We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacqueline Ross a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jacqueline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
From Resistance to Courage
My mission is to help leaders and professionals move from resistance to courage—because true leadership starts from within. And like any real growth journey, it starts with honesty. So I want to share a moment from my own path that challenged me to step into deeper awareness and lead from the inside out.
Let me take you on one of my personal journeys from resistance to courage.
Twenty-three years ago, I quit smoking for good—and it all began with a moment of pure embarrassment. I was at a fitness retreat in Colorado, surrounded by powerhouse women—Olympic gold medalists, Ironman champions, Boston Marathon winners. And there I was, a smoker. Despite my efforts to hide it, one woman asked, “You smoke?”
That simple question shook me. It pierced through layers of denial I’d built up over decades. For the first time, I felt ashamed. I had always thought smoking gave me a sense of power and control. I started at 11 years old, believing it made me look cool, mature. By my 30s, smoking was ingrained in my identity. I’d resisted even thinking about quitting—because I couldn’t imagine who I’d be without it.
But that moment of discomfort became a turning point. That one question—“You smoke?”—sparked something deeper: awareness. It cracked my resistance wide open. And from that crack, the light of courage began to seep through.
A few weeks later, I was riding the subway back home when I saw an ad for a smoking cessation study through Harvard. Without hesitation, I called and signed up. The resistance was still there—I was scared I’d fail. But I had finally decided to try.
The process wasn’t easy. I went through weeks of preparation. My quit date was set for a Saturday—arguably the hardest day to make a major change. But I leapt. On November 2, 2002, I became smoke-free.
The first days? Pure hell. Every craving felt like a war. Every moment, a test. I told myself over and over, “I never want to go through this again.” I avoided triggers—alcohol, late nights out, even driving certain routes. I found new places to spend time—malls, movies—places where smoking wasn’t an option.
But the biggest challenge wasn’t physical—it was emotional. I smoked to dull feelings. I smoked when I was bored, stressed, sad. I needed a new outlet. I chose running.
At first, I could barely jog a block. But slowly, I built up stamina—and confidence. Running became my therapy, my reset, my anchor. I trained through the resistance, and eventually, I ran my first marathon. What once felt impossible became reality.
That one courageous step—to quit smoking—became the foundation for every bold move that followed. From completing marathons, to starting my own business, to challenging limiting beliefs in every area of my life. If I could overcome that, I realized, I could face anything.
One of my running coaches once said:
“This journey will remind you what you’re made of.”
Today, I am 22 years and 5 months smoke-free.
Resistance still shows up. But now—I show up too.
So wherever you are on your journey—whether you’re battling a habit, a belief, or a fear—remember: You have the power to meet your resistance with courage. You have the power to lead from the inside out.
Jacqueline, 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?
From Resistance to Courage — A Journey of Growth, Healing & Purposeful Leadership
Hi, I’m Coach Jackie, and my mission is to help leaders and professionals move from resistance to courage—because real leadership begins within. I work with people who are ready to lead from the inside out, overcome self-doubt, and build careers aligned with their values and strengths. But that mission didn’t just come from a book or a training program—it came from life.
One of the most transformative experiences in my personal journey happened over two decades ago. I had been smoking since I was 11, and by my 30s, I thought it was simply part of who I was. That changed when I attended a fitness retreat in Colorado surrounded by Olympic athletes and marathon champions. When someone looked at me and said, “You smoke?”—it struck a nerve so deep that I couldn’t ignore it. That question cracked through my denial, and for the first time, I chose to face my resistance.
I enrolled in a Harvard-run smoking cessation study, pushed through intense cravings, and replaced my addiction with something empowering: running. Eventually, I ran my first marathon. And that milestone gave me the confidence to take on other challenges—starting my own business, leaving toxic work environments, and stepping fully into my purpose.
How I Got Here
I began my career in behavioral and mental health, working with youth in residential programs—an experience that shaped my deep capacity for empathy and resilience. From there, I transitioned into human resources and organizational development, where I led recruitment, training, DEI, and leadership initiatives. In 2013, I began coaching as a side business, and in February 2022, I left the corporate world to launch my practice full-time—after navigating the most toxic workplace I had ever experienced. That painful experience became the catalyst for reclaiming my voice, my power, and my purpose.
What I Offer
I’m a certified Career Development Coach (PCC) and Mental Fitness Coach (CPQC), and I offer:
• 1:1 Career & Leadership Coaching
• Team and Leadership Development Workshops
• Mental Fitness Training (based on Positive Intelligence)
• Speaking Engagements on topics like self-promotion, influence, burnout prevention, and courageous leadership
• Signature Programs like Influence Up! and Boldly You! Shine Without Apology
My coaching blends strategy with heart, combining tools from behavioral science, HR, mental fitness, and leadership development. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, corporate leader, or someone seeking clarity in your career, I help you step into your next chapter with confidence and courage.
