Joy Donnell
Joy Donnell tells us that, “I am a trauma-focused health and wellbeing coach dedicated to helping professional women prevent burnout and achieve balance. With ten years of experience as a trauma therapist and coach, I bring a compassionate approach that merges her expertise in trauma resolution with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by high-achieving women. My work is a testament to my commitment to guiding professional women toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.”
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
With a work history starting with ten years in the UK Armed Forces through to becoming an entrepreneur in waste management strategy, the focus has always been on problem solving and resourcing. I have worked in the spa industry as well as fork lift truck manufacturing and spent a significant amount of time as a personal trainer.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/ business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
The motivation to start Joy Donnell Coaching was born from a desire to help women like myself who were caught in the cycle of burnout and stress. I wanted to create a space where professional women could find the tools to reclaim their lives and thrive. My journey through burnout has been a powerful motivator, and it inspired me to say “YES” to helping others achieve balance and fulfilment. As a coach, I aim to empower women to break free from burnout and embrace a life filled with balance and purpose. My program, The Genius, Grace & Grit Program™, is designed to help women discover their inner strengths and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Witnessing my clients transform and thrive is incredibly rewarding, and it fuels my passion for this work
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
The women I work with often don’t recognise the societal and generational influences which hold them back. As a woman from a traditional upbringing where women were the caregivers, having a successful career or even a job was frowned upon. I recognise this in other women. As an entrepreneur with an award-winning multi-million pound company, I realised I wasn’t the only one who was running a company, winning awards, dealing with clients and then going home to cook and clean. The feedback from my clients is comments such as
‘ it felt like you were inside my head and knew what I was thinking before I did’
‘I can’t thank you enough. I have been holding onto this for so long and now I feel like I have had my world opened up’
” You are the Ronseal lady. You do exactly what it says on the tin’ (Ronseal is a product which advertises itself as a paint type product and does what it says on the tin)
‘Joy was the best boss I could have wished for. She offered me the opportunity to join Helistrat when she knew I wasn’t happy with recruitment. She gave me space to grow to see what I was capable of, a support system that I could ask for help, confidence in me to make the right decisions and allowed me to make mistakes in safe space.”
“It is without hesitation that I write to recommend Joy. Her professional and friendly manner enabled me to open up my mind to change and to put those changes into my life. I am now a stronger, more focused and confident person who has strength to tackle the most challenging situations in a pragmatic way. It was an enlightening and rewarding experience. ‘
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is. Share with us and let’s celebrate the amazing people in our lives who make a positive impact.
My biggest supporter is my husband. He is my best friend, partner in crime and all-round cheerleader. He challenges me when I am not growing or thinking creatively, and he doesn’t let me off the hook when I am failing in my commitment to myself. I have an amazing bunch of close friends who have been in my life since I was age 4. We have seen the best and worst of each other and know what the other is thinking,
As a woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world and what opportunities are you seeking?
I envision a world where women can pursue their passions without fear of judgment or guilt. Celebrating all paths is essential, whether it’s being a dedicated professional, a nurturing caregiver, or anything in between. Every woman’s choice is valid, and by embracing our authentic selves, we contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
To all the aspiring young women leaders:
– You are unique. Just like every sunrise, there will only be one on that day. Be that one. Own it and wear it proudly.
– Find gratitude in every aspect of yourself and your life. It doesn’t have to be grandiose. It’s the smell of the rain or the colour of the rainbow. Know what it takes for you to be able to feel it and write about it every day. By focusing on gratitude for the smallest of things you will become someone who attracts positive things in your life
– Be unapologetically independent. Yes, should only be a word you use when you want a new experience or can fully embrace the choice. If you can’t, then don’t say yes
– You are your number 1. No one comes before you because if there is no you, you can’t help others anyway
– Have your own Berlin wall with a gate. Only let in those who add to your life in various ways. Anyone who takes your energy and time is doing so because you are giving it away
– Find fun and challenge in whatever you do and use it to grow every day.
– Find the glimmers, shimmers and glows in every day. The glimmers are the things which bring you joy even in the darkest of times, the shimmers are the things you see in others which make you feel pride and live and the glows are what you feel about yourself and your own achievements. Take at least one of these daily
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