Joni Woods on Turning Personal Pain into Purpose-Driven Coaching

In this episode of Founders Future, with host Nick Cicciari, Joni Woods shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from youth pastor to relationship coach and culture strategist. After navigating a difficult divorce and the unexpected passing of her ex-husband during COVID, Joni was driven to rebuild not only her own relationships but also help others avoid similar pain. Through Journey Coaching, she now focuses on equipping individuals—particularly young professionals and those entering the workforce—with foundational relationship and communication skills. Joni discusses her pivot toward the hospitality and restaurant industry, her mission to address employee engagement at its root, and her vision of scaling through training programs, partnerships, and eventually nationwide impact.