The saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This year, 2023, marks my twentieth anniversary in business! With that milestone, I wanted to take a moment to share a timeline of my journey to Navigate The Way from “there to here,” and some of the clarity and exciting new chapters I’ve started this last year.
Journey of Milestones
- 2003: Left a 10+ year career in Human Resources to start a business managing projects and marketing for coaches, speakers, and authors. “Doing business as” JLS Virtual Office.
- 2009: Moved into business consulting, web and graphic design for small business owners.
- 2010: Established Navigator Studios, LLC, “doing business as” NetMarketing Navigator.
- 2013: Began two years of intensive coach training with Professional Christian Coaching Institute.
- 2013: Retained Navigator Studios, LLC, and began “doing business as” Julie Smith Coaching. Established www.JulieSmithCoaching.com
- 2020: Became a Facilitator and Mentor Coach with the Grand View Center for Mentor Coaching and Leadership Development.
- 2023…
New Clarity. New Name.
It’s been a journey of trial and error, success and pivots, transition and growth, soul searching, and even burnout that led me here. I’ve learned many lessons along the way. As I’ve grown and now move into a new season, perspective shifts; priorities shift; and the kaleidoscope of my life takes on new shape. However, the “why” behind what I do remains firm…
To affirm, inspire, and encourage personal growth and well-being in those around me.”
~Julie Smith
The word “navigator” has strongly resonated with me and been part of my business branding since 2010! In early 2023, I changed my business name to Navigate The Way, LLC. This new name represents meaning on multiple levels.
- Through coaching, I help leaders and professionals create a path and Navigate The Way through work and life transitions so they can thrive.
- I empower others to Navigate the thoughts and emotions that influence their actions, so they can move forward with intention.
- And personally, I’m a Christ-follower. For me, Jesus also represents The Way.
You may be wondering if I bring my spiritual beliefs into coaching conversations. Fair question. The answer is no. Not unless a client asks me to. I have many clients who don’t identify with the same beliefs. My focus, in coaching, is on the client and the client’s goals and objectives; not on me or my beliefs. However, my clients always appreciate the values of trust, integrity, kindness, grace, and servant leadership by which I strive to live my life and conduct my business.
As you will see, however, I’ve begun to incorporate faith and spirituality into some new services in my business to support those who do desire that support in their life and work.
What Else is New? What Stays the Same?
- Same: I still coach executives, leaders and professionals, both individually and in groups.
- Same: I still teach coaching skills and “compassionate listening” at Grand View Center for Mentor Coaching and Leadership Development.
- Same: I still offer emotional intelligence assessment and coaching.
- Same: I still own the website www.JulieSmithCoaching.com.
- Same: You’ll still see the Julie Smith logo, at least for awhile.
- New: Navigate The Way has a logo! You’ll start seeing it more on my website and other places. It represents the business and brand for my coaching programs and events.
- New: The new business name has a URL: www.NavigateTheWay.com. That web address also points to my main website.
- New: Navigate The Way outdoor events and coaching for individuals and groups. Combines nature immersion with coaching, on the nature trail, or in parks and nature preserves.
- New: Declutter Your Soul lake retreats and mini-retreats. Experience rest and soul care to reconnect with yourself and God.
- New: Spiritual Formation Coaching to process life’s journey and open up to the peace and presence of God in daily life.
- New: Invest more time into writing on personal and professional development topics, as I have been, as well as faith-based content. I’ve written a devotion that will be published, through Proverbs 31 Ministries, in a hardbound collection to release in February 2024!
- New: Readers of my newsletter will have the opportunity to choose what types of content they would like to receive. Stay tuned!
- BONUS: Because it fills my bucket, I work individually with four dyslexic children to help them become confident readers. This speaks life-long impact to me. I love these kids!
It looks like a lot as I write this. However, I’ve learned that God always helps me Navigate The Way, one step at a time, through this journey of life. Through coaching and teaching, all paths lead in the same direction. I simply take the next right step, moving forward at the pace of grace.
So, with love and gratitude, I extend my appreciation to each and every one of you who have encouraged, mentored, or extended your trust (as a client) by working with me over the years. I look forward to the next leg of the journey ahead!
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Julie Smith is a certified Life Coach, Leadership Coach and Health Coach. She empowers others to create calm and clarity through work and life transitions. Together, they build confidence, create postive change, and greater well-being so they can lead themselves and the organizations and families they serve. Her clients include purpose-driven professionals, leaders and organizations. 