The Problems I Solve
• You’re burned out but unsure how to reset
• You’re craving purpose but stuck in self-doubt
• You’re navigating a career pivot or a toxic workplace
• You’re leading others but need to strengthen your own foundation
• You know you’re meant for more, but don’t know how to get there
What Sets Me Apart
I bring a trauma-informed, emotionally intelligent, and strategic lens to coaching. With decades of experience across multiple disciplines—behavioral health, DEI, HR, and leadership—I help clients uncover the root causes of burnout, self-sabotage, and resistance. I don’t just focus on your career goals—I help you reconnect with who you are, what you value, and how you want to show up in the world.
Clients often tell me:
✨ “You see things in me I didn’t know were there.”
✨ “You ask the questions no one else asks.”
✨ “You helped me reclaim my voice and power.”
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of my courage to walk away from toxic environments and create a life and business rooted in integrity, purpose, and freedom. I’m proud of being smoke-free for over 22 years. I’m proud of the clients who have walked through fire and found themselves on the other side—clearer, bolder, and more fulfilled. And I’m proud to be part of the queer community, creating safe spaces for others to rise.
What I Want You to Know
You don’t have to keep pushing through on autopilot.
You don’t have to prove your worth through burnout.
And you’re not meant to do this alone.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, courage, or a complete career transformation, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s create the career and life you’re truly meant for—without apology.
📩 Ready to get started? Visit www.coachjackieross.com or email me at [email protected] for a free introductory session.
Let’s leap—from resistance to courage—together.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I am also a Pisces – a dreamer, I believe in the future – in possibilities but that did not eliminate my fears and my self-doubts and I have a lot of those.
Fast forward, in 2013, I opened my coaching practice on the side – I was working full time and I started coaching as a side gig. I knew I eventually that I wanted to venture into entrepreneurship, but those fears, doubts and inner critics kept winning the day. So, I continued to work full time and conduct my business on the side. And it was hard – it was hard to straddle them both.
In 2019, I moved from Boston to CT. I was hired by an agency as the Director of HR and I realized that I felt like I had entered The Twilight Zone. No one seemed to speak my language – folx looked at me like I had 3 heads and it was as though I had gone back in time – to the 1980’s. To top if off I began to realize that I was now working for the worst boss ever and I know many of you can relate. Paddle up if you can relate –
it was interesting how it happened. Looking back there were telltale signs early on, and I dismissed them – I dismissed them because I felt I needed to make it work – somehow.
But over time, these telltale signs turned out to be big slaps in the face and kicks in the ass — working for an antagonistic person became extremely difficult. So much so – I actually took a medical leave, FMLA for work related stress. During that time off I made a decision. I gave myself a date to leave. In the meantime, I would be looking for another job and ramping up my business simultaneously because when that date arose I would either be starting a new job or going full time in my business.
December 15th was the date — I would be giving notice.
December 15th, 2021, came and there was no job offer, so I made the decision to take the leap and go full time into my coaching practice.
Feb 4th, 2022, was my official first day. And it was the best decision I could have made.
You see I was resisting and fighting my purpose — I kept trying to make something work – with my strategic mind, and working against a force that was limiting and stunting my growth.
Having such a bleep boss was a blessing, a gift and the greatest opportunity for me to fulfill my purpose.
My purpose is to inspire myself and others about limitless dreams, boundless possibilities and the GUTS (Grit, Unyielding Tenacity, and Self Compassion) to make them happen.
And as a coach, it is about creating the space for others to play in this sandbox.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
As a career and leadership coach, my core belief is this: effective leadership begins with knowing yourself, knowing your team, and building a community where people are empowered to thrive.
Managing a team isn’t just about achieving outcomes—it’s about creating an environment where individuals feel seen, valued, and connected to a larger purpose. That starts with self-awareness. As a leader, you set the tone. When you understand your own values, triggers, communication style, and energy patterns, you’re better equipped to lead with empathy and consistency. You can’t lead others effectively if you aren’t anchored in who you are.
But leadership is never a solo act. You also have to know your team. That means taking the time to understand each person’s strengths, challenges, motivations, and preferred ways of working. When people feel genuinely known—not just for what they do, but for who they are—they’re more engaged and committed.
At the heart of my leadership philosophy is community. I believe in creating a culture where everyone has a stake in the game, a voice in the conversation, and a role in shaping the future. High morale is built when team members feel safe to contribute, take risks, and grow. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress, shared purpose, and belonging.
Great leaders build communities where trust, curiosity, and accountability are the norm—not the exception. Where feedback is a gift. Where learning is constant. Where people don’t just survive—they thrive.
When you lead from this place—of self-awareness, deep connection, and intentional community—you don’t just manage a team. You cultivate a culture of energy, purpose, and lasting impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coachjackieross.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjackieross1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachJackieRoss
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjackieross/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrb3gOp1J25r7QVIURMEb_w
Image Credits
Myself