FTUIY #154: Julie Cober

Julie Cober

Every week, the Unicorn Wall of Fame celebrates leaders who embody the spirit of “Finding the Unicorn in You”—those who break barriers, challenge the status quo, and inspire others to step into their unique magic. This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Julie Cober: bestselling author, certified business leadership coach, success mentor, and founder of the Legacy Leadership Academy for Women.

From Corporate Climber to Legacy Leader

Julie’s story is one of bold pivots and authentic leadership. After 28 years in corporate Canada—25 of those in HR leadership roles supporting global Fortune 100 organizations—Julie reached the top of her field as Chief Human Resources Officer. But instead of feeling fulfilled, she looked around and realized the “view” from the top wasn’t what she’d hoped for.

Her days had shifted from building cultures of engagement and joy to navigating layoffs, restructuring, and harassment complaints. The stress, sacrifice, and relentless grind left her feeling disconnected from her original passion for mentoring, coaching, and helping others thrive.

“I got to the top of that mountain and realized I didn’t love the view,” Julie shared. “I was sacrificing so much with my family, overwhelmed and stressed. I knew something had to change.”

The Leap: Creating the Legacy Leadership Academy

With the support of her husband and a deep desire to return to her roots, Julie left her executive role at the end of 2019—just before the pandemic hit. She launched her own coaching practice, working one-on-one with women executives facing the same overwhelm and misalignment she’d experienced.

As demand grew, Julie scaled her impact by founding the Legacy Leadership Academy for Women and launching the Legacy Collective, a signature group coaching program designed to help women redefine success, reclaim their confidence, and build careers and businesses that honor their values and well-being.

“We’re on a movement to rewrite the rules,” Julie says. “Success isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about defining what joy, fulfillment, and legacy look like for you—and having the courage to go after it.”

Mindset Shifts: From Overwhelm to Ownership

Julie’s coaching is rooted in two pillars: mindset and choice. She helps women leaders set boundaries, find their voice, and remember that they always have agency—even when the pressure feels crushing.

“We work on boundaries, balance, and helping women find their voice again,” Julie explains. “So many powerful women come to me saying, ‘I’ve lost myself.’ But she’s not lost—she’s just buried under stress and expectations. We help her rise back up.”

A key part of Julie’s process is the “magic wand” exercise: inviting women to dream boldly about what they truly want, without limitations. Whether it’s negotiating a dream job, building a business, or simply reclaiming time with family, Julie empowers her clients to design their next chapter with intention.

The Wealth and Worth Gap

One recurring theme Julie encounters is the struggle around wealth and worth. Many women leaders feel guilty for wanting more or settle for less than they deserve—whether it’s salary, recognition, or work-life balance.

“My clients often feel guilty for wanting more,” Julie notes. “Or they settle for less, not realizing how much value they truly bring. I always tell them: whatever number you’re thinking for your worth, double it. If it makes you uncomfortable, you’re on the right track.”

The Power of Rest and Feminine Energy

A major lesson Julie now lives and teaches is the importance of balancing action (masculine energy) with rest, creativity, and intuition (feminine energy). After years of “living in her head” and pushing through, she experienced a health crisis that forced her to slow down and recalibrate.

“Rest is not weakness,” she says. “You can’t sustain constant action. True success and creativity come from honoring both sides—doing the work, but also playing, resting, and listening to your intuition.”

Asking for Help: The Ultimate Unicorn Lesson

When asked for her most powerful “unicorn lesson,” Julie is clear: asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

“For years, I wanted everyone to think I had it all together. But inside, I was crumbling. It wasn’t until I finally asked for help—from a therapist, from my support network—that I truly began to heal and thrive. You don’t have to do it all alone.”

Final Thoughts: Redefining Success, One Woman at a Time

Julie Cober is leading a movement to help women leaders break free from outdated success paradigms, build lives and careers they love, and leave a legacy of joy and fulfillment. Her work is a powerful reminder that you can rewrite your story, no matter where you are in your journey.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for your next chapter, Julie encourages you: “Don’t suffer in silence. You’re not supposed to feel this way. There are solutions—and you deserve to find them.”

Connect with Julie Cober:

Learn more about Julie’s coaching, group programs, and resources at

Website - JulieCober.com, 

LinkedIn Profile - www.linkedin.com/in/juliecober 

IG - https://www.instagram.com/juliecobercoaching/

Book a Legacy Leadership Breakthrough Call to explore what’s possible for you.

For more inspiring stories, visit the Unicorn Wall of Fame and tune in to the Finding the Unicorn in You podcast—new episodes every Friday at 7 am.