Ep. 62 with Julie Thiel | Founder of Thiel Talent Strategy

Author: Kelly Kirk
Published: Tue 19 Aug 2025
Episode Link: None

Lightsabers and Laptops: One Woman's Journey to Self-Acceptance

What happens when a 30-year corporate veteran decides to reinvent herself as an entrepreneur? Julie Thiel's journey from HR executive to founder of Thiel Talent Strategy reveals the profound transformation that occurs when we dare to align our work with our deepest values.

Julie's wake-up call came during her daughter's junior year of high school. While negotiating compensation deals on her phone at softball tournaments, she realized she was missing precious moments that would never return. This epiphany sparked a complete reassessment of her relationship with work and motherhood—one that would eventually lead her to entrepreneurship.

The conversation dives deep into the unexpected challenges of the corporate-to-entrepreneur transition. While Julie assumed her extensive HR expertise would be her greatest asset, she discovered that mindset became the true game-changer. "I had to unlearn hierarchical thinking," she explains, describing how she initially evaluated networking contacts through a corporate lens of authority and position. Learning to approach every conversation as an equal opened doors to authentic connections that transformed her business.

Particularly moving is Julie's candid discussion of her IVF journey and how that experience taught her the power of surrender. The pain of wanting something desperately—a child—while facing circumstances beyond her control parallels the vulnerability of entrepreneurship. Through meditation and deep reflection, Julie reached a place of acceptance that whatever happened would be right. This hard-won wisdom continues to guide her business decisions today.

For working mothers wrestling with guilt and perfectionism, Julie's message is liberating: "I had to accept being an average dog owner and sometimes an average housekeeper to be fully present for what truly matters." Her daughter's recent graduation and departure for college validates this approach—the moments missed on field trips pale in comparison to the strong relationship they've built.

Julie's enthusiasm for her "geeky" interests like Star Wars and lightsaber battle leagues reflects her growing comfort with authenticity. "There was a time I would have worried what people would think," she laughs, "but now I'm like, this is fun, so I'm going to do it." This same fearless authenticity fuels her business approach, attracting clients who value her unique perspective.

Want to recreate your relationship with work, motherhood, and self-expectation? Julie's journey offers a roadmap for anyone seeking to build a life where work enhances rather than diminishes our most precious connections. Reach out to Julie to learn how she helps organizations build cultures where both businesses and people thrive.

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn: Julie Thiel

Website: Thiel Talent Strategy

Email: [email protected]

Contact the Host, Kelly Kirk: