully self-employed, Leonard splits his time between Leah’s House and UpWords Unlimited. He does not see retirement as an option. Instead, he views this season of life as his opportunity to make a greater impact.

“For me, it’s about doing what’s in front of me,” he said. “I don’t wait for a burning bush moment. I focus on what I can do today.”

His advice for people over 50 who are seeking purpose is to stay engaged, build relationships, and be open to where you are needed.

“If you don’t know what your next step is, just start connecting with people,” he said. “Doors will open when you’re moving forward.”

Leonard’s journey is proof that purpose can be found at any stage of life. Whether through restoring lives at Leah’s House or transforming leadership through UpWords Unlimited, he is using his experience, wisdom and faith to make a lasting difference in the lives of people he meets.

For more information

People can connect with Leonard on several platforms, including:

Leonard’s book, “Relational Leadership: The Introduction,” is available on Amazon and in other bookstores.

If you order Leonard’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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