Joanna Ingram is a London-based former advertising executive turned intuitive business coach and messaging strategist. With over two decades of corporate experience and a deep spiritual journey, Joanna transformed burnout into brilliance, aligning her purpose with her passion. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and clarity women can discover when they embrace authenticity. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Joanna as part of our mission to uplift voices that matter—voices that empower, inspire, and drive change in a world that deeply needs more heart-centered leadership. With a thriving global community of 5 million women and allies, we believe in He for She and She for She—and Joanna’s story is one worth sharing.
Joanna, could you tell us a bit about your background and how your journey began?
I worked in leading advertising agencies in central London for over 20 years. I started on this path as the “good girl”—the eldest daughter who always followed the rules. I graduated with a first-class degree in Geography from the University of Leeds, spent some time teaching in Tokyo, and then returned to build a corporate career. It brought me success, but I never truly felt like I fit in.
What led you to transition out of the corporate world?
Becoming a mother really shifted things for me. I have three daughters, and I realized I didn’t want to live within the rigid structure of corporate life anymore. When the pandemic hit and I was laid off, I took it as an opportunity to pursue something I’d been afraid to do for a long time—start my own business.
What was the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey like?
Initially, I brought a lot of my corporate energy into my business. I worked too hard, pushed myself, and eventually hit burnout. I started out coaching entrepreneurs in productivity and strategy, but I found that many of my clients couldn’t sustain the momentum after working with me. It left me questioning everything.
What changed for you after that period of burnout?
I took a step back to reflect and realign. I realized I had a gift for seeing and articulating my clients’ true messages—what they wanted to say but couldn’t find the words for. That’s when I decided to specialize in messaging strategy, and everything shifted.
You mentioned Human Design played a role in this shift. Can you explain?
Absolutely. I discovered I’m a 5/1 Reflector, which is rare—only 1% of the population. Reflectors mirror others and can see deeply into what lights people up. That helped me understand why I was so effective at drawing out my clients’ core messages. It gave me the confidence to own my zone of genius.
Who do you work with now, and how do you help them?
I work with highly successful, often ex-corporate, driven women who are ready to elevate their impact. I help them clarify what they do, who they serve, and how to express it in a way that magnetizes their ideal clients. We simplify their offers, align their message, and ensure their business reflects their brilliance—not just their hard work.
What challenges do you still face as an entrepreneur?
Every day brings new challenges. One major one is resisting the pressure to constantly do more. I’ve learned that obligation and resentment are low-frequency energies that can destroy your joy. I had to start saying no to misaligned clients and prioritize things that lift me up—like pottery, which I now do weekly. It brings balance and joy into my life.
What advice would you give other women navigating business and life?
Don’t wait for things to fall apart before you make a change. Tune into what you truly love and allow yourself to follow that path. It’s okay not to have everything figured out—what matters is taking aligned action and creating space for joy and flow in your life.
What are your goals for 2025?
This year is about consolidating and deepening. I’ve launched Radiate, my group program, and have seen beautiful results. Now, it’s about welcoming more aligned clients and continuing to simplify—to focus on what works and feels good, especially in a year that’s economically challenging for many in the coaching industry. Integrity and simplicity are my north stars.
“I believe that when women fully embrace their voice and message, they become unstoppable—not just in business, but in life. We’re not broken—we’re whole, and our impact grows when we own that truth.”
Connect with Joanna Ingram:
Website (Coaching): https://www.joannaingram.com
Ceramics: https://joannaingramceramics.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-ingram
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanna.ingram
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
