What happens when you stop chasing the career you're "supposed" to want and start building a life around food, joy, and connection? Julie Hartigan made that leap. After a decade in tech and engineering, she became a chef, wellness coach, TV personality, and now a food-focused travel entrepreneur. In this episode, Julie shares how she pivoted careers in her 40s, what it means to make food an act of self-love, and why she's now creating global experiences that bring women together through cooking, wine, and culture. From healthy eating habits to launching dream businesses, this conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and inspiration for anyone craving a more meaningful life.

00:00 From engineer to chef: Julie’s unconventional journey

01:15 Why she left a “prestigious” job to chase joy

03:00 Choosing food as a career, even when no one else understood

05:30 Starting over in her 40s with young kids at home

07:10 The power of self-permission and trusting your gut

10:00 Rebuilding her relationship with food and her body

12:15 How she helps women untangle emotions around eating

14:45 Childhood roots: Italian food and family traditions

16:10 Why food is self-love, not punishment

18:00 Sunday lunch in Rome and the culture of connection

19:30 Building women's culinary trips in Italy and beyond

21:45 Why she focuses her work specifically on women

24:00 Creating a business that includes your favorite people

26:00 What “Powerful Ladies” means to her now

29:00 Setting limits in entrepreneurship and redefining success

32:30 Saying no to hustle culture, yes to joyful business

35:00 Getting on camera in her 40s and working with brands

38:00 Her mission now: more joy, more women traveling, more great food

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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