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Young Guns
Joelle Moray
“ Some of the challenges included learning to be a business owner , time management and figuring out your new identity ,” she says . “ I ’ ve learned to ask deep questions and seek counsel from those who came before me . Learning to fail and keep going with grace and ease is the most challenging piece .”
When Moray began providing group coaching , she realized how prevalent a need for counseling was in the workplace . That ’ s when she decided to start her own therapy business , Joelle Moray
MEGAN BEVINS ERIN YAEGER PHOTOGRAPHY
Throughout her life-changing journey , Moray has had many inspirations , including the strong and intelligent women who surround her . She says rather than see these women as competitors , she sees them as collaborators , and that way of thinking has allowed her to connect with strong female leaders from around the state .
While she chose to separate from her career in marketing and community relations , Moray ’ s experience throughout those 15 years has been beneficial to her current role in counseling .
“ Without question , it provided me
CLASS OF 2010
Fourteen years ago , Joelle Moray was featured as one of West Virginia Executive ’ s Young Guns . She was a marketing and community relations specialist for the City of Wheeling .
Moray had been cultivating her successful career in public affairs and economic development for over 15 years when she decided to make a complete career shift .
In 2020 , Moray had a revelation that she would be better suited helping others one on one by becoming a therapist . She began pursuing a master ’ s degree , passed the National Certified Counselors exam and became a provisionally licensed therapist in West Virginia .
Moray considers these major accomplishments , especially due to the major life events she was juggling while settling into her new career — working full-time , losing both of her parents and becoming a first-time mom .
“ I invite individuals to get curious about their mental and physical health ,” Moray says . “ Ask questions and seek help if needed . Understand what resources are available to you .”
Coaching , and implement its signature program , Workplace Wellness , where she helps businesses manage workrelated stress .
“ The reality is that people are stressed , overwhelmed and burning out at alarming rates ,” she says . “ Companies are struggling with employee engagement , productivity , retention , safety and communication . This is precisely what this program offers .”
Throughout this program , she has helped employees from many different sectors , including hospitality , banking , law , education , health care and retail .
Moray succeeds by staying curious and constantly evaluating what is important to her . “ I believe motivation is fleeting ,” she says . “ What keeps consistency with success is being viscerally connected to your why by asking yourself , ‘ Why am I doing this in the first place ?’ If you can answer that question , you ’ ll be successful .”
Destressing is important to Moray as well . She considers music her creative outlet and encourages everyone to make time in their day to do the things they love . with phenomenal experience for public speaking ,” Moray says . “ The in-work corporate wellness includes keynote speaking , conference speaking and more , and my previous work was the perfect training ground for those skills .”
Moray believes expanding mental health in West Virginia is dire , as the U . S . Surgeon General issued a warning concerning mental and physical health in 2022 . It is clear to her that there is a major need for more services across the board .
“ I invite individuals to get curious about their mental and physical health ,” Moray says . “ Ask questions and seek help if needed . Understand what resources are available to you .”
As taking care of mental health in the workplace is one of Moray ’ s biggest focuses , she suggests employers pay attention to the well-being of their staff and strive to create a healthy workplace environment — not just one on paper but one that is embodied by everyone at every level of the organization .
“ It ’ s an investment in your quality of life and your future .” •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE