Justine Froelker: Are You Leading Without Losing Yourself?

Entrepreneurship is a thrilling yet grueling journey, often demanding that you wear multiple hats while chasing your vision. But amidst the hustle, are you losing sight of yourself? Justine Froelker, a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, speaker, and corporate trainer, tackles this question head-on in a candid podcast interview. With over 25 years of experience in mental health and personal development, Justine shares her Courage is Built Here curriculum, offering entrepreneurs practical tools to lead with authenticity, care for themselves, and build resilient teams. Her insights remind us that courageous leadership starts with turning inward to nurture our own well-being before inspiring others.

Justine’s story is one of grit and grace. After 11 years running a thriving private practice as a therapist, she felt misaligned, yearning to make a broader impact. Closing her practice to focus on speaking, workshops, and corporate training was a bold leap. Seven years later, her work empowers organizations and individuals to foster cultures of courage. Her message? You can’t lead effectively—or live your dream—if you’re not caring for yourself first.

Why Self-Care Is the Bedrock of Courageous Leadership

Entrepreneurs often prioritize revenue and growth over personal well-being, believing self-care is a luxury they can’t afford. Justine challenges this mindset, emphasizing that neglecting yourself undermines your ability to lead. “You cannot give what you do not have,” she says, drawing from her therapeutic background. Whether you’re in the chaotic early stages of your business or navigating a challenging season, self-care is non-negotiable.

Justine’s Pathway Two: Embody focuses on holistic self-care that goes beyond Instagram-worthy bubble baths. It’s about intentional habits—morning routines, setting boundaries, and pausing for awe and wonder. For instance, she asks, “How do you show up and follow through for yourself?” This might mean saying no to non-essential tasks or delegating to free up mental space. By prioritizing self-care, you build the resilience needed to tackle entrepreneurial challenges without burning out.

Actionable Tip: Start small. Set a five-minute morning ritual—maybe breath work or journaling—to ground yourself before diving into the day. Justine stresses making self-care accessible, like using her Courage Deck for quick, daily prompts to reflect and act.

The Five Pathways to Courageous Leadership

Justine’s Courage is Built Here curriculum outlines five pathways to live and lead authentically. These pathways are especially vital for entrepreneurs, who face unique pressures to perform while staying true to their vision.

1. Feel It All: Identify your values and learn emotional literacy. Name your feelings to process them healthily, preventing them from defining you. Justine notes, “If we don’t feel our feelings well, they will own us.”

   
   

2. Embody: Prioritize self-care through intentional habits and boundaries. This pathway ensures your body and mind are equipped to handle stress.

   
   

3. Be Fully You: Embrace vulnerability to show up authentically. Justine encourages boundary-setting to protect your energy in unsafe spaces, fostering genuine connection.

   
   

4. Love Others Well: Lead with empathy and curiosity, not control. This builds trust and strengthens team dynamics, even during tough conversations.

   
   

5. Do the Work: Rewrite old narratives that hold you back. Practice growth-oriented affirmations to replace limiting beliefs with courageous truths.

   
   

These pathways aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical tools for navigating real-world challenges, like managing a struggling team member or addressing generational workplace tensions. By mastering these skills, entrepreneurs can lead with clarity and compassion.

Explore Justine’s on-demand Courage is Built Here course for self-paced learning on these pathways.

Overcoming the Soft Skills Stigma

Justine often finds herself on the “soft skills” track at corporate events, a term she redefines as human essential skills. These skills—empathy, vulnerability, and curiosity—are critical for addressing modern workplace issues, from AI-related fears to fostering innovation. Entrepreneurs, in particular, need these skills to connect with diverse teams and clients while staying grounded in their mission.

For example, Justine recounts a client who vented weekly about traffic until she redirected him to focus on what he could control—his mindset and actions. This shift mirrors the entrepreneurial journey: you can’t control market shifts or client demands, but you can control how you respond. By cultivating soft skills, you create a workplace where people feel seen and valued, driving loyalty and productivity.

Building Courage in Community

Justine’s mission is deeply relational, rooted in the belief that “courage is built here between us.” Whether through a Zoom call, a tough team meeting, or a community initiative, connection is where growth happens. Her upcoming online course launch, with a portion of proceeds supporting St. Louis tornado relief, reflects this commitment to community.

As an entrepreneur, you might feel isolated, but Justine encourages leaning into relationships—whether with mentors, peers, or your team. Her own business grew through word-of-mouth and authentic connections, proving that prioritizing people over profit pays off.

Join a local or virtual entrepreneurial community, like the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, to share challenges and insights. Justine’s Courage Deck is a great tool for sparking meaningful team discussions.

Key Takeaways for Courageous Leadership

Justine Froelker’s insights offer a roadmap for entrepreneurs striving to lead without losing themselves:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for intentional habits to sustain your energy and focus.

• Master Soft Skills: Embrace empathy and vulnerability to navigate workplace challenges and foster connection.

• Follow the Five Pathways: Build courage through emotional literacy, authenticity, and trust.

• Stay Connected: Cultivate relationships to combat isolation and drive growth.

  
  

By integrating these principles, you can lead with courage, live your entrepreneurial dream, and create a lasting impact. Ready to take the next step? Explore Justine’s resources at justinefroelker.com or start with a simple five-minute self-care practice today. Your leadership—and your life—depend on it.