Joyce Layman’s story is proof that reinvention is possible at any stage of life. From overcoming the fear of public speaking to becoming a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and coach, Joyce’s journey reflects resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering commitment to help others step into visibility with confidence.
At Humans of Fuzia, we believe in amplifying the voices of changemakers like Joyce whose journeys inspire our global community of 5 million. Together, through He for She and She for She, we support women and entrepreneurs to find their purpose, lead with authenticity, and never stop evolving.
Joyce, what inspired you to start your coaching journey?
The short version—my life completely changed after attending a four-day training by the Pacific Institute in 2005. It focused on cognitive psychology, social learning theory, and mindset. Before that, I was in outside sales, terrified of public speaking, and a self-proclaimed wallflower in networking events.
That program transformed how I understood my mind, my fears, and my potential. It inspired me to help others do the same. By 2008, I launched my own speaking and coaching business focused on performance mindset. From there, my journey evolved into empowering entrepreneurs to build personal brands, connect strategically, and leverage their visibility.
You mentioned personal branding—how did that become a part of your work?
It came from my own struggles. When I launched my business, I had no online presence, no brand, and made $23,000 worth of mistakes trying to figure it out. I had to learn everything the hard way—social media, branding, networking. But that experience shaped how I teach today.
Now, I help people, especially service-based business owners, understand that your personal brand is everything. It’s not about constantly posting—it’s about being intentional, building authority, and creating meaningful connections.
You’re known for being “a walking LinkedIn”—tell us more about that.
It’s funny because I used to hate networking. But over time, I mastered it in a way that aligned with my introverted nature. That’s when The Go-Giver author, Bob Burg, called me “the greatest networker in the world.”
I teach people how to strategically build connections, both online and offline, without feeling overwhelmed. It’s all about spotting opportunities—even in unlikely places—and building relationships authentically.
You’ve overcome personal losses and challenges—how have they shaped your journey?
I’ve had my share of heartbreak. I lost both my parents within two years, lost a championship horse in a fire, and my brother passed unexpectedly in 2020—just before the pandemic hit.
These moments shook me to my core. I had PTSD, my business collapsed during COVID, and my nervous system shut down. But I leaned on the mindset tools I’ve taught for years. Grief changes you, but resilience helps you rebuild. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others find their strength and navigate life’s unexpected turns.
How has your business evolved recently?
At 60, I’ve reinvented my business to make my programs more accessible. I launched the Visibility Builder Society, a low-cost membership to help people build brands, grow their email lists, and boost visibility—without burnout.
I’m also rewriting my first book Just Another Leap, expanding on my TEDx talk, with over 10 years of new insights, stories, and neuroscience tools. I believe transformation never stops, and neither does learning.
What message would you share with entrepreneurs, especially women, reading this?
Don’t let fear stop you. You don’t need to be perfect to start. Trust your journey, build your brand, and embrace your visibility—even if it feels uncomfortable at first. The world needs your voice, your story, and your strength.
“Manifesting isn’t a strategy—real growth comes from showing up, learning, and daring to leap.”
Connect with Joyce Layman:
You can connect with Joyce on LinkedIn and explore her work at joycelayman.com.
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
