We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Southwell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were starting over in my business, I would have taken a closer look at the season I was in before taking the leap. When God calls us to something greater, the path is often unclear. The calling is always bigger than us, frequently met with uncertainty, fear, and even well-meaning individuals who may unintentionally discourage us from moving forward.

Hindsight is 20/20, and the time it takes to recover from missteps makes hesitation and reservations understandable. When you’ve worked hard to reach the pinnacle of your career, starting over can feel daunting. However, when God calls, the key is to listen and not to ignore the whispers.

In 2020, God gave me the name The Essence of a Woman, but at the time, I had no idea what to do with it. I didn’t fully understand its meaning, yet I knew I was called to work with women. To empower them, to help them break free from limiting beliefs, fears, and self-doubt, and to create lasting paradigm shifts. These shifts would not only transform their lives but also the lives of those they encounter. Looking back, I would have trusted the process earlier and embraced the journey with greater clarity and confidence.

How Could You Have Reached This Point Faster, With Less Capital? One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the power of quality decision-making. Success isn’t just about taking action, it’s about taking the right actions. I could have arrived at this point more quickly had I avoided distractions, the pressure to perform, and the tendency to let others influence my decisions based on emotions rather than strategy.

I’ve come to realize that my dream wasn’t meant for me alone. God called others to be a part of this vision. As a new business owner, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything yourself: content creation, sales, marketing, administration, strategy, and vision. But the truth is, trying to operate in a silo is unhealthy, exhausting, and ultimately slows progress. Having the right team, even if it’s just one person to assist with administration, allows for greater efficiency and sustainable growth.

From a financial perspective, I would advise entrepreneurs to create a budget while still employed to self-fund their business, reducing reliance on loans. Establishing an additional savings plan beyond your current one can provide the financial cushion needed to sustain your lifestyle while making necessary sacrifices. This way, even if you’re unable to pay yourself a salary initially, you can still maintain a degree of financial security and enjoy small luxuries along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For over 20 years, I excelled in Corporate America, working in Information Technology across Fortune 50 companies in industries such as Retail, Cybersecurity, Supply Chain IT, Legal IT, HR Services, and Audit. I held leadership roles as a Senior Manager of Software Engineering, System Engineering, Program Management, and Technical Excellence, each of which shaped my expertise in delivering quality results, fostering high-performance teams, and leading complex initiatives.

Despite my professional success, I faced a unique set of challenges as a leader, particularly as the first in my family to reach such heights. I often found myself navigating difficult situations alone, unsure of how to ask for help. Rather than holding others accountable, I took on more responsibilities than necessary, sacrificing my well-being in the process. I worked long hours, skipped meals, and struggled with boundaries, all under the belief that I was honoring my faith by pushing through.

However, this approach was unsustainable. A turning point came when I stepped into a high-stakes leadership role overseeing hundreds of people, business partners, and customers in an environment that was already on fire. I had entered a system that was deeply broken, and despite my best efforts, I didn’t have the resources or support to fix it alone. When my leadership changed, I was expected to take full ownership of a demanding, chaotic landscape while still learning the ropes myself. The pressure was immense, and I was drowning.

With every wrong decision, millions of dollars were on the line. I found myself making quick choices out of necessity rather than strategy, constantly second-guessing myself despite my experience. The relentless demands of the job eroded my confidence and began taking a toll on my health. In 2022, I underwent surgery for chronic pain that had gone undiagnosed for years, and yet, the challenges persisted. Eventually, I reached a breaking point—I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and losing myself.

The Birth of a New Purpose

During my time of reflection, I rediscovered my voice. I began journaling, and one day, I poured over 10,000 words onto the pages, capturing the raw reality of my experience. That journal became the foundation of my book, The Dangers of Ignoring Your Heart’s Whispers, a transformational guide that later inspired my coaching programs, workshops, and consulting services.

A few months later, I made the courageous decision to leave my employment of 12 years to step into the unknown. I was no longer the same person and the new woman in me couldn’t return to an old mindset. I left and began to find me. In finding me, I discovered a love to empower, inspire, and elevate women who, like me, have struggled with the pressures of leadership, self-doubt, and burnout.

At The Essence of a Woman, LLC, our vision is clear:

To build a world where every woman confidently embraces her unique essence, leads with purpose, and inspires others to do the same. We strive to cultivate a future where women break free from limiting beliefs, overcome fear and self-doubt, and step boldly into their power. Through compassionate coaching, lifelong learning, and a strong community of support, we are catalysts for change—helping women thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

What Sets Me Apart?

