Meet Julie Kenny, a confidence and speaking coach dedicated to helping women step into their power and express themselves fearlessly. As the founder of Softly Inspired, Julie supports women—especially solo entrepreneurs and introverts—who are ready to share their stories, build confidence, and show up authentically in their businesses. Her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is a powerful reminder that growth often begins when we listen to our inner calling. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature Julie, whose work perfectly aligns with our mission of empowering women across the globe through the spirit of collaboration, leadership, and self-belief—embodying both He for She and She for She.
Q: Julie, what inspired you to start your entrepreneurial journey and create Softly Inspired?
Julie: Like many women, I reached a point in my life where I began questioning whether what I was doing truly fulfilled my values. I wanted to make a meaningful contribution and feel that my work mattered. It was simply the right time for me to make a change. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do, but I knew I had to follow that instinct and start something of my own.
Q: Who are the women you usually work with, and how do you support them?
Julie: Most of the women I work with are early in their business journeys. They’re often solo entrepreneurs or small business owners who are fully responsible for their brand and vision. Many feel nervous about speaking in public or presenting their ideas—they don’t have someone else to do it for them. My work helps them recognize that they can be the face of their business and that they deserve to be heard.
Q: What kind of transformation do you see in women who go through your coaching?
Julie: It’s a deepening of confidence. Public speaking isn’t just about technique—it’s about truly understanding and believing in what you do. When I help women find the words to talk about their work, they begin to see the impact they create. They rediscover pride in what they do, and it shows in how they speak, carry themselves, and engage with others. That internal belief shifts everything.
Q: Many entrepreneurs struggle with self-doubt. Have you experienced imposter syndrome yourself?
Julie: Absolutely! I think most people in business—especially women—have felt it at some point. But I also wonder if what we often call “imposter syndrome” is really a lack of self-belief. We’re taught to be polite and supportive, and sometimes we question whether the praise we receive is genuine. For me, I overcame it by realizing that confidence is built through experience. I used to think I couldn’t speak in front of people, but once I learned how and began to enjoy it, I wanted to help others do the same. That realization completely transformed my business.
Q: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when starting out?
Julie: I’d say yes and no. Every challenge has taught me something I needed to learn. But if I could start again, I’d spend more time understanding who I am, what drives me, and who I truly want to work with. It’s important to focus on what matters most to you and to narrow your message instead of trying to be everything to everyone. Getting known for one thing in one place makes growth much easier.
Q: How do you personally define success today?
Julie: Success, for me, is helping others realize that confidence isn’t just a skill—it’s a whole-person journey. Speaking confidently about your business means believing in yourself, understanding your relationship with your audience, and being kind to yourself in the process. True confidence comes from within, from being your own ally rather than your harshest critic.
Q: What challenges have you faced while growing your business?
Julie: The biggest challenge is that growth takes time. My work is very personal—I want to connect deeply with people rather than approach it in an impersonal, mass way. That means building trust, especially since I work with a lot of introverts. Another challenge is helping people believe that they can be confident speakers. Many think others are “just born with it,” but that’s not true. Confidence is learned, not inherited. And while technology is great, no AI or social post can replace the power of a real, human conversation.
Q: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
Julie: I want to see more women with incredible businesses standing proudly on stages, sharing their stories, and being seen. There are so many remarkable women doing impactful work—we just don’t hear about enough of them. My goal is to give them the voice and visibility they deserve.
Q: Are there any exciting projects you’re currently working on?
Julie: Yes! I’m preparing for the next round of my program called Always Stage Ready. It helps women step into their first guest speaking opportunities—often when they don’t even know what to speak about at first. Watching them discover their unique message and own it is incredibly rewarding.
“Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you grow into,” Julie says. Her work reminds us that when women find their voices, they not only transform their businesses but also inspire others to do the same.
Connect with Julie Kenny:
Website-https://softlyinspired.co.uk
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/softlyinspired
LinkedIn-https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-kenny/
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
