Today we’d like to introduce you to Joan Russell
Hi Joan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, I’m Joan Russell, a midlife transformation strategist, coach, and speaker. I work with professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs navigating major life changes—something I deeply understand from my own journey.
My path has been anything but linear. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: co-founding a music ‘zine, promoting concerts, bartending A-list events, and working in corporate roles at companies like Disney and NBCUniversal. Then, in a single day in 2008, everything shifted. I lost my job, two clients went bankrupt, and my father needed full-time care. It felt like a complete life reset—a moment when life’s challenges all come crashing down at once.
After losing my home, facing massive debt, and relocating, I returned to the Inflight Entertainment industry, where I thrived, climbing the ranks and traveling the world. These experiences of rebuilding from the ground up inspired me to help others through coaching, and I received my certification. I began by supporting my team at work and others, and then, after a near-death experience in 2021, I realized that life is too short to live with regrets so I launched Intuitive North part-time in 2022 and transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship in 2024.
Now, based in San Diego, I lead Intuitive North and two Meetup groups: Adventures in San Diego and Women Empowering Women San Diego. My training spans coaching, energy leadership, and modalities like human design, somatic healing, and mindfulness. I offer the strategic guidance, support, and insight that I wish I’d had on my journey. If you’re in a life transition, wondering what’s next, or just feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find your way forward!
It’s never too late to become who you want to be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path I’ve walked hasn’t been smooth—it’s been one of reinvention, resilience, and realizing that transitions, while difficult, can ultimately lead to a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling. Each challenge I’ve faced has taught me to be mindful that there’s only so much I can control, accept the things I can, decide where I want to be in life, and take action to keep moving forward.
Moving to San Diego brought its own challenges. Just a week after arriving, I had a medical emergency that eventually became life-threatening. In this new city where I knew almost no one, this experience made me realize that I needed a strong support network. During the pandemic it was challenging to find the kind of community I wanted, so I created it by going to places I wanted to explore and experience, and hoped people would come along with me! The Adventures in San Diego Meetup group quickly grew and now has over 2,300 Adventurers in it and became a source of deep friendships. I’ve seen firsthand the power of community in helping people feel connected and supported during times of transition.
The leap from corporate life to full-time entrepreneurship is a transition I’m in the middle of now. This journey is ongoing, with its own uncertainties, but every step has reinforced my commitment to helping others navigate their own life changes. It’s fun to use the tools I’ve created on myself! I understand the doubts, the setbacks, and the need for resilience—because I’ve been there myself!
Through Intuitive North, I love working with people who are also facing major transitions. My journey has given me not only the tools and training but also the empathy, insight and frameworks to guide others through times of uncertainty. If you’re navigating a big life shift, feeling stuck, or just needing someone who’s walked a similar path, I’m here to help you create a future that feels right for you. Change in our lives is always constant and sometimes the hardest paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Intuitive North is my coaching and strategy business, dedicated to supporting midlife professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives as they navigate significant life transitions. I specialize in helping people who are facing big changes and need a sense of direction and a clear, actionable plan to move forward. My work is deeply informed by my own journey of reinvention, resilience and growth, so I don’t just bring coaching expertise—I bring real-life experience with massive transitions. I’ve been there, and I know how to help others walk through it too. I am fully certified with the International Coaching Federation and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
At Intuitive North, I use a unique blend of practical strategies and intuitive modalities, such as strategic coaching, life design, goal setting and accountability alongside Human Design, somatic healing, mindfulness, and energy leadership. My clients benefit from a personalized approach that goes beyond typical coaching to tap into their potential at every level—intellectual, emotional, and even energetic. I believe in blending tools to help people transform their lives in a way that is as grounding as it is inspiring. My North Star is to inspire 10,000+ people to change their lives for the better!
What sets Intuitive North apart is its depth and holistic approach. My clients aren’t just looking for guidance; they’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of midlife transitions and change management and can provide both empathy and actionable steps. I’m most proud of the fact that Intuitive North isn’t just a coaching business—it’s becoming a community hub built on transformation, connection, and a genuine commitment to seeing my clients thrive. I’m proud to offer services that are inclusive, tailored to meet people where they are, and grounded in my personal journey of resilience.
If readers are looking to overcome their own roadblocks, feel stuck in the “what’s next,” or just need someone to help them clarify their goals and create a clear plan, Intuitive North offers a comprehensive, supportive pathway. Whether through one-on-one coaching and strategy, group sessions, workshops, guided programs or speaking engagements, I’m here to help each client tap into their unique potential and turn life’s transitions into an opportunity for growth.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’ve wanted to live in San Diego since I was 16 and first visited UCSD as a prospective student. During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to work remotely and took the leap to move here. Now, I’m one of San Diego’s biggest fans!
What I love most about the city (and the region) is how seamlessly nature is integrated into almost every neighborhood. Unlike most other cities in Southern California, San Diego has plenty of green spaces—you can walk out your front door or drive just a mile or two to find a hiking trail. The canyons, chaparral landscapes, and abundant wildlife are truly inspiring.
I also love how much of a sports town San Diego is. Move here, and you might just find yourself becoming part of Padres Nation. People I’ve met have even given me Padres swag as gifts, not knowing if I was a fan (I am now!). And it’s not just baseball—people here are passionate about college basketball, women’s soccer, surfing, and more. The enthusiasm is contagious, and I love it!
As much as I enjoy living here, San Diego’s high cost of living is definitely a downside. Another challenge is how often I’ve had to replace tires due to the potholes during rainy season. And, of course, traffic can be intense; going south to Chula Vista during rush hour can take an hour and a half—yikes!
It’s all well worth it – I’m proud that San Diego is a place I now call home!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.intuitivenorth.com
- Instagram: @thejoanrussell
- Facebook: @thejoanrussell
