Stephanie Puryear Helling is a leadership coach, executive mentor, and solopreneur based in Texas, USA, who helps individuals and organizations navigate change with clarity and confidence. After spending nearly three decades in the corporate world, a life-altering layoff during the pandemic became a turning point that led her to create a purpose-driven coaching practice. Humans of Fuzia is featuring Stephanie for her powerful journey of resilience, self-reinvention, and her unwavering belief that life happens for us, not to us—an insight that deeply resonates with our global community of 5M+ women and allies committed to growth, equality, and impact.
Q. Stephanie, can you tell us about your professional journey and what you do today?
I’m a solopreneur and leadership coach. For almost 30 years, I worked in the corporate world, primarily leading learning and development and strategic initiatives for a global organization. About four years ago, I stepped into entrepreneurship, where I now support leaders, teams, and organizations through leadership development, organizational change, and resiliency building. I also coach individuals who feel stuck—personally or professionally—and help them find clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Q. What led you to start your own business after such a long corporate career?
In 2020, during the global pandemic, I was laid off after 21 years with the same organization. While I knew restructuring was happening, it still came as a shock. At the time, I was being asked to move into a role that focused heavily on research and writing, rather than people development—which is where I truly find fulfillment. That layoff turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me the opportunity to fully step into work that aligns with my strengths and passion: helping people grow.
Q. Your work focuses strongly on resilience. Where does that come from?
Resilience became personal for me. Around the same period as the layoff, I went through a divorce after a 21-year marriage, my oldest son battled cancer, and I lost my younger sister, who left behind a one-year-old child. These experiences pushed me into moments of deep emotional struggle. Over time, I learned how to move through that “pit of despair” and use those experiences as fuel for growth rather than bitterness. That journey inspired my upcoming book, which focuses on building the resiliency muscle and navigating life’s biggest changes.
Q. Who do you work with today, and how do you support them?
I work with both women and men, primarily leaders in corporate environments, though anyone navigating major life or organizational change can benefit from my work. I help people understand that change has both an emotional side and a strategic process. Through executive coaching, clarity coaching, and leadership programs, I support individuals and teams in becoming more self-aware, adaptable, and confident in their next steps.
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
Starting a business can be scary, especially when you don’t know what you don’t know. One of the most important things is understanding your strengths—using tools and assessments to align your work with what you’re naturally good at. Just as important is surrounding yourself with people who support your vision. Not everyone in your life will understand or encourage your leap, and that’s okay. Find your tribe—other entrepreneurs, mentors, or coaches—who believe in your growth. You can’t listen to the naysayers if you want to move forward.
Q. How has building a strong network helped you along the way?
My network has been everything. Over the years, I served in volunteer leadership roles, sat on boards, and spoke at industry conferences. Those experiences allowed me to build meaningful relationships rooted in service. When I started my business, that network showed up for me in incredible ways. Even though my corporate role ended, the relationships didn’t—and they helped me step into this next chapter with confidence.
“Life’s biggest challenges can become your greatest teachers—if you choose to grow through them and remember that life happens for you, not to you.” — Stephanie Puryear Helling
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