Empowering Women Beyond “Shoulds” – Exclusive Interview with Julie Vander Meulen
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Julie Vander Meulen is a transformative force in women’s empowerment. With a distinguished academic background including multiple advanced degrees, pioneering research, and dynamic public speaking on Good Girl Syndrome, Julie has evolved from an acclaimed scholar into a trailblazing empowerment coach. As the visionary founder of Own Your Life Academy, she has dedicated herself to liberating high‑achieving women from the suffocating expectations of “being good” and encouraging them to embrace their true desires. Julie’s mission is crystal clear: Women should never suffer in silence.
That’s why she created Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day on May 20th, a global call to break free from old conditioning and reclaim authentic self‑worth. Serving a very specific niche, Julie provides diverse coaching in life, career, business, and leadership. Her work is designed for women who are ready to shatter outdated molds, step into their power, and transform every aspect of their lives from the inside out.
Julie Vander Meulen, Empowerment Coach for Ambitious Women
Julie, can you tell us about your journey? What was the turning point that led you to leave a brilliant academic career and devote yourself to empowering women?
Despite earning four Master’s degrees, publishing influential research, and accumulating accolades that many would envy, I felt a profound disconnect with a brilliant career on paper that simply didn’t nourish my soul.
My turning point came during a transformative retreat, a deep, soul‑searching experience that unveiled the truth: I was living a life scripted by external expectations rather than by my own inner voice. In that pivotal moment, I realized I wasn’t meant to be a “great scholar” molded by others’ desires but a trailblazer destined to chart my own course.
This revelation ignited an unwavering passion in me to help women understand that true transformation isn’t about adhering to every societal “should” but about boldly embracing your own “wants.”
That messy, exhilarating work of redefining success has since become the cornerstone of my coaching.
What is the essence of Good Girl Syndrome, and why do so many high‑achieving women find it so hard to break free?
Good Girl Syndrome is the silent, internal code that compels us to prioritize others’ needs over our own, relentlessly seeking external validation while muting our authentic voices. From early childhood through every stage of life be it in family dynamics, educational settings, or professional environments this conditioning teaches us that being “good” equates to compliance, perfection, and self‑sacrifice.
For high‑achieving women, these ingrained habits are a double‑edged sword: they can be the secret fuel behind our meticulous successes and reliability, yet they also entrap us in cycles of self‑doubt, chronic people‑pleasing, and internal conflict.
Breaking free demands the unlearning of deeply rooted beliefs through honest introspection and radical self‑compassion. It’s about shifting from a life defined solely by externally imposed boundaries to one where an expansive inner landscape allows your true potential to flourish.
How have your own experiences shaped your coaching philosophy at Own Your Life Academy?
My personal journey taught me that genuine fulfillment arises when we reclaim our authenticity. At Own Your Life Academy, I combine evidence‑based strategies from neuroscience with transformative coaching techniques that invite deep self‑reflection.
For instance, our signature “Deep Dive” sessions are not merely conversations; they are comprehensive explorations designed to unearth the subtle, self‑limiting beliefs that have been internalized over years of conditioned “shoulds.”
By guiding women to realize that their true worth isn’t determined by external accolades but by their unwavering commitment to living their truth, I honor every facet of a woman’s multidimensional being, from her intellectual brilliance and emotional depth to her untapped creative power.
What exactly is Own Your Life Academy, and what makes it uniquely effective in helping women overcome internalized limitations?
Own Your Life Academy is not just a coaching platform; it’s a dynamic, community‑driven movement toward radical self‑ownership and transformation. We address the emotional, intellectual, and behavioral dimensions of Good Girl Syndrome through a meticulously crafted blend of practical, action‑oriented sessions and profound inner work.
Our “Deep Dive” sessions empower women to confront and reframe long‑standing internal scripts, while subsequent workshops, community circles, and personalized coaching sessions provide continuous support.
By fusing insights from the latest research on coaching practices, thanks to my work as member of the board of the European Mentoring & Coaching Council, with soulful mentoring, we ensure that every woman not only understands the origins of her internal limitations but is also equipped with tangible tools to convert those limitations into stepping stones for success
Who is your ideal client, and how do you know when you’ve truly made an impact on her life?
My ideal client is a high‑achieving, introspective woman who is brilliant and ambitious yet feels weighed down by the relentless pressure of a “good girl” script.
Whether she’s a high‑level employee eyeing that next promotion, an accomplished businesswoman striving to scale new heights, or a leader intent on inspiring her team, she craves authenticity and depth.
I know I’ve made a profound impact when I receive heartfelt stories from women who say they finally feel seen in all their complexity, those who have begun setting powerful boundaries, confidently asserting their needs, and celebrating their imperfections as true sources of strength.
