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

TJ, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I’ve taken a ton of risks throughout my career, but one that stands out to me is when I made the decision to build my life and work around authenticity and vulnerability instead of what is the usual concept of success and achievement. For years, I worked in environments and with people where being perfect was the gold standard. I followed the rules, played the part, and tried to fit the mould of what was expected. But something never felt quite right. I wanted to question things, push boundaries, and create space for people to be their real, imperfect selves—myself included.

That desire to be real came to a head when I was fired from a position for not fitting the mould. Instead of letting that moment crush me, I saw it as an opportunity to take a bold leap into something new. The risk I took was to build a career around helping others embrace their own authenticity, even when it feels scary, even when the world expects us to be perfect.

That move shaped everything I do. Today, I work with therapists, creative entrepreneurs, and artists, guiding them to tell their stories, live their values, and show up as their true selves. It wasn’t an easy journey to build this career, but it was the one I was meant to take. By risking my own authenticity, I found the freedom and fulfillment I had always been searching for.

TJ, 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?

I’m an internationally exhibited artist, creative clinician and coach, brand strategist, and Licensed Professional Counselor with professional and academic street cred a block long.

But you want to know the reason I do what I do?

It’s because I’ve been through some shit and know how life-changing it is to be witnessed.

When I was in art school, two of my professors saved my life.

It was the end of the semester, all my art was up on the wall, and I was ready for their crit.

But instead, they stopped me and said, “We’re not going to critique your work just yet. We need to talk with you. You entered our classroom in August as one person and we’ve seen you become a completely different person physically, emotionally, and mentally over the past three months.”

I stood there blown away.

I was in the middle of an active eating disorder.

These professors, people who were invested in my academic achievement and art practice, saw me and made it clear that what I was going through was more important than anything going on in their classroom.

I do what I do now because I’ve experienced what it’s like to be seen – not just as an artist, but as a human being.

I became a professional artist, curator, coach, therapist, strategist, and professor because I was shown love that day.

So when we work together, know this –

I love people. I love artists and creatives. I love who we are and who we are to each other. We have the power to change and co-create each other’s entire fucking lives.

And that’s why I’m here. Because I know firsthand how the act of being seen can ignite transformation.

For over two decades, I’ve been working at the colorful intersection of creativity, art, therapy, and education, helping people navigate their journeys through fear, uncertainty, and procrastination. I’m not just someone who talks about creativity—I live it, breathe it, and I’m an expert in it. And I believe, to my core, that every single person has a wellspring of creativity inside them, just waiting to be unleashed once they access their authentic selves.

I’m not here to give clients cookie-cutter advice or tell you to follow a one-size-fits-all path. I’m here to help them dig deep, to understand who they are at their core—what their mission, vision, and purpose are as a creative human being—and to connect them with the world and the people around them in meaningful ways.

With my background in mental health, higher education, and communications, I’ve spent years helping creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers tell their stories, build their brands, and create movements. Whether it’s through 1:1 coaching, consulting, group work, workshops, or speaking engagements, I help visionary individuals and organizations clarify their message, strengthen their impact, and foster community.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what I’m all about—bringing people together, helping them see themselves, and empowering them to create something that resonates far beyond the canvas, the stage, or the boardroom.

This is about more than just doing great work. It’s about becoming the kind of person who creates a lasting legacy—one who changes lives, impacts communities, and leaves the world better than they found it. And I’m here to help my clients do just that.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation in my market is the unique way I blend creativity, authenticity, and deep interpersonal work in everything I do. For over two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of art, mental health, education, and communications, which gives me a holistic approach to guiding others. Whether I’m working with therapists, creative entrepreneurs, or visionary leaders, my goal is always the same: to help people see themselves more clearly and step into their authentic, creative potential.

In my counseling and supervision work, I guide clients to lean into discomfort, trust their intuition, and embrace the vulnerability that often feels “squishy” yet is essential to authentic growth. I’ve built my reputation by helping people get comfortable with the discomfort of the unknown—encouraging them to take imperfect action, trust their gut, and understand that growth often comes from the very places we avoid.

I don’t just offer strategies; I help people dig deep into their identity, mission, and values, so they can show up in the world as their truest selves. In supervision, I guide therapists to trust their instincts, embrace their own narratives, and connect their stories to their work with clients. I use the same approach in leadership and branding—helping individuals and organizations build something genuine, sustainable, and values-driven.

Whether it’s through 1:1 coaching, group workshops, or supervision, I focus on empowering people to craft their personal narratives in a way that feels both meaningful and aligned with who they are. I encourage people to draw from their own story to build a brand or practice that is not just effective but deeply resonant with their audience and community.

Ultimately, my reputation has been built on this foundation of realness, connection, and fostering environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and ready to make a lasting impact—whether in their therapy practice, their creative work, or their leadership role. I’m not just about helping people do great work; I’m about helping them become the kind of person who can transform lives, build communities, and leave a meaningful legacy.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine, values-driven relationships rooted in authenticity and vulnerability. I’ve always believed that when people see your true self—imperfections, strengths, and all—it creates trust, which is the foundation for lasting connections. My approach isn’t about flashy marketing or following a one-size-fits-all strategy; it’s about helping people discover who they really are, what they stand for, and how to communicate that in a way that resonates deeply with others.

By leading with authenticity – or, realness – in everything I do, I’ve been able to attract clients right-fit clients. Whether I’m working with therapists, creative entrepreneurs, or organizations, the focus is always on connection and helping them feel seen. I encourage people to trust their intuition, embrace vulnerability, and take imperfect action, which mirrors the way I operate in growing my own practice.

Another key strategy has been creating spaces where community and creativity flourish. From leading workshops that allow participants to dig deep into their personal stories, to facilitating collaborative projects, I’ve found that offering experiences where people feel genuinely connected to both their own story and the stories of others builds a strong, lasting network.

I also focus on fostering a sense of belonging and safety in every interaction—whether it’s 1:1 coaching, group work, or public speaking. People come back and refer others because they feel empowered and understood. It’s never been about mass marketing or selling; it’s always been about creating meaningful impact, one relationship at a time. This approach naturally attracts clients who resonate with my values, and word-of-mouth has been one of the most powerful growth strategies for my business.

In short, the most effective strategy for me has been showing up authentically, staying rooted in my values, and focusing on meaningful, real connections with the people I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tjwalshcoaching.com and www.tjwalshtherapy.com
• Instagram: @tjwalsh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjwalsh
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyjwalshjr/

Image Credits

Ashley Smith – Wide Eyed Studios