Executive Empowerment Coach, Decades of Working with Individuals at Tech Companies and Start-ups, Fostering Career Growth, Award-winning Self-help Author, Radio and Podcast Guest
Meet Judith Sherven, PhD from Los Altos, California
Judith is an experienced Executive Coach and Clinical Psychologist, empowering leaders to overcome mental barriers and achieve success. With over two decades of experience, she has transformed the careers of executives across top companies. Judith is also a bestselling author, recognized for her groundbreaking work in psychology and leadership development.
The Early Days, A Journey from Hollywood to Psychology
Judith Sherven’s journey begins far from the corporate offices and coaching sessions where she is now a revered figure. Born in Los Angeles, California, Judith entered the world of entertainment at an early age, pursuing a successful career in modeling and acting. During the 1950s and 60s, she appeared in numerous television shows, commercials, and films. From roles in iconic series such as Star Trek, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and I Dream of Jeannie, to nearly 100 television commercials, Judith’s early years were filled with glamour and the spotlight. Despite her success on screen, Judith felt a deeper calling that led her to shift paths.
“While acting taught me much about human nature, I knew my true passion was in helping others explore and expand their potential in a meaningful way,” Judith reflects.
In the early 1970s, Judith made the life-changing decision to pursue higher education, with her heart set on getting her PhD in psychology. She had already earned her BA in English at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1965. Now, determined to make a more profound impact, she continued her studies, eventually earning her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1977.
Building a Foundation , From Private Practice to Corporate Coaching
Judith launched her career as a psychologist with a private practice in Santa Monica, California, where she specialized in couples’ counseling. Her work was guided by her innate understanding of human behavior, honed during her acting days. During this time, she also served as the Director of The Saturday Center Internship and Counseling Program, where she trained budding therapists and psychologists, further expanding her influence in the field.
“My early work with couples taught me so much about the unconscious forces that drive us and hold us back,” Judith explains.“It was in those sessions that I started to notice the patterns of what I later called ‘Unconscious Loyalties’—deep-rooted psychological barriers that prevent people from embracing their full potential.”
In the 1980s, Judith’s personal and professional life took an unexpected but thrilling turn when she met Jim Sniechowski, PhD. Sharing a common passion for understanding human behavior and empowering others, the couple married in 1988. Soon after, they began collaborating professionally, bringing a powerful synergy to the field of psychology and coaching.
Discovering the Power of Unconscious Loyalties
In the late 1990s, Judith and Jim transitioned their expertise from couples counseling to executive coaching. This shift came after a unique opportunity to work with corporate teams, which opened their eyes to the challenges faced by leaders in high-pressure environments. Together, Judith and Jim developed their now-famous concept of Unconscious Loyalties—hidden allegiances and forbiddances that limit personal and professional growth. These discoveries became central to their coaching philosophy.
“Unconscious Loyalties are the invisible chains that bind us to outdated beliefs and behaviors,” Judith says. “Once we uncover them, we can break free and start moving toward the life and success we truly desire.”
Their transformative approach resonated with corporate executives and startup founders alike, leading to an ever-growing client list that includes LinkedIn, Credit Karma, Unity Technologies, and MeetAva. Judith’s coaching sessions are known for their depth, precision, and lasting impact, with leaders emerging more confident, self-aware, and equipped to handle challenges.
Becoming a Bestselling Author and Thought Leader
As their coaching practice grew, Judith and Jim recognized the importance of sharing their insights with a broader audience. Their first book, The New Intimacy: Discovering the Magic at the Heart of Your Differences, was published in 1997. It laid the foundation for their future work and became a bestseller. Over the next two decades, they wrote eight more books, each exploring various aspects of human behavior, relationships, and personal development.
Their latest work, Overcoming the Fear of Being Fabulous: 33 Keys to Creating Your New Life by Leaving Your Old Stories Behind, has been particularly impactful. It provides readers with the tools to move past limiting beliefs and embrace their fullest potential. The book was honored as the Non-fiction WINNER of the 2023 San Francisco Book Festival, solidifying Judith’s place as a thought leader in the world of self-development.
“We all have stories we tell ourselves—about who we are, what we can achieve, and what’s possible in our lives,” Judith says. “But those stories can hold us back. Our work is about helping people rewrite their stories in a way that empowers them to be their best selves.”
Executive Coaching for the Digital Age
Today, Judith and Jim continue to lead the way in executive coaching. Their focus is on helping leaders overcome the fear of their own greatness—a fear that manifests in behaviors like imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and reluctance to step into the spotlight. Judith’s coaching is both strategic and deeply psychological, ensuring that her clients not only achieve professional success but also experience personal fulfillment.
Judith’s reputation for getting results has attracted a loyal following, with referrals coming in from executives and leaders across the United States and internationally. Her clients often describe her as insightful, compassionate, and unafraid to push them beyond their comfort zones.
“Judith and Jim helped me identify behaviors that were undermining my goals,” says Natalie West, Director and Head of Operations at Unity Technologies. “They pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my words and body language, and gave me the tools to make lasting changes.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Judith Sherven’s career is a testament to the power of reinvention and the pursuit of purpose. From her early days as an actress to her current role as a transformational executive coach, Judith has always been driven by a desire to help others break free from their limitations and embrace their true potential.
Judith’s impact reaches far beyond her one-on-one coaching sessions. Through her books, her speaking engagements, and her extensive media presence—having appeared on over 3,000 television and radio shows she has touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. Her work has been featured on The View, MSNBC, CNN, and in numerous print publications.
But what sets Judith apart is not just her professional accomplishments it’s her personal understanding of the very fears she helps others overcome. Having faced her own struggles with The Fear of Being Fabulous, Judith brings empathy, authenticity, and hope to every client interaction. Married to Jim for over three decades, their journey together continues to inspire and empower others to achieve greatness.
Judith Sherven, PhD, Guiding Leaders to Their Fabulous Potential
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, Judith Sherven’s work is more relevant than ever. As leaders navigate the challenges of uncertainty, competition, and personal growth, Judith stands as a guiding light, helping them embrace their full capabilities. With a career spanning multiple industries and roles, Judith’s legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and transformation.
To learn more about Judith and her work, visit:
JudithandJim.com
BeingFabulousInBusiness.com
5 leadership lessons
- Embrace Your Authentic Self: Authentic leadership begins with understanding and accepting who you truly are. Don’t shy away from your uniqueness; use it as a strength to inspire and connect with others.
- Break Free from Limiting Beliefs: Unconscious loyalties and self-imposed barriers often hold us back. Leaders must identify and overcome these limiting beliefs to achieve their fullest potential.
- Lead with Empathy and Insight: Understanding human behavior and motivations is key to effective leadership. Empathetic leaders create stronger teams, foster collaboration, and inspire loyalty.
- Challenge Your Comfort Zone: Growth happens when leaders push beyond their comfort zones. Whether in decision-making or personal development, discomfort is often a sign of progress.
- Continuous Learning and Self-Awareness: Great leaders never stop learning. Whether it’s through executive coaching, personal reflection, or professional challenges, staying self-aware and open to growth is essential.
Editorial Note:
Judith Sherven’s incredible journey, it’s clear that her unwavering dedication to empowering others has left a lasting mark on leaders across industries. Her unique approach to breaking down psychological barriers and guiding individuals toward their full potential is truly transformative. Judith’s career is a testament to the power of authenticity, empathy, and continuous growth. She not only helps others overcome their fears but inspires them to embrace greatness.
