We were lucky to catch up with Adrienne Walker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Adrienne, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
this is the one I typically share :) In 2018, I was working 2 jobs 16 hour days, living in Columbus, Ohio with my boyfriend at the time and our one year old daughter. Previously, I was working as a Domestic Violence Group Therapist, but to be honest, I had been going through the motions for quite a while. I resigned from that job and started working as a residential therapist for youth and a manager at a fish spa. I know what you’re thinking, “Fish spa?! Where is this going…?!” But hold on tight, it’s going to be a fun ride. :)
The Awakening– Around the time I started working at the fish spa, I was in a pretty dark place. Along with my jobs, I was in the process of obtaining my masters degree in the field of social work. I was the type of person who did all of the things and tried to be there for everyone but didn’t really focus on myself and my relationship with my partner. In my effort to control my environment, I started working out. ALL OF THE TIME. I got a membership to the new LA Fitness next to one of my jobs and worked out every day in between my job schedules. I was drinking protein shakes and hitting the gym HARD. As I continued on my journey of regaining control in my life through sweat and an Herbal Life subscription, I struggled in the gym too. I was hyperaware to everyone and everything so I tried something different. I started working out in the dark. You see, this particular gym had a theater in it where they played a different movie on repeat every day. In the theater room, you were able to do cardio and abs without anyone watching you. This was a great hiding place for me. A place where I felt covered and safe by the darkness. A darkness I was already too familiar with. One I had learned to “navigate” in. I started seeing results with my body, working out with other people. I was bringing them into my dark space and helping them find comfort in hiding too. I thought I was doing what I was supposed to do. Hold that thought.
The Conflicted Destiny– I invited God into my life at the ripe age of 7. This was the day I first made the decision to get baptized. It was the year 2000. Y2K. My mother was getting baptized again and I remember taking a class with other youth and getting baptized along side of her. I didn’t understand what that meant at the time and I honestly think that 50% of my decision for being baptized was because my mother wanted me to do it with her. My point is, God wasn’t new to me and I had been going to church since before I walk; however, I didn’t know that he saw me and that we had personal relationship until college but that’s a different story for another day. Back to 2018…
March of 2018… I was in the beginning stages of figuring out my daughter and I’s escape plan because I had decided that I didn’t want to be with her father anymore. We had been co-existing for a year now and I was just unhappy. I realized my working out was due to the fact that I didn’t want to be home in the darkness that I was living in. So naturally, I traded one dark place for another. Makes sense right? Wrong. I love the phrase, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans” because he had a plan for me and I didn’t see it coming. Around late April, early May I was laying in bed with my partner and he asked me what I thought about California. I loved California! I had always pictured living there again since we moved from there when I was a young child. I shared that sentiment with him, but I conveniently left out the part where he wasn’t a part of my master plan. He continued to tell me about an anonymous text he had gotten about a job opening at UCLA. I told him he should apply. After all, it was only right that we both find our happy place. Mine was that dark room I was telling you about in the gym where I could hide and his would be in bright and sunny California where everyone is under a microscope. By now you should know which place I was choosing. Obviously the gym!
Anyway, He applied that week in April and found out that he got the job in late June. The only catch is that he wanted me to go with him. I was highly confused because I thought God and I had had a conversation about me having a great time working with my youth, managing my spa, and watching movies at gym. God was obviously cracking up because he had a completely different plan in mind. Long story short, after a lot of prayer, meetings with my therapist, and conversations with my boyfriend, I decided that my daughter and I would move, too. I remember being upset with God about moving because he was pushing out of my comfort zone but I remember feeling like this was the right thing to do.
The Inner Voice– It’s game time. Moving day and everything is packed up. We visited California for a week before we headed there for good so that we could find an apartment. During that visit we sat in an apartment building and I heard God tell me that we were going to live in a 2 bedroom apartment there; however, when we applied, we got denied. I was really upset with God at this point but kept submitting applications to other apartments. Maybe I didn’t hear him correctly. We had a lot of housing prospects that looked promising so I hopped on the road with my one year old in tow with no job, no apartment, and a man I wasn’t sure about. I was still in my masters program though! How’s that for stability?! I didn’t know why I felt convicted to continue down this path but for some reason I found comfort in the uncertainty. It felt like the right thing to do. About 4 hours outside of LA, I received a call from a place of employment asking if I had arrived in CA yet and when I could interview. I was relieved, but we still hadn’t heard from a place to live. We were able to stay with a friend the first night and we stayed in university housing for exactly 3 days before it dawned on me to apply for that apartment that God told me about again. Only this time, we applied with additional help. We got approved within hours. That was the first time I vividly heard God speak to me and he didn’t steer me wrong. He taught me two things:
1. I will never fail you because my word is true.
2. You can’t do everything alone. It’s okay to ask for help.
Ooof! What a difficult lesson to learn at the ripe age of 24.
