We had the good fortune of connecting with Juli McClelland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juli, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
One of the most significant things that has helped me grow in business is willingness.

It started out as the willingness to leave the comfort of a stable corporate job, in search of more meaningful work. That path was full of uncertainty, and with willingness to forge ahead, I created what I deeply longed for: a life coaching program to lead and support women,

Even after that, I had to be willing to say yes to speaking opportunities, to coaching all kinds of people, to putting myself out there.

Every day I continue to be willing to be seen and heard as a Life Coach. I’m willing to show up when I don’t feel like it. Willing to hold myself accountable because nobody else will. I’m willing to be uncomfortable and do new things so I can continue to share my message and serve those who need it.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a Life Coach who focuses on developing confidence in others. When I began coaching in 2017, I was a general life coach, so I would help anyone who wanted a coach for any reason. For example, I helped young adults who didn’t know what to pursue after college, couples who wanted more connection, individuals who wanted to buy a house or lose weight or find purpose, etc.. I worked with people of all ages and demographics, and I realized that no matter what the problem for each person was, he/she was coming to me because he/she didn’t trust him/herself.

I decided to shift from helping people with their external problem, to focusing on helping them be a person who could always solve his/her own problem. I wanted to help people to be whole, to not depend on the next coach, self-help book, or conference next time they felt stuck.

Today, I primarily work with women using my unique toolset, the Confident Compass, which helps them develop the foundation of confidence and know the answer to the big question: Who am I?

Choosing this work has asked me to step up and be more confident myself, which I knew would be a requirement from the get-go. I love who I’ve had to become and how I’ve had to step up more, it’s grown me unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. And it’s been incredibly uncomfortable, it’s required me to have relentless courage. I’ve had to practice relentless willingness, but it’s like I tell my clients: the journey is hard, but not a single day is harder than living inauthentically. I choose growth over toleration every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a timely question, my best friends from childhood just came to visit. We took a day trip toward Austin, ate at Salt Lick and then floated the Comal. The next day we had an amazing teatime at Cafe Poetes, then went to Magpies & Peacocks to shop, learn about sustainable fashion and the impact they’re making in Houston. Then we went to 19th St in the Heights to hop around the boutiques. We also had dinner at Kin Dee in the Heights. The following day, we had a late breakfast at the Taco Stand, had plans for Galveston and did an escape room in the evening. We went to Escape Now, loved it, and had dinner at Thai Gourmet.

Other places I love and would have taken them to are the Arboretum or Memorial Park. I regret not taking them to Tiny Boxwoods, I love the ambience whether I’m dining inside or out there. I’d also considered renting a boat toward Galveston or getting out to Canyon Lake. And I love introducing visitors to restaurants like Himalaya, for amazing food they wouldn’t get back home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been the most supportive person throughout my journey. Getting to this point has definitely not been easy, but no matter what challenges I’ve faced, my husband has believed in me, sometimes even more than I believed in me. He has been patient, encouraging, loving, gracious, and so much more. He has been present for every single step of the way, not just the celebrations or milestones. He deserves more appreciation and recognition than I could truly articulate.

Website: julimcclelland.com

Instagram: julimcclelland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juli.olson.16

Image Credits
Main photo (white top) and Promo photo (pink top) by Kelly Buckner

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