Julia Furtaw is a seasoned leadership coach and organizational leader who is passionate about developing leaders. She specializes in coaching individuals through pivotal career transitions, whether stepping into new roles or reimagining their impact in retirement.

With more than three decades of experience in the global publishing industry across editorial, product management and leadership roles, Julia brings deep expertise in change management and leadership. She has successfully led teams through complex transitions, including an IPO, corporate sale, bankruptcy, and multiple organizational and divisional restructurings.

In the final two years of her corporate career, Julia also coached internal clients, with the majority advancing into more senior leadership positions, reflecting a strong track record of developing high-performing talent.

Beyond her corporate experience, Julia is actively involved with Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, where she has grown from an alumnae advisor role into a director position. In this capacity, she oversees day-to-day operations of 16 collegiate chapters while coaching and mentoring Chapter Presidents, Alumnae Advisor Team Chairwomen and seven region team members. She also contributes to broader leadership initiatives alongside Collegians, Headquarters staff and other International Officers.

Julia is known for her ability to lead through complexity, develop future leaders, and drive meaningful, lasting organizational impact.

Through her extensive corporate and volunteer roles, Julia discovered she is happiest when helping others explore their professional and personal lives, helping clients identify behaviors and mindsets keeping them from their full potential. Through the coaching process, clients discover their unique keys to living their best lives. Her goal is to help others have a strong, positive impact on their colleagues, family, friends and community.

Julia is a transformational coach known for her thoughtful, curious, and deeply respectful approach. Rather than offering quick fixes or prescriptive advice, Julia guides clients through a powerful inquiry process that uncovers root issues, shifts limiting mindsets, and unlocks lasting growth. Drawing from a blend of research, lived experience, and intuitive listening, she helps individuals see themselves and their challenges more clearly, then supports them in building practical, actionable strategies to move forward with confidence.

Clients describe Julia as both grounding and energizing—someone who creates a safe space for reflection, yet consistently challenges them to dig deeper, think differently, and step fully into their potential. Whether navigating a career transition, strengthening leadership skills, or overcoming internal blockers like self-doubt or fear of failure, she equips clients with tools and perspectives that are replicable, empowering, and transferable across all areas of life.

The results are tangible: stronger communication, clearer leadership presence, renewed confidence, and a mindset that supports sustainable success. Julia’s coaching is ideal for individuals ready to grow into a new title or role, who have recently left a job, or who are considering a career change or retirement. Her approach isn’t just about the change, but in how they show up, lead, and thrive.

Julia earned a BA from James Madison College at Michigan State University and an MBA from Wayne State University. She is a certified Hudson Coach and holds the ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation. She is also a certified Leadership Circle Profile practitioner and has completed the Kotter Foundations of Change Course.