Julia Colleran’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is rooted in personal strength—both mental and physical. Founder of the Strong Ambition Method and owner of a women-only studio in London, Julia’s journey reflects resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to empowering women to lead, influence, and thrive. At Humans of Fuzia, we celebrate voices like hers—women and changemakers who uplift others through action. With our global community of 5 million+ people united by the mission of “He for She” and “She for She,” Julia’s story inspires countless women to find strength within themselves and reshape the narrative of leadership.
Tell us about your journey and how the Strong Ambition Method began.
I spent over a decade in tech consulting, from 2008 to 2018—a space traditionally dominated by men. While women are making strides in these sectors, the corporate systems still lean heavily towards supporting a male-driven path. My journey took a turn after I had my child. Returning to work wasn’t easy; I struggled to redefine myself beyond just my professional identity. Becoming a mother changed me fundamentally.
Thankfully, my workplace was supportive—they reduced my working days to help me transition. But through this period, I realized how disconnected I had become from my body. That’s when I discovered strength training, guided by an incredible female personal trainer. It helped me reconnect with myself, build resilience, and manage stress more effectively. This experience planted the seeds for the Strong Ambition Method—a holistic approach combining physical strength, mental clarity, and empowerment to help women thrive both personally and professionally.
How did the transition from corporate to entrepreneurship unfold for you?
After 10 years with the company, I knew it was time to move on. I was searching for what truly aligned with me. I worked with a career advisor who helped me unpack my passions. Initially, I leaned toward familiar paths—consulting, agencies—but she encouraged me to think differently. That’s when I realized the transformative impact of strength training on my life, and how it could empower other women. That became the foundation for Strong Ambition Method.
At first, I focused more on B2B offerings, but the pandemic forced me to pivot to direct client work—mainly women from diverse backgrounds, from creatives to corporate leaders. Looking back, that shift has been invaluable. It’s given me insight into a wide range of women’s experiences and reinforced my belief that true empowerment starts with reclaiming our own strength—physically and mentally.
Your LinkedIn mentions professional speaking—was that part of your business journey?
Yes, during the early days, I offered webinars and talks as part of my services, especially when the pandemic hit. Social media and online platforms were crucial to staying connected. But LinkedIn isn’t my favorite—I’m much more passionate about working directly with clients in my studio. Speaking engagements are still part of what I do, but my primary focus is building my community of women through hands-on coaching.
As an entrepreneur, what have been your biggest challenges?
The first challenge is universal—finding leads and making money. Ideas are easy; turning them into income is the hard part. I wanted a clean break from my corporate past, so I didn’t rely on old contacts. That meant building my network from scratch, which was humbling.
But beyond external challenges, I believe the biggest hurdle is managing yourself. As an entrepreneur, you don’t get to work only when you feel motivated—you have to show up consistently. It’s tough, but also rewarding. I remind myself, just like I tell my clients, that we need to care for ourselves like we would a plant—sunlight, nourishment, movement. When I stick to my method—training, rest, mindfulness—I do my best work.
How did you overcome those early business challenges?
Networking was key, but I learned it doesn’t always have to come from personal connections. Sometimes, you invest in accessing the right circles. I hired a business coach, and one of her greatest values was her network—she connected me with women who became my first clients. It was a business expense that paid off.
I also learned to structure my week—Mondays and Tuesdays are for sales and working on the business. The rest of the week, I’m with my clients. Flexibility is important, especially with a child, but structure keeps the momentum going. Even when life throws curveballs, showing up—even at 50% capacity—makes all the difference.
What are your short-term goals for 2025?
I’m focused on gradually moving back into B2B while keeping the beautiful mix of women I work with today—corporate leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs. COVID reshaped my business, and I’ve learned so much by working across different industries and life stages. This diverse community fuels my mission to empower women from all walks of life to lead with strength and authenticity.
“Empowerment starts with our bodies and minds. When women reconnect with their strength, they unlock the power to lead, influence, and redefine success on their terms.”
Connect with Julia Colleran:
You can connect with Julia on LinkedIn
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