Meet Julie Zaruba Fountaine

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julie Zaruba Fountaine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Julie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Over time, I have updated my perspective on finding purpose, based on insights from research and my life experience. Rather than saying I “found” my purpose, it’s more accurate to say I built it over time.

My journey wasn’t about discovering a single, pre-existing purpose. Instead, it was a process of building purpose through various experiences and roles. My work in exercise science, health, nutrition, leadership, and change management all contributed to shaping my purpose, rather than leading me to a singular “aha” moment.
It’s important to recognize that purpose isn’t confined to one area of life. For me, purpose manifests in multiple spheres – my professional work with EMPOWER Possible, LLC, my role as an Adjunct Faculty, and my connection to the natural environment of Northern Minnesota.
Additionally, my sense of purpose has evolved. What gave me meaning earlier in my career may differ from what drives me now. I am driven to spend time investing in relationships and projects that focus on well-being and change management.. This natural evolution allows for growth and adaptation to new circumstances and insights. Not feeling stuck when your “one true calling” no longer speaks to you.
By reframing purpose as something we build rather than find, we open ourselves to a more dynamic and multifaceted understanding of what gives our lives meaning. This perspective has allowed me to continually shape and refine my purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and impactful journey in empowering others to thrive.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m excited to share more about my professional journey and current focus.

I’m the founder and CEO of EMPOWER Possible, LLC, a company dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to thrive through well-being initiatives. What makes the approach special is the holistic view of well-being, recognizing that it encompasses multiple interconnected dimensions of life.

At EMPOWER Possible, I offer various services including workshops, online classes, keynote presentations, and consulting work. The goal is to guide people from states of overwhelm, stress, and procrastination into states of action and fulfillment. I work with individuals, teams, and organizations to develop strengths and build effective well-being programs.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing the transformative impact it has on people’s lives. Whether it’s helping a stressed executive find harmony, guiding a team toward better collaboration, or assisting an organization in creating a culture of well-being, each success story reinforces the importance of Empower Possible’s mission.

In addition to my work with EMPOWER Possible, I serve as a Planning Director and Change Management Coordinator for the State of Minnesota and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Mary, where I have the opportunity to shape the next generation of professionals in the field of well-being.

I’m particularly passionate about the connection between nature and well-being. Living in Minnesota, surrounded by the woods, lakes, and rivers, has deeply influenced my approach. I often incorporate elements of nature connection into our programs, helping people tap into the restorative power of the natural world.

As for new developments, I am currently expanding our online offerings to reach a broader audience. I am launching a series of webinars focused on coming back from a career loss, which feels particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving world.

I am also planning a retreat in the north woods later this year, combining well-being practices with immersive nature experiences. It’s an exciting opportunity for participants to disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a world where all can thrive. Through EMPOWER Possible and my various roles, I’m committed to providing the tools, support, and inspiration needed for individuals and organizations to build and sustain well-being in all aspects of life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge were:

1. Holistic Understanding of Well-being:
My background in exercise science, health, nutrition, and business administration (change and leadership) provided a comprehensive view of well-being. This interdisciplinary knowledge has been crucial in developing effective, multifaceted approaches to personal and organizational well-being.

Advice: For those early in their journey, I’d recommend cultivating a broad knowledge base. Don’t limit yourself to one area of expertise. Instead, seek to understand how different aspects of health, psychology, and business intersect. Take courses, attend workshops, and read widely across disciplines.

2. Empathy and Active Listening:
The ability to truly understand and connect with others has been fundamental to my work. It’s not just about providing solutions, but about really hearing people’s struggles and aspirations.

Advice: Practice active listening in your daily interactions. Focus on understanding rather than responding. Volunteer or seek opportunities where you can work directly with diverse groups of people. This will help you develop your empathy and ability to connect with others on a deeper level.

3. Adaptability and Continuous Learning:
The field of well-being is constantly evolving, and so are the needs of individuals and organizations. Being able to adapt to new research, technologies, and societal changes has been crucial.

Advice: Embrace a growth mindset. Stay curious and never stop learning. Attend conferences, join professional networks, and be open to new ideas and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to pivot or expand your approach as you gain new insights.

For those early in their journey, I would also add:

– Find mentors who inspire you and can guide your growth.
– Practice what you preach. Your own well-being journey will inform and authenticate your work.
– Be patient with yourself. Building a purpose and a career takes time and often involves unexpected turns.
– Stay connected to what energizes you. For me, that’s nature and the outdoors. Find what rejuvenates you and make it a regular part of your life.

Remember, your journey is unique. These qualities and skills can be developed over time with intention and practice. The key is to remain open, committed to growth, and aligned with your values as you navigate your path.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Collaboration Opportunities at EMPOWER Possible

I’m always excited to connect with passionate professionals and organizations who share our mission of holistic well-being and human potential. Here are the specific types of collaborators I’m currently seeking:

Ideal Collaboration Partners
– Healthcare professionals interested in integrative well-being approaches
– Corporate HR leaders developing employee wellness programs
– Academic researchers in fields of positive psychology, organizational behavior, and health sciences
– Wellness technology innovators
– Nature-based retreat centers
– Mental health professionals specializing in stress management and resilience

Specific Collaboration Interests
– Research partnerships exploring well-being interventions
– Development of innovative wellness programming
– Speaking and workshop opportunities
– Cross-disciplinary projects that expand our understanding of human potential

How to Connect

Those interested in collaboration can reach me through:
– Email: [email protected]
– LinkedIn: Julie Zaruba Fountaine
– Website contact form at www.empowerpossible.com

What I Look For in Collaborators
– Alignment with holistic well-being principles
– Innovative thinking
– Commitment to evidence-based approaches
– Passion for empowering human potential

I’m particularly excited about partnerships that can expand our impact and create meaningful, transformative experiences for individuals and organizations.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?

We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some

Highlighter Series
When do you feel most at peace?

In a culture that often celebrates hustle and noise, peace can feel rare. Yet, peace

Highlighter Series
What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?

Over the past decade, we have been profoundly impacted by the wisdom of the community.