Julia Evans, Owner and CEO on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Career Development

Julia Evans

Owner and CEO, Guide Path Advisors

Danville, CA 94526

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree University of Phoenix Degree California State University, Chico Cert Life Coaching Certificate Cert Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) Cert Independent Educational Consultant Cert Core Concepts for IECs License License No. Core Concepts for Independent Educational Consultants

Success is measured by the lives we influence. My hope is that every person walks away believing they are capable of achieving more than they imagined.

Julia Evans · In Her Own Words

Her Story

About Julia

Julia Evans, CCSP, is the Owner and CEO of Guide Path Advisors, a career development and educational consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals achieve meaningful personal, academic, and professional success. With more than 25 years of experience spanning recruiting, accounting, career development, and leadership coaching, she brings a well-rounded perspective to every client relationship. As a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), Independent Educational Consultant, and Certified Life Coach, Evans specializes in career coaching, resume writing, interview preparation, college readiness, and leadership development, empowering clients with the confidence and strategies needed to reach their goals.

Before launching Guide Path Advisors, Evans built a successful career in corporate finance, accounting, and recruiting, serving in leadership roles with organizations including Robert Half, Five9, and Armanino LLP. Following a back injury that prompted a career transition, she transformed her passion for helping others into a thriving consulting practice. What began as life coaching has evolved into a comprehensive advisory firm offering career assessments, personalized coaching, college admissions guidance, executive career services, and the Real World Ready program, which equips young adults with essential life and professional skills. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and has earned professional credentials as a Certified Career Services Provider, Independent Educational Consultant, and Certified Life Coach.

Evans is passionate about helping people discover careers and educational paths that align with their strengths, values, and aspirations. She encourages others to pursue their passions with dedication and commitment, believing that lasting success naturally follows genuine enthusiasm and hard work. Known for her integrity, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality, she also recognizes the evolving challenges facing education and career development, including helping students and professionals use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence ethically and effectively. Through coaching, consulting, and mentorship, Evans remains committed to empowering individuals to build fulfilling futures with purpose, confidence, and resilience.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Julia

01What do you attribute your success to?

It's hard work. I've always loved working or work, and I've got a great work ethic, and again, it's a passion that later was kind of found. I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, like even when I did recruiting, the requirement is to do marketing and sales. I never did that before. So then I got sales 101 basically and learn then about myself. Learn how to talk to people, going out there and banging on doors, and making those cold calls and things like that. That was very hard for me. It was never in my wheelhouse. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, big time.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Follow your passions. So like I really loved accounting, but it's hard work, and it was a lot, a lot of hours, and very stressful. That's why I just couldn't do it anymore. I thought, no. So that's what I tell people, it's like, follow your passions, and the income money will follow, so to speak.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I encourage young women to pursue what they're truly passionate about with dedication and commitment. When you genuinely enjoy what you do and are willing to work hard, success has a way of following. Trust your instincts, stay focused on your goals, and let your passion guide your career journey.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

High school seniors doing their essays, because they want to use AI. They don't really realize what they're doing. I have to explain to them please send it to me like I was your professor in college, and this was your last draft. If you're going to use AI, the best way to use AI is as an executive assistant. Throw your story in and say okay I need some brainstorming, but I need an outline. How would you best suggest I tell my story in an outline, and then write your own thing. Write your story. That's the way to do it, but they just don't know.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Being authentic. Huge is confidentiality, like I can't share any information with anybody, even if it's like I have signed documents where it's completely confidential, of course, unless it's something that would harm you. Those values I think are important to me, and then just work ethics. Do your best, and show up, and do the job you're supposed to.

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