Meet Julie Fedeli

 

We were lucky to catch up with Julie Fedeli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Julie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the incredible examples set by the women in my family. My grandmother, who graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1934, was ahead of her time. Not only did she prioritize her own education, but she also selflessly supported her two younger sisters through their college journeys. Afterward, she built an impressive career as an assistant principal at a top high school in Chicago. She didn’t marry until later in life, preferring to focus on her professional and personal growth first. By the time I came along, she had already traveled the world, and it wasn’t long before she started bringing me along on her global adventures. Watching her fearlessly navigate life instilled in me the importance of independence, curiosity, and passion for work and life.

My mother also followed a nontraditional path, starting her own business at 30 years old—a move that was very bold and inspiring. She continues to work at the age of 84, finding joy and purpose in her daily efforts. Her example of longevity in work, not just for necessity but for personal fulfillment, has been a powerful lesson for me.

I started my first business at 26, later balancing entrepreneurship with the demands of raising my son. Now, at 60, I’ve launched another venture that’s particularly close to my heart—one focused on empowering midlife women. Early in 2025, my co-author, Pamela De Rose, and I will publish Midlife Upgrade: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Finding Your Power in the Pause, a book aimed at helping women reclaim their strength during one of life’s major transitions.

The women in my family showed me that work is a way to engage with the world, make a difference, and continually grow. Their passion, resilience, and joy in their work have deeply influenced my approach to life and business. I’ve carried those values throughout my career and am continually energized by the possibilities of what comes next.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I have dedicated over 35 years to advocating for women’s health and wellness as an innovative entrepreneur. My mission has always been to empower women to experience abundance across all aspects of life—especially in areas of health, joy, and personal growth. Supporting women to become radiantly healthy is a passion of mine, and I’m fortunate to lead a dynamic team that includes top MDs, healthcare practitioners, triathletes, yoginis, and mothers, all working to help women thrive.

Recently, I co-founded Midlife Upgrade, an educational platform designed to inspire and support menopausal women in creating more beautiful, fulfilling lives. To complement this initiative, I’ve co-authored the book Midlife Upgrade: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Finding Your Power in the Pause, which will be published in 2025. This book, along with our platform, provides accessible insights and practical tools for women to harness their power during midlife’s pivotal transitions.

My work extends beyond education into curating impactful experiences. For over 15 years, I’ve brought together powerful speakers and hosted gatherings that have reached thousands, fostering community and connection among women. These events—including Conversations with a Goddess, a series of virtual gatherings, podcasts, and video interviews with incredible women—are all about celebrating women’s stories and uplifting each other through shared wisdom.

Right now, I’m focused on individual consulting for women who are longing for more—whether that’s joy, peace, purpose, or holistic well-being. Additionally, we are launching new online courses, a podcast, and a community platform, each designed to support women in their midlife journey. Most recently, we held two highly successful events, attended by over 160 women and featuring a well-known midlife expert who has become something of a “menopause celebrity.” These gatherings also showcased midlife practitioners who are breaking taboos around menopause and redefining what it means to thrive in this phase of life.

In the coming months, we’ll be hosting screenings in Chicago and Miami for two documentaries on menopause that are already selling out nationwide. It’s clear that women are eager for quality information and support as they navigate this transformative stage.

In everything I do, my intention remains the same: to uplift and empower women everywhere. When women come together, wonderful things happen, and it’s a privilege to witness the magic that unfolds.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Tenacity and Determination:
Throughout my journey, there have been plenty of challenges and setbacks, but it was my tenacity that kept me moving forward. Starting my first business at 26, while raising a child and launching a new company at 60, both required a very deep well of determination. There were moments when it would have been easier to give up—and a few times, I almost did—but I’ve learned that success often comes from keeping your focus on serving others in your business and holding onto your vision when things get difficult. My advice to those early in their journey: practice resilience. Learn to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for growth—because that’s exactly what they are. Every challenge you overcome strengthens your resolve and brings you closer to the life you’re longing to live.

Faith in Myself, Supported by Mentors and Community:
Believing in myself has been essential, but I didn’t do it alone. I had the privilege of having strong mentors, supportive friends, and an encouraging community, and I very intentionally created those support systems. I reached out to powerful women—even complete strangers—because I saw something exceptional in them. I always offered to support them in any way I could, and that approach resulted in long-term collaborations that have been nothing short of magical. That network became a safety net during uncertain times and a source of wisdom when I needed guidance. For anyone just starting out, I can’t stress enough the importance of building a solid support system. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your wildest dreams, and hold you accountable for manifesting those dreams. Seek out mentors who can help you get where you want to go, and be open to their “truth bombs!” Your community will become your foundation of strength when your faith in yourself is challenged.

Curiosity and Willingness to Try New Things:
Curiosity has always been a guiding force in my life and career. Whether it was exploring new business opportunities, collaborating on our book, or embracing the many challenges that come with midlife, I have always been open to pushing my limits and trying something unfamiliar. Staying curious and open-minded allowed me to adapt and grow, even when things didn’t go as planned. My advice? Always keep learning. Read books, listen to podcasts, take classes with leaders in your field—or anything that lights you up. Be willing to step WAY outside your comfort zone and try new things, even when they seem out of reach. The world is constantly evolving, and always focus on your own evolution too! Magic happens when you allow yourself to expand.

 

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

We’re excited to connect with anyone who shares a commitment to uplifting women’s health and wellness, particularly during midlife and beyond. Currently, we’re collaborating with health practitioners in the menopause and midlife space who integrate our individual and group coaching programs into their practice. Since most practitioners have limited time with patients, we provide continued support, offering a deeper dive into well-being for their clients.

As we travel around the country, we’re also eager to meet more women and share insights from our upcoming book, Midlife Upgrade: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Finding Your Power in the Pause. We welcome partnerships with bookstores, women’s groups, and businesses that align with our mission to spread the message that midlife can be a powerful—and truly wonderful—time in a woman’s life.

If you’re interested in collaborating, let’s connect! Please reach out, as together, we can expand our reach and impact even more lives.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Tanja Pleis Photography
www.tanjapleisphotography.com
@tanjapleisphotography

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