Heart & Backbone

Leadership Consulting

Healthcare leadership coaching & consulting

DEVELOPING STRONGER TEAMS AND HEALTHCARE LEADERS

I help nurses go from struggle to strength because I know what it feels like to be burned out, overwhelmed, and questioning your purpose.

Nurses give so much to others—it’s time they feel supported, confident, and strong again. My mission is to help you rediscover your resilience, reignite your passion, and lead with calm and clarity, even in the chaos

Let's Chat!

Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach

Group coaching

Corporate Leadership Trainings

Disc assements

Book Free Consultation

Heart & Backbone Leadership was created to help healthcare professionals thrive — not just survive.

Founded by Candy Pedersen, a certified leadership coach with over a decade of leadership experience, Heart & Backbone specializes in equipping nurses and healthcare leaders to strengthen communication, build resilience, and lead with clarity in every area of life.

Candy understands the unique weight healthcare professionals carry — the long shifts, staffing shortages, emotional exhaustion, leadership pressure, and often, the silent stress of financial uncertainty. She has lived in the world of leadership and knows firsthand that burnout doesn’t just come from workload — it comes from misalignment.

Through coaching, speaking, and professional development sessions, Candy helps leaders and organizations:
Develop emotional intelligence and communication mastery using DISC principles
Strengthen confidence and decision-making
Reduce stress and conflict within teams
Reconnect with purpose and calling
Build financial clarity to support long-term peace and stability

Because strong leadership doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. It shows up at home. In finances. In relationships. In faith. In legacy.

Candy’s mission is simple:
To bring love back into leadership — and help healthcare professionals become confident, grounded leaders who thrive at work and in life.

About Candy

Hi, I’m Candy Pedersen, a Wyoming native now living in Idaho with my supportive husband and our two wonderful kids. I’ve spent nearly a decade in leadership, where I’ve discovered the power of heart-centered leadership and strong communication. I’m passionate about helping others unlock their potential through coaching, and I love creating transformational experiences for those I work with.

When I’m not coaching, you’ll find me outdoors enjoying hiking, camping, and fishing, or at home painting and exploring my creative side. Through Heart & Backbone Leadership Coaching, I’m excited to guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself, both in life and leadership.

Let’s get started on your journey today!

Values of Heart & Backbone

At Heart & Backbone Leadership, our values are the foundation of everything we do. We believe in Inspiring Greatness, pushing leaders to reach their full potential and ignite the same in others. We bring a sense of Calm in Chaos, helping you navigate challenges with confidence and clarity. Even when the work is tough, we find Fun in the Process, because growth should be energizing. Our core is built on a deep Love of God, Family, and People, ensuring every step is rooted in purpose, connection, and integrity. These values guide our mission to create transformative leaders.

Inspiring Greatness

Calm in The Chaos

Fun Even When It's Hard

Love of God, Family & People

“Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another“

John C. Maxwell