The Changed Heart–The second we got to California, I could feel my heart changing. I know that sounds crazy but if you ever experience something like this, you will know that God is real for sure. Shortly after we arrived, I had experienced a chemical pregnancy. It shook me, especially because it was my second miscarriage. Like the first one I had, God was trying to tell me something. I realized that I no longer felt okay to be living with my boyfriend without us having a serious conversation about our relationship and where it was headed. I had heard God’s voice and never wanted to turn back from that.
In the course of the rest of 2018, I got a new job and got married to my now husband. God opened the flood gates to my heart. I was no longer finding comfort in the same darkness that held me before. “I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46, NIV) Man did that hit home. the following year we had our 3rd child, my second baby, and God tore us apart, broke us down, and built us back up. I have already shared so much so I won’t go on about the ways that he did that, but let’s just say he was ON IT!
The Guiding Light– Shortly after the birth of our 2nd daughter, I told my husband that I wanted to find a church home. He was all for it! So naturally, I googled “non-denominational churches in the area” and landed on a place called Oasis Church. We attended service the Sunday after our one year anniversary of marriage. God welcomed us with open arms. We attended Growth Track the following weekend for the month, met some amazing people, and embarked on a new journey with God in the center of it all. God had done so many things! My husband got a new job at LMU and became an Associate director and is now working toward getting his doctorate in education. God told me to put my masters in social work program on hold with 5 classes left and apply to seminary school. After a long stubborn and procrastinated discussion, God convinced me that this was the right thing to do and man was he right! I have not felt this level of genuine comfort in my life. I’m not talking about the false comfort that I found in the gym. But about that gym, God showed me my ability to lead people way before I was called to ministry. Remember those people that I told you I was bringing with me to the gym, in my darkness? God said, “Daughter, I need you to use that same energy, to bring them to my light. I need you to tell them about your story of false comfort and tell them that I have something waiting for them, too. That I will never leave or forsake them.” Everything that God does is so intentional. He is amazing and consistently there for you when you need him. Whether you believe you need him or not. My journey with God is not over and as many of you know, it is not easy. He is the potter and I am the clay that is ready for molding. I am constantly being broken down and built back up to become the wonderful piece of art that God declared I would be.
This was the beginning of my walk; now I help people start theirs!
Adrienne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Adrienne Walker, LMSW, and I’m the founder of Good Spirit Life Coaching (GSLC). I’ve spent nearly a decade in the mental health field, where I’ve worked closely with women and families to foster emotional well-being and personal growth. As a wife, a mother of five, and a proud dog owner, I know firsthand the joys and challenges that come with motherhood. This personal experience, combined with my professional background in social work, inspired me to create GSLC— a life coaching practice that is dedicated to supporting mothers through all stages of their journey, from family planning to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and beyond.
At GSLC, we believe that transformation begins with intentionality and a deep commitment to action. Our mission is to empower mothers to embrace their unique paths, cultivate self-trust, and create lasting change. Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, navigating the early stages of motherhood, or managing the balance between work, family, and self-care, our coaching services are designed to support you in every phase. We offer personalized coaching to help women navigate personal growth, improve relationships, achieve career goals, and enhance overall well-being—while also ensuring that the needs and challenges specific to motherhood are addressed.
What sets GSLC apart is our commitment to serving all mamas—whether pre-natal, post-natal, or in the process of family planning. We take a holistic, empathetic approach to coaching, where every mama, regardless of background, identity, or socio-economic status, is given the tools, support, and accountability they need to thrive. As a woman of color in an industry where representation matters, I am deeply passionate about increasing visibility for women of color, particularly in the coaching space. Research shows that while 67.5% of life coaches identify as female, only 33.3% are women of color. This lack of representation fuels my passion for coaching and my mission to ensure that all mothers, especially women of color, feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward empowerment and fulfillment.
At GSLC, we don’t just provide coaching—we offer personalized, actionable strategies that help moms manage the complexities of family life, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Our services are designed to address the unique challenges moms face, such as balancing career and family, navigating postpartum recovery, or managing the emotional and physical demands of pregnancy. We believe that every mother deserves to live a life that is intentional, balanced, and fulfilling, and we work alongside you to help make that a reality.
What I am most proud of is the deep sense of connection and trust that I build with my clients. I am honored to be part of their journeys as they move through different stages of motherhood. I want potential clients to know that GSLC is a supportive, inclusive, and empowering space where all mothers can thrive. You don’t have to do this alone—whether you’re seeking career advancement, emotional healing, or a more balanced life, I’m here to help you navigate your path with confidence.
