Executives Who Have Moved Mountains
In business, it’s easy to find someone with the title of coach or consultant, but rare to find a partner who actually shapes leaders capable of moving mountains. Julie’s work isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level advice. It’s about transforming how people lead from the inside out and equipping them to drive real, lasting change in their organizations and industries. The results aren’t measured by slides or soundbites, but by the strength and vision of the executives she’s helped shape.
Here are a few leaders Julie has worked with who are moving mountains.
Julie’s success is reflected in the success of those she serves. Her clients don’t just become better leaders, they become catalysts for growth, innovation, and resilience in their companies. From startups scaling fast to multigenerational businesses planning succession, her work has helped leaders grow personally, elevate their teams, and steer their companies to new levels of performance.
Steve Grinstead, Chairman of FreshEdge
“I have worked with Julie on numerous and diverse projects over the years. Several strategic planning engagements, exit strategy, executive development and even purchasing a company that she represented. Julie is uniquely qualified to help you and your business achieve an oversized outcome no matter what your goals and objectives are. I thought she was amazing when I first met her when she was new to the produce industry. Now, 25+ years later, she is unmatched when it comes to leadership development, strategy and pretty much every aspect of your company in our great industry.”
Craig Slate, CEO of SunFed
“Julie Krivanek offers a refreshingly straightforward and honest perspective on executive leadership. Her approach challenges clients to look inward, helping them better understand both their strengths and areas for growth. With years of experience working with leaders across diverse industries, Julie brings an unmatched depth of insight and perspective. Personally, I’ve seen tremendous growth in both my career and life through my work with Julie. SunFed and several of our executives have also experienced meaningful development and success thanks to her guidance. Julie is far more than an executive coach—she’s a trusted advisor and a catalyst for both personal and professional transformation.”
"My success is measured by your results."
Julie Krivanek
Andy Hamilton, CEO of Markon
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Julie Krivanek for nearly two decades, and her guidance has been a consistent source of clarity and insight throughout my career. Julie has a rare ability to assess complex situations without rushing to conclusions—bringing a thoughtful, studied perspective that encourages growth and progress. Her direct, candid approach has helped me navigate key transitions, not just as a manager, but in preparing for broader leadership responsibilities. Julie has a keen eye for identifying both opportunities and blind spots, and her counsel has had a meaningful impact on how I lead and think strategically.”
Nancy Brelos, Chairwoman of Fundación Sarahuaro
“After several years of building processes and procedures where there were none, I was in the weeds and could not see the value of our accomplishments. By asking the right questions, Julie opened my eyes to the extensive growth of our non-profit, Sarahuaro Foundation. Through her guidance, I recognized our achievements. My perspective on the organization and its staff completely changed. Julie gave me insight and inspiration. We are going to the next level now.”
Jill Overdorf, Founder, The Produce Ambassador
“I first met Julie Krivanek over twenty years ago, and her influence on my career has been profound and enduring. Her mentorship reshaped how I view the produce industry, teaching me to analyze trends with clarity, build strategic plans with confidence, and make decisions grounded in both vision and practicality. Today, as the founder of The Produce Ambassador, I apply her lessons daily, measuring success not just in financial results, but in relationships, innovation, and values. The strategic frameworks and disciplined thinking I gained from Julie have directly fueled my business growth and the trust I’ve built with clients. Her guidance has been far more than advice - it has been a catalyst for lasting professional transformation.”
Gustavo Yentzen, President of The Yentzen Group
“I’ll never forget Julie asking me during our very first meeting, ‘What’s your strategic plan for your life?’ That simple yet profound question revealed that I was following someone else’s map instead of my own. Julie has a rare ability to challenge your thinking with clarity and compassion, and in that moment, she helped me see I wasn’t on the path I wanted. Within months, I resigned and launched my own business, a decision that transformed my life. Nearly 20 years later, I still look back on that conversation as the spark that set my true professional journey in motion.”
Zak Laffite, President of Wonderful Citrus
“Transitioning to President of Wonderful Citrus gave me a new vantage point on our business and made clear the shifting industry landscape. Competitive and consumer dynamics required bold repositioning, all while our workforce faced COVID. As Julie would say, we had to fix the plane while flying it. I knew she was the voice I needed - to surface what I couldn’t see, challenge hesitation, and help establish the culture for success. As my executive advisor, her approach blended vision with execution. We worked backward from a five-year vision to the changes needed today. The result was transformative for our business and for me as a leader."
Services
Executive Development
Julie works closely with senior leaders to sharpen their capabilities and eliminate barriers to advancement. Through targeted assessments, proprietary feedback tools, and tailored coaching, she helps executives bridge the gap between current performance and future potential.
Executive Consulting
As a trusted advisor, Julie serves as a strategic liaison between boards, investors, and CEOs, especially during periods of change or uncertainty. Whether integrating a newly acquired business, stress-testing a strategic plan, or navigating complex leadership dynamics, she offers clear insights and practical solutions.
Executive Succession
Julie guides CEOs and boards through the high-stakes process of leadership transitions. From identifying and preparing successor candidates to ensuring a smooth organizational shift, she supports every step with precision and discretion. Her work includes mentoring both outgoing and incoming leaders, ensuring continuity, clarity, and confidence in the future.