We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Julia Wiener and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Julia, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The hardest decision I’ve ever had to make was whether to continue pursuing my Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology after the devastating loss of my son. I had decided to pursue my Ph.D. out of a deep love for learning, a passion for leadership and company culture, and a desire to become the best consultant and coach I could be for my clients, blending theory and practice. Halfway through my coursework, my husband and I were overjoyed to be expecting our second child. I stepped away from work to focus on my pregnancy and my studies, but during the birth, there was a cord accident. Our son spent seven weeks in the NICU, and then came home under hospice care for another four weeks before passing away.

After his passing, continuing my Ph.D. felt unimaginable. I was utterly shattered, barely able to handle the basics of daily life, let alone academics. But my husband, my church community, my professors, and my friends surrounded me with unwavering love and support. They believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. They prayed for me, brought meals, sat with me while I wrote papers, and reminded me that I had more strength than I realized. When I wanted to quit, they wouldn’t let me. Their support gave me the courage to keep going, even in the midst of unbearable grief.

Today, standing here as Dr. Julia Wiener, founder of JW Strategies, it’s about so much more than just a title. It’s a testament to resilience, to the power of love and community, and to the strength we can find within ourselves when we have the right people beside us. My Ph.D. symbolizes a journey through the darkest time of my life and a decision to keep moving forward when every fiber of me wanted to stop. It’s a reminder that no matter how impossible things may seem, with faith, community, and sheer will, we can rise. I carry that fire with me every day in my work, knowing that I can face anything and help others do the same. I feel like it’s the best way to honor my son.

What should our readers know about your business?
JW Strategies is a consultancy focused on building better workplace cultures through executive coaching, leadership development programs, team workshops, assessments, and company culture consulting. What sets us apart from others is our unique combination of experience. I co-founded a manufacturing startup and, alongside my partners, grew it from a 4-person operation to over 300 employees. We eventually exited through a sale to a Fortune 500 company. I also have over 10 years of experience in a corporate environment, working in various roles from sales and marketing to project management at a Fortune 500 company. During that time, I spent 18 months as an expatriate contractor in Afghanistan, which gave me invaluable global business experience. Along with my Ph.D., this blend of entrepreneurial grit, global corporate experience, and academic knowledge gives me a unique perspective on how to balance the theory of leadership and culture with the practical realities of high-pressure, dynamic environments.

Right now, I’m especially excited about the upcoming launch of my new digital courses, designed to prepare leaders for the evolving business landscape and equip them to build cultures that are ready for the future. These courses will be available for businesses to integrate with their internal learning management systems, offering leaders practical, future-focused strategies to help their organizations thrive. They are based on my own battle-tested leadership philosophies, which blend hands-on experience with cutting-edge research.

What makes these courses truly unique is their flexibility and customization. Leaders won’t just receive off-the-shelf content—they’ll have the ability to tailor the lessons to meet the specific challenges they face. I’ll also offer the capability to design custom digital courses for clients who need something more specialized. Whether it’s scaling a business or adapting to rapid technological advancements, my courses will empower leaders to not only succeed today but to future-proof their company cultures for tomorrow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:

Kick off the visit with a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo. It’s one of my favorite spots in the area, with beautiful and spacious enclosures showcasing so many amazing animals.

Day 2:

Head over to Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, where we are members, for a golf lesson and lunch. The setting is perfect for relaxing and catching up while trying out a few swings!

Day 3:

Treat them to a movie night at iPic in Fairview. This dine-in theater experience offers great food and drinks while you watch a movie in the coziest seats.

Day 4:

Spend the day at Legacy West in Plano for some shopping and dining. My favorite restaurants there are North Italia, Haywire, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, and the latest addition, Uchiko. If we’re lucky, we might catch some live music.

Day 5:

Take a break for some fitness fun at the Stephen Terrell Rec Center in Allen. This state-of-the-art facility has a walking track, outdoor weightlifting area, and plenty of activities for everyone. For a more personalized workout, we’d also stop by Circuit 31.

Day 6:

Visit seasonal attractions to have some family fun. Depending on the time of year, we could visit a local pumpkin patch, Easter egg hunt, or Christmas light drive-by—these are always a hit with my kids!

Day 7:

Wrap up the trip with a day at NorthPark Mall to soak in the incredible art exhibits while indulging in a meal at Eataly. Before heading away from that area, we’ll stop by SouthPaw, my favorite spot for smoothies and sandwiches.

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 would love to dedicate my shoutout to my high school basketball coaches, especially Coach LaCheryl Smith, who is now the principal at Legacy Early College School in Greenville, SC. As a child raised by a single mother who was often working, Coach Smith stepped in and made sure I had everything I needed to succeed. She ensured I could get to and from practice, and her family surrounded me with support, providing resources that allowed me to participate in school activities.

Coach Smith was instrumental in guiding me through the college application process and the college basketball recruiting process, both of which were unfamiliar to my family, as I am a first-generation college graduate. She pushed me when I needed to be challenged and provided the support I needed as a teenage girl navigating life. She often invited the basketball team to her church, where I experienced a sense of strong community and began to build the foundation of my faith. Coach Smith was more than just a coach—she was a mentor, a guide, and a role model. I credit much of my personal and professional success to the lessons of resilience, faith, and determination she instilled in me during those formative years.

Website: https://jwstrategies.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jw.strategies

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-blandin-wiener/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julialovesorgs

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JWStrategies

Image Credits
N/A I own all images

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