Lead with Clarity, Confidence, and Calm
Transform how you lead without burning out, avoiding conflict, or second-guessing every decision.
Leading is harder than it's ever been. The pace is relentless, expectations are sky-high, and your team is looking to you for answers you're not always sure you have. Here's what I know after 30 years in leadership: You don't need another leadership framework. You need practical strategies that work in real time with real people.
Awards & Recognition
Get Started: Free Leadership Resources
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- Top 10 Ways to Decrease Your Stress at Work (FREE guide)
- Twice a month leadership insights and reflection questions
- Exclusive access to webinars and resources
- First two chapters of Leading at the Speed of People
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You Don't Have to Lead Alone
Maybe you were promoted because you were great at your job, but nobody taught you how to lead. Maybe you're avoiding difficult conversations because you don't want to make things worse. Maybe you're so overwhelmed that you can't see a path forward.
You're not alone. And you don't have to figure it out by yourself.
I help leaders like you navigate conflict with confidence, reduce friction in your team, and lead with calm authority even when everything feels chaotic.
From Uncertain to Clear
You'll know exactly what to do next without second-guessing yourself or getting stuck in analysis paralysis.
From Conflict-Avoidant to Confident
You'll handle difficult conversations with ease, set boundaries without guilt, and address problems before they escalate.
From Overwhelmed to Calm
You'll lead with presence and composure, even under pressure, without sacrificing your well-being or effectiveness.
How I Can Help You Lead Better
1:1 Leadership Coaching
Personalized coaching to help you navigate your specific challenges, strengthen your leadership presence, and create lasting transformation.
Perfect for: Executives, mid-level leaders, and emerging leaders ready to lead with confidence.
What You'll Gain:
- Clarity on your biggest leadership challenge and a path forward
- Confidence to have difficult conversations and make tough decisions
- Calm strategies for managing stress and leading with presence
- Personalized tools you can use immediately
Keynote Speaking & Workshops
Inspiring, research-backed presentations that equip your team with practical strategies for people-centered leadership.
Perfect for: Conferences, leadership retreats, and professional development events.
Signature Topics:
- What Great Leaders Do Differently: The Human Advantage in Leadership
- When Growth Gets HARD: Navigating the Human Side of Change
- Empathy Is Your Superpower: The Secret to Transforming Conflict into Connection
- The Future of Leadership Is Human
Self-Paced Learning
Award-winning books and comprehensive online courses that give you the frameworks and tools to transform your leadership on your schedule.
Perfect for: Leaders who want to learn at their own pace or bring proven strategies to their entire team.
Featured Offerings:
- Leading at the Speed of People (Book)
- Does Change Have to Be So Hard? (Book)
- The Journey Called You (Book)
- Comprehensive Leadership Course ($997)
What Leaders Are Saying
"I have had the pleasure of working with Julie for 5 months now. She has been instrumental in my transformation as a leader. I have been able to add to my leadership skills as well as boost my confidence as a leader thanks to Julie's help. If you are looking to improve your skills and are looking for leadership coaching, then look no further than Dr. Julie Donley. As a testimony to her work, I was even able to secure the biggest promotion of my career while attending coaching sessions with Julie."
Director, Corporate Leadership
"Working with Dr. Julie Donley has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. Her coaching has significantly enhanced my leadership skills, helping me become more in tune with my emotions and their impact on my work. Dr. Donley's empathetic approach has not only deepened my understanding of others but has also helped reduce stress within my team. She guided me in focusing on what I can control, empowering me to navigate challenges more effectively."
Executive Leader
"Dr. Julie Donley is an amazing leadership coach. I met Dr. Donley as a brand-new Chair of a large academic program. Dr. Donley helped me to identify the confidence within and also helped me to identify and develop my authentic leadership abilities. I credit Dr. Donley with my first-year accomplishments and initiatives. She has so much leadership experience, a sense of humor, and understanding of various leadership challenges."
Academic Chair, Large University Program
Is Leadership Coaching Right for You?
You're in the right place if you're:
- A mid-to-senior level leader navigating complex challenges
- Recently promoted and feeling the weight of new responsibilities
- Avoiding difficult conversations because you don't want conflict
- Struggling to stay calm and composed when emotions run high
- Overwhelmed by competing priorities and unclear expectations
- Leading through organizational change or uncertainty
- Seeking a trusted sounding board to gain clarity and perspective
- Ready to lead authentically without sacrificing your well-being
Industries I Serve:
I work with leaders across industries, including:
- Healthcare & Behavioral Health Professionals
- Corporate & Executive Leaders
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- HR, Talent Development, & Learning Teams
- Professional Associations
- Emerging & Women Leaders
"Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, building stronger relationships, and creating environments where people thrive."
— Dr. Julie Donley
Meet Dr. Julie Donley
EdD, MBA, RN, PCC | Leadership Coach, Author & Speaker
After spending nearly a decade as a Director of Nursing in behavioral health and 30+ years in healthcare and organizational leadership, I've learned one fundamental truth: Leadership is a people game.
You can have the best strategy, the most impressive credentials, and the highest IQ in the room, but if you can't connect with people, inspire trust, and navigate conflict with confidence, your leadership will always feel harder than it needs to be.
I help leaders develop the emotional intelligence, communication skills, and self-awareness they need to lead with clarity, confidence, and calm, even in the most challenging environments.
Credentials & Recognition:
- EdD in Organizational Leadership
- MBA in Management & Healthcare Systems
- RN (Registered Nurse)
- PCC (Professional Certified Coach - ICF)
- Former Director of Nursing, Behavioral Health
- Author of 3 award-winning books
- Top Coach Award (CoachFoundation.com)
- Top 100 Thought Leaders in Personal Leadership Development
Award-Winning Books to Transform Your Leadership
Leading at the Speed of People
How to Build Leadership Skills, Improve Communication, and Lead with Confidence
A transformative leadership model that puts people first, reduces stress, and drives unparalleled results. Winner of the Global Book Award.
Get the Book
Does Change Have to Be So Hard?
Eight Mindset Strategies to Overcome Self-Sabotage and Take Control of Your Life
Discover the H.A.R.D. Model of change and learn why resistance isn't the enemy, it's information you need to lead through transformation.
Get the Book
The Journey Called You
A Roadmap to Self-Discovery and Acceptance
Before you can lead others effectively, you must learn to lead yourself. This book is your guide to building self-awareness, confidence, and clarity.
Get the BookLearn, Reflect, Lead
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Read ArticleReady to Lead Differently?
You don't need to lead faster, you need to lead smarter.
Let's work together to create calm, connection, and confidence in how you lead every day.
Book a complimentary 30-minute Leadership Clarity Session and discover what's possible for you and your team.
No obligation. No sales pitch. Just clarity.