Meet Natalie Weakly

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

Hi Natalie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Hands down the question I’m asked most! In addition to all the usual juggling elements, our girls attend a hybrid school where I homeschool them a few days a week. It is a BALANCE.

Several years ago, I was feeling major tension in balancing everything. An organizer friend shared this tip in that season and it’s been a life changer for me.

She recommended I sit down and figure out my ACTUAL business hours. It’s a tough juggle for entrepreneurs. The business can consume our brains at all hours. Since that is the tendency, time boxing is THE best thing I’ve ever done for myself.

When I started, I was available all the time. Then I set realistic hours. Clients were amazing and came along with me. Think about the hairdresser you LOVE who requires months-in-advance booking. Are you booking them? Most of the time, yes! Because they are the BEST fit for you and it’s worth the extra effort to book early.

As a result, I’m more present in the non-work moments and kinder to my kids as well. Instead of feeling the stress of “I should be working right now” and having that show up in the way I interact with them, I know work hours are scheduled. I can let go in the mom moments and give my kids my best self.

On the work side, when I take proper brain breaks from work, style and executive coaching clients benefit from my more efficient, creative service delivery. Creating top-tier presentation content flows more naturally as well!

I also cannot overstate the value of asking for help. I waited far too long to hire an assistant. They have freed up the “it doesn’t have to be ME” portion of my business time and giving me more resources to focus on the elements of the business that require me and my expertise.

Is the process perfect? Does the balance get off kilter from time-to-time? Absolutely. But as Marie Forleo says, “Everything is figureoutable.”

What should our readers know about your business?
As a keynote speaker, image consultant and executive presence expert, I teach leaders how to show up with substance, speak with confidence, and lead with impact.

It makes me so proud to know I’ve built this business from scratch using my unique experiences and skill sets. Whether on stage or in a one-on-one session, my goal has been and still is the same: to help smart, capable people express their full power with intention, clarity, and credibility—on stage, on camera, and in every room they walk into.

Over the past decade, I’ve worked with more than 300 private clients and presented at companies like Fidelity, Deloitte, Memorial Hermann, PNC, Charles Schwab, CenterPoint, CapTrust, Bank of Texas, ADP, and more. Through that work I’ve created an entire leadership development curriculum suite that gives teams the edge they need to stand out in their industries.

I’ve also been featured in 30+ media segments on shows like Great Day Houston, Houston Life, FOX 26, and Low Country Live Charleston’s #1 lifestyle show for my insights on presence, style, and communication.

As Signature Style leans in further to executive presence coaching and speaking, all keeping my startup roots in style and the impact it has on us and our audience, I. Am. Excited.

If you are a “better than you were yesterday” person like myself or want a speaker or coach who brings a refreshingly personable approach—and knows how to move a room—I’d love to connect.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let me preface this answer by saying I’m the WORST at picking favorites. I’m leaning into the itinerary vibe so I can name several. We love the international fare you can find here and are constantly on the hunt for new adventures here in Houston. Here are a few stops that would definitely make the must visit list:

Musaafer – the food is absolutely fantastic, as evidenced by their recent Michelin star rating, and the entire restaurant is exceptional eye candy. They’ve gone absolutely over the top with the décor and it’s stunning.

Balboa Surf Club has the best nicoise salad in the city and would it be Houston if I didn’t recommend a place in a strip center? Magnol has THE MOST authentic French pastries is making my mouth water just thinking about it.

Keeping with the international fare, Blue Tuba is a restaurant near and dear to my heart as they have authentic Hungarian chicken paprikash and, if you let them know in advance you are coming and want it, langos, a Hungarian street food I haven’t had since I lived in Budapest several decades ago. It brings back all the memories!

Fun fact about me, I LOVE to slide into a grocery store wherever I travel. It tells so much about the city and the area and I find it inspiring. Central Market would be that stop here in Houston! From there, despite our often less-than-stellar weather this is always an excellent patio to be found and enjoy a cocktail or happy hour.

If we’re done eating, are we ever done eating?, we would have to make a few cultural stops – Houston’s museum scene is incredible and even if you just have a few minutes a stop into the Menil collection or the Museum of Fine Arts is a must. If you’ve never been, NASA is worth the drive – the simulation of actual events in the Mission Control room will give you goose bumps.

There is a retail store for everyone – I would have to pick the exact store that matches the friend, of course, but Kuhl-Linscomb is a gift giving mecca and a must stop.

Depending on when you are visiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is over-the-top and must be experienced.
We love to see shows at A.D. Players at the George Theater as well as the Hobby Center and can most often be found at one of these theaters or a music hall for entertainment!

This list is getting lengthy. Obviously, plan to spend some time here in the city. 😉 There is so much to see and enjoy!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had a huge support system, thank the Lord, that has been there for me in this decade and a half of small business ownership. My family’s deep support and encouragement is irreplaceable. My personal board of directors – friends and colleagues who’ve known me from the beginning and share a mutual desire for each other’s success – have been invaluable.

I’m an active member of a group of female founders who have been such a gift in sharpening me and giving fresh ideas & perspective on my business.

The team that the Lord has entrusted me with is incredible at doing all the things – cheering, redirecting, comfort-zone pushing, all while having fun in the process.

My clients of course! They are doing amazing things in their own careers and they give me the greatest boost when they share, “I never would have bought this or put this together…,” or “I am more confident.” “you elevated ME,” “your speech gave me the right words to navigate this sticky situation,” or “you helped escalate my career to a new level.” It’s so life-giving to hear those encouraging words.

It’s taken a while for that support network to be built and I’m so grateful to have it now.

Website: https://www.natalieweakly.com

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