My purpose is simple: to guide you toward greater insight, intention, and balance, so that you can embrace the transformative power of motherhood and live a life that is aligned with your values and goals. If you’re ready to take the first step towards greater empowerment, self-trust, and fulfillment, I’d love to work with you. Together, we can create the lasting changes that will transform your life and your family.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most powerful lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that my business—my voice—might be insignificant because there are so many others doing similar work. I had to confront the idea that, because life coaching and maternal health support are fields with many providers, there might not be a real place for me. But I came to understand something crucial: my personal experience and my unique perspective make my work irreplaceable. No one else has my combination of skills, experiences, and commitment to serving mothers—especially women of color.
Let me share a pivotal moment that helped me unlearn this self-doubt. I was in labor, expecting to deliver my child at a busy hospital. It was a moment of vulnerability, but what happened in that hospital room changed the course of my life. I was left alone in triage, forgotten by the nurses, in excruciating pain. No one checked on me for what felt like hours. I had no tools to advocate for myself effectively, and I started to wonder: what if something went terribly wrong? What if I wasn’t able to speak up? The pain was unbearable, and the thought that I could have been left in that situation without any support or oversight was terrifying. Thankfully, I was eventually seen by the medical team, but I realized how dangerously close I came to being in a situation where I might have died—and the feeling of helplessness was suffocating.
This experience was a turning point for me. It underscored how critical it is for women—particularly Black women—to have not only the right support but also the tools and knowledge to advocate for themselves during childbirth and throughout their maternal journey. The truth is, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women in the U.S. This staggering statistic is a reality for many mothers, and it highlights the importance of having the right tools, knowledge, and support to navigate such an intimate and life-altering experience.
When I started Good Spirit Life Coaching, I didn’t just want to offer generalized advice or coaching. I wanted to make sure that I could be a resource for mothers at all stages of their journey, providing them with the support, empowerment, and advocacy that are often so lacking in the maternal health space. That experience in the hospital showed me that without the right self-advocacy skills and the ability to voice my needs, a lack of support can have devastating consequences. It’s why I now make it a core part of my mission to help mothers gain the tools they need to advocate for themselves—not just during childbirth, but in every aspect of their lives.
Through my coaching, I help mothers embrace their unique paths, cultivate self-trust, and take control of their journey—whether they are preparing for pregnancy, navigating the challenges of postpartum recovery, or balancing family and career. There is a “secret sauce” in what I offer. My experience as a mother of five, combined with my background in social work, allows me to see the nuances and challenges that my clients face. I know the feeling of being overlooked, and I’m deeply committed to making sure that every mama—regardless of background or identity—has the support they need to thrive.
In realizing that no one else can do what I do in the way that I do it, I learned that there is a unique power in embracing who I am and what I stand for. The world needs your voice, and only YOU can do what you are meant to do. So, I stopped doubting myself and fully embraced my purpose. Now, I’m here to help other mothers walk confidently into their power, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support to transform their lives and their communities.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
While training and knowledge are absolutely essential, I believe that success in my field goes beyond what can be learned in a textbook or a course. There are several key elements that have helped me thrive as a coach and a business owner, and they’ve all been integral to the way I serve my clients.
First and foremost is community building. I’ve learned that creating meaningful connections with others—whether through networking or simply sharing experiences—is vital for growth. As a coach, I’m not just providing advice from a place of authority; I’m engaging in a mutual exchange where I’m learning as much from my clients and peers as they are from me. Building a network of like-minded individuals and supportive professionals helps to strengthen my practice and keeps me inspired. It reminds me that I’m not alone in this work, and we are all interconnected in this journey of growth, healing, and empowerment.
Vulnerability is another key piece of the puzzle. In this field, it’s easy to put up walls and act as though we have all the answers. But I’ve found that true connection happens when we are willing to be vulnerable—both with ourselves and with others. I’ve had to be honest about my struggles, share my own personal journey, and acknowledge that I don’t have all the answers. That openness allows me to build trust with my clients and create a space where they feel safe to be vulnerable too. Vulnerability creates a powerful, human connection that is essential for real transformation to occur.
Leaning not just on my own understanding, but on the wisdom of others has been a game-changer. I’ve learned that there is always more to learn—whether it’s from my clients, other professionals, or even personal experiences that challenge my thinking. The moment I realized that my understanding is just one perspective in a sea of possibilities, I opened myself up to so much more growth. This humility and willingness to receive wisdom from multiple sources, including feedback from clients, mentors, and peers, has expanded my capacity to serve and support in deeper ways.
Finally, my own spiritual growth plays a huge role in my success. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of business and coaching, but I’ve learned that when I center myself spiritually, I tap into a deeper source of wisdom and energy. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or simply taking time to reflect, my spiritual practice helps me stay grounded and aligned with my purpose. It reminds me that I’m here to serve others, not from a place of ego or personal gain, but from a deep calling to make a positive impact in the world.
These are the qualities that allow me to not only show up as the best version of myself but also to create spaces where my clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to make lasting change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gslifecoaching.com
- Instagram: ayeyodree
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayeyodree
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walkeranph/
Image Credits
@jacquelinekohphotography (for baby picture)