Every testimonial and every transformative breakthrough reaffirms that dismantling the internalized “shoulds” is the key to unleashing an unstoppable force of authenticity and leadership.
Could you share a success story that exemplifies the transformative power of your approach, one that resonates with different segments of your ideal audience?
Absolutely. Let me share three interwoven stories that illustrate the diverse impact of our work. First, Elena was a high‑level employee who felt invisible despite her stellar track record.
Paralyzed by a fear of conflict and a deep‑rooted need to please, she struggled to advocate for herself. Through our “Deep Dive” sessions and targeted boundary‑setting exercises, Elena discovered her inner voice and soon began confidently leading major projects she negotiated the recognition she deserved.
Next, there’s Sarah, an accomplished businesswoman battling a relentless fear of failure. By embracing mindfulness practices and reframing her internal narrative, Sarah not only scaled her business but also evolved into a mentor who inspires others to challenge the status quo.
Lastly, Maya, a dynamic leader overwhelmed by the constant pressure to please her team, transformed her entire leadership style after personalized coaching that intertwined neuroscience insights with deep self‑reflection. She now empowers her staff with clarity, authenticity, and unwavering self‑worth.
While each story is unique, they share the common thread of unlearning outdated “shoulds” to embrace an authentic, empowered self.
In a world where personal development often feels like a fleeting trend, what do you believe is missing from the industry today?
Too often, the personal development space relies on quick‑fix solutions and superficial pep talks, temporary confidence boosters that ignore the root causes of our internal struggles.
What’s missing is a deep, nuanced approach that honors the full complexity of each individual’s inner landscape. True transformation requires a harmonious blend of science and soul: the courage to confront our deepest fears and dismantle the long‑held “shoulds” that have dictated our lives.
I envision a future where coaching methods are both rigorously evidence‑based and profoundly empathetic, a future where vulnerability is celebrated as the birthplace of strength. This is precisely the revolution I’m committed to spearheading at Own Your Life Academy.
Looking forward, what is your vision for Own Your Life Academy and the broader movement for women’s empowerment?
My vision is both grand and inclusive. I see Own Your Life Academy evolving into a global sanctuary, a platform where women from all walks of life feel deeply seen, heard, and empowered to claim their truth.
I envision a future where the narrative shifts from the limiting “good girl” to the bold, authentic leader. This isn’t merely about individual transformation; it’s about igniting a ripple effect that transforms communities, organizations, and cultures.
With initiatives like Good Girl Syndrome Awareness Day on May 20th, I’m dedicated to raising awareness, fostering critical dialogue, and catalyzing systemic change. I want every woman who joins our community to walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and the unwavering belief that her true brilliance can and should (pun intended) shine.
For readers inspired by your journey and eager to embark on their own transformation, what first steps would you recommend?
The first step is to consciously decide that you are done living by a mold that no longer serves you.
I encourage every woman to begin with simple self‑reflection, perhaps by experiencing one of our transformative “Deep Dive” sessions or subscribing to the free Sunday Sanctuary Newsletter, which delivers constant inspiration and actionable tools right to your inbox.
I also recommend taking the Good Girl Syndrome self‑assessment quiz that reveals the hidden, internalized “shoulds” holding you back.
These small, intentional steps are not destinations but the start of a continuous, life‑affirming journey toward radical authenticity and empowerment.
Finally, what is the one message you’d like every woman to take away from this interview?
My core message is simple yet revolutionary.
Your worth is inherent, and your true desires are non‑negotiable.
You have the power to break free from the cycle of conditioned “shoulds” and step into a life where authenticity reigns supreme. Every small act of reclaiming your power, every boundary you set, every honest truth you embrace is an act of rebellion against a society that once sought to silence you.
I invite you to embrace your brilliance, honor your inner voice, and know that you deserve a life lived unapologetically on your terms, and if you feel called, join our community of courageous women who are redefining success on their own terms by consulting the action points below.
What’s next?
If you’re ready to transform your life and step boldly into your authentic power, here’s how you can take the next step:
Discover Own Your Life Academy: Visit our website to learn more about our transformative coaching programs and read inspiring success stories from women who have experienced real, lasting change
Subscribe to the Sunday Sanctuary Newsletter: Receive a weekly dose of empowerment, actionable insights, and soulful strategies delivered straight to your inbox, a vital resource on your journey to self‑ownership. Subscribe for free here.
Take the Free Good Girl Syndrome Quiz: Uncover the hidden patterns that have held you back and receive personalized insights that are the catalyst for your transformation by taking the quiz now.
Book a Complimentary Meet & Greet Session: Experience firsthand how personalized coaching can reveal your unique patterns and set you on the path to a radically fulfilling life. Book your free call today.
