Meet Julia Toothacre
I don’t believe in corporate fluff, and I don’t offer generic career advice. Backed by a counseling-focused Master’s degree and 15 years of industry experience, I help ambitious professionals bypass choice paralysis, master workplace dynamics, and build a career trajectory they control.
Why I'm qualified to do this work...
It's important to note that I didn't wake up one day and decide to be a career coach. I have a counseling-focused master's degree, 15 years of hands-on career development experience, and certifications to administer and interpret multiple personality and interest assessments.
I've been part of multiple career-related professional associations, and I have a LinkedIn Learning course because I believe career resources should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford private coaching.
I'm also currently writing my first career book, which pulls together everything I've learned from 15 years and thousands of client conversations. More on that soon.
"Ride the Tide Collective"
People often ask me, “Julia, why didn’t you just use your own name for your business?”
Honestly? I thought about it. But in the end, I wanted this company to be so much bigger than just me.
- Yes, I’m a strategist.
- Yes, I’m a coach.
- Yes, I build awesome tools and resources for you.
BUT what I do isn’t about me—it’s entirely about YOU.
- YOU have to want the change.
- YOU have to choose happiness.
- YOU have to decide to be better today than you were yesterday.
That’s why I created Ride the Tide Collective. It’s dedicated to helping you navigate the tides of life—learning to ride the highs and lows so you can get back to shore safely.
Along the way? You might catch a few bruises. Heck, some days the waves might beat you up pretty good. But guess what? You are still breathing. You are still here.
And you don't have to do it alone. Let’s go on this journey together.
Let's go on this journey together.
How I Work
Truth
Honest, even when it's uncomfortable.
I will always be honest with you, even when it's uncomfortable. If something isn't working, I'll say so.
Action
Theory is great. Growth is better.
I love a good theory and I geek out on career research. But at the end of the day, I want you to grow. Every conversation, every resource, every episode is built to give you something you can actually do.
Quality
Everything is made with care.
Everything from RTTC—the coaching, the podcast, the resources—is made with care. I don't put things out into the world unless I'd be proud to stand behind them.
Authenticity
What you see is what you get.
I don't perform a persona and I don't want you to either. Show up as you are because that's where real progress starts.
Julia’s Story
Most professionals fall into their career through a well-meaning mentor or connection, only to realize years later that they're not where they want to be. They keep climbing the corporate ladder and wake up one day to realize they've lost control of their future. In my experience, 90% of professionals already have what they need to take control; they just need someone to help them see it and build a plan around it.
I started this journey in a counseling-focused master's program where my passion was working with college students. I spent 8 years in higher education, in university career offices, coaching everyone from freshmen to doctoral students to mid-career alumni, learning and applying career theory every single day.
What I realized is that most career theories weren't built for real working professionals navigating real-world complexity. So, I built my own process. One that's intentional, flexible, and action-oriented because I want you to GROW, not just understand the theory.
I found my niche working with ambitious professionals who have lost their way, are in toxic environments, or are so high-achieving they don't know where they fit in the working world. I support and respect the need for people to have a 9-5 job and I help you find your place and path within it.
You can listen to the podcast where I share ALL my secrets, questions, and examples from my own career and my clients' careers. This isn't a situation where I give you a few nuggets and expect you to figure it out. I share it all. I also keep episodes short so you can listen on your commute or while walking around the block.
10 Things About Me
Daily Fuel
I run on coffee. This is non-negotiable.
Missed Shadow
I lost my Miniature Schnauzer, Sierra, in September 2025. She was my shadow for years and the best dog I've ever known. Still miss her every day.
Notebook Hoarder
I love buying beautiful blank notebooks and never writing in them because they're too nice to ruin.
Heavy Listener
I listen to podcasts constantly—which is probably why I started one.
Mountain Life
I live in Utah, and I am not Mormon. How we ended up here is a whole story—I talk about it on the podcast.
System Nerd
I am a planner nerd. Happy Planner, ClickUp, and Notion live side by side in my world, and I have zero shame about it.
My Crew
I have an amazing husband and son. (They know the dog was listed first. We've made peace with it.)
Game Day
I'm a sports fan. Raiders fan specifically. Don't @ me.
List Obsessed
I'm a list-maker. Everything gets a list.
Roots
I grew up in Southern California and spent most of my life there. Utah is still surprising me.
Daily Fuel
I run on coffee. This is non-negotiable.
Missed Shadow
I lost my Miniature Schnauzer, Sierra, in September 2025. She was my shadow for years and the best dog I've ever known. Still miss her every day.
Notebook Hoarder
I love buying beautiful blank notebooks and never writing in them because they're too nice to ruin.
Heavy Listener
I listen to podcasts constantly—which is probably why I started one.
Mountain Life
I live in Utah, and I am not Mormon. How we ended up here is a whole story—I talk about it on the podcast.
System Nerd
I am a planner nerd. Happy Planner, ClickUp, and Notion live side by side in my world, and I have zero shame about it.
My Crew
I have an amazing husband and son. (They know the dog was listed first. We've made peace with it.)
Game Day
I'm a sports fan. Raiders fan specifically. Don't @ me.
List Obsessed
I'm a list-maker. Everything gets a list.
Roots
I grew up in Southern California and spent most of my life there. Utah is still surprising me.
We Give Back
At Ride the Tide Collective, I pledge to give back to organizations whose purpose is close to my heart.
5% of all gross income is given quarterly to the following organizations:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
In honor of my mother.
My mother suffered from Parkinson’s disease, and the work and research of the Michael J Fox Foundation has been incredible. From the awareness they provide to the resources for patients and family, I support what they are doing and hope one day they can find a cure.
VH1 Save the Music Foundation
Music heals.
Music has always been a major part of my life. I played multiple instruments growing up; my dad was a drum major (and later an art teacher); my husband is a musician; and my son is learning piano. I’m also an avid concert goer, and my degree is in art and graphic design. I’ve always supported music and arts in education, and supporting Save the Music is how I do that now.
Take Back Control of Your Career
One honest conversation is the fastest way to find out if this is the plan you've been looking for.