After a successful career building the largest public relations firm in her hometown city, working for clients like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Harley-Davidson, Julie applied her professional expertise in strategic planning, branding, corporate communications, and issues management to launch a personal leadership development consultancy. As an accomplished businesswoman and entrepreneur, representing big corporations in diverse markets, Julie knows that the actions and philosophies of an organization are scrutinized by the media and the general public like never before, and that all eyes within an organization -- from the mail room to the boardroom -- are continually focused on the leader. Julie understands that being a good leader isn't as much about skill as it is about the behaviors and attitudes that build trust and inspire others. Julie also recognizes a common thread of confusion and misunderstandings within organizations regarding gender identity.
Julie decided to publish a book, titled My Son Wears Heels, an open and outspoken memoir where she shares what she learned about gender identity, gender expression, and self-acceptance from her only child, Harry. Julie divulges what her journey with Harry, from gender-nonconforming toddler to non-binary adulthood, taught her about herself. Sharing that experience, Julie has touched lives and changed the hearts of many in diverse corporate and community settings. Julie became aware that business leaders and entrepreneurs often lacked knowledge about the LGBTQ+ population and were therefore missing out on recruiting a large segment of their potential talent pool and its allies.
Today, Julie Tarney travels the country and the world as a consultant and trainer, helping hundreds of business leaders learn how to build their personal and employer brands by creating LGBTQ+-inclusive, welcoming, and supportive workplaces.
“Julie connects the humanity and the business imperative of transgender inclusion in an engaging, thought-provoking way. Any audience that experiences her wisdom will leave inspired and committed to be a kickass transgender ally!”
“Julie connects the humanity and the business imperative of transgender inclusion in an engaging, thought-provoking way. Any audience that experiences her wisdom will leave inspired and committed to be a kickass transgender ally!”