My real-world experience. I’ve lived the challenges I coach women through. Being overwhelmed, a people pleaser, fear, phobias, imposter syndrome, high-pressure careers, and self-sacrificial leadership. My programs also encourage faith-rooted transformation. My work is grounded in faith and purpose, guiding women to lead with courage and conviction. Additionally, I offer a holistic approach in coaching and consulting. I address the mindset, leadership development, wellness, and emotional resilience—empowering women from the inside out. Lastly, I offer a safe, supportive community where women don’t have to navigate their challenges alone. Instead, I provide a space of encouragement, connection, and accountability.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I am most proud of significant growth. Saying NO with grace and without guilt after years of saying yes to everyone but myself. Being an example of transformation for women who feel lost, stuck, or unsure of their next step. Creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and supported.
Helping women reclaim their voice, set healthy boundaries, and lead with confidence. The impact my journey has had on my family, my clients, and the women I serve.

How I Serve Women

Keynote Speaking & Workshops:
-Women’s Empowerment
-Wellness & Self-Care
-Managing Anxiety & Stress
-Being Your Authentic Self
-Maximizing Vulnerability as Strength in the Workplace
-Owning Your Voice
-The Freeing Power of Love

Online Courses & Digital Training
My audio and video courses provide easy access to powerful teachings, allowing women to learn at their own pace and apply strategies to their lives immediately.

Weekly Empowerment Sessions
I host interactive coaching sessions where like-minded women gather for support, inspiration, and personal growth. These sessions create breakthrough moments that shift mindsets and spark transformation.

1:1 Personalized Coaching
For women seeking deeper guidance, I offer private coaching sessions tailored to uncover root challenges, reset mindsets, and develop a personalized strategy for success. These sessions create life-changing clarity, confidence, and freedom.

I believe that every woman has a purpose, a voice, and a unique power to impact the world. My mission is to help women navigate life’s challenges with resilience, confidence, and faith, so they can step fully into their authentic calling.

At The Essence of a Woman, LLC, we don’t just inspire women—we transform them.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As a leader responsible for people, it’s essential to understand the distinction between management and leadership. All people in position of leadership should ask themselves, “are you in this role for the title and authority, or are you here to inspire, support, and equip the team for success?”

Great leaders don’t just assign tasks, they empower their teams to take ownership, develop solutions, and grow professionally. While managers may focus on control and oversight, true leaders create an environment where individuals feel trusted, valued, and supported.

One of the most effective leadership approaches is leading with kindness and empathy, even when mistakes are made. When team members fall short, I take a step back and ask myself:

– Have I provided them with the right tools to succeed?
– Have I set clear expectations and provided guidance?
– Am I removing roadblocks and offering support where needed?

A high-morale team thrives in a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous learning. This means staying visible, checking in regularly, and addressing challenges together rather than assigning blame. At the same time, leadership requires holding people accountable while giving them the space to become the best version of themselves.

By prioritizing trust, open communication, and empowerment, I’ve cultivated teams where people feel motivated, valued, and excited to contribute—creating an environment where people don’t just work for me, they excel with me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

For much of my life, I was a people pleaser, believing that if others were happy, then I was happy. I equated acceptance with self-sacrifice, thinking that constantly saying yes and conforming to the expectations of others was the key to belonging. However, I eventually realized that this wasn’t kindness, it was entanglement.

I had to unlearn the belief that I needed permission or validation to pursue my dreams, express my preferences, or even voice my own opinion. Whether it was something as simple as choosing a meal or as significant as chasing a vision, I often deferred to what others wanted, losing myself in the process.

For years, I believed that my ideas needed to be championed by others in order to be worthy or successful. But through deep self-reflection, I came to understand that true confidence doesn’t come from external approval, it comes from embracing authenticity.

One of the most powerful shifts in my journey was realizing that saying ‘no’ isn’t negative, it’s necessary. Learning to set boundaries and stand firm in my own choices was the catalyst for discovering my purpose, identity, and personal freedom. I no longer needed to mold myself to fit others’ expectations, I had the power to define my own path.

This transformation allowed me to reclaim my voice, my confidence, and ultimately, my true self. And that is a lesson I will never unlearn.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://essenceoaw.com
• Instagram: natalietheessenceoaw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalietheessenceoaw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliesouthwell

Image Credits

Image Credit:
Kent Photography