Julia Epstein didn’t plan on a career in HR. In fact, she thought she was going to become a doctor until her junior year of college, when that path no longer felt right. Feeling lost, she turned to her college career center and took one of those classic aptitude tests. It pointed her toward a color-coded section labeled Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
And just like that, a new journey began.
“I thought it was the perfect blend of people and business,” she says. That moment of redirection led her to NYU for a master’s degree and into a dynamic career helping companies solve big people-related problems. She’s now at Estée Lauder Companies, where she leads a global team specializing in change management, organizational design, and project management.
What makes Julia so effective in her work isn’t just her expertise. She has a deep curiosity about human behavior. “I’ve always been fascinated by people. I’m a huge people watcher,” she says with a smile. Whether consulting across industries or leading internal teams, her love for understanding what makes people tick has been her throughline.
But being an introvert in high-energy corporate environments hasn’t always been easy.
“I don’t do well thinking on the spot, so I need to prepare for every meeting,” Julia explains. Brainstorming sessions without advance notice? Challenging. Long client days followed by team dinners? Draining. And yet, she’s found ways to honor her needs while still showing up powerfully in her work.
“It takes courage to speak up in meetings,” she shares. “I often overthink what I want to say, and by the time I feel it’s polished, someone else has already made the point.” Still, her thoughtful communication, careful preparation, and commitment to self-care have become strengths, not setbacks.
I tell teams that I’m an introvert so they know my quiet moments aren’t disinterest. I’m just processing.
Her biggest piece of advice is to be honest about what you need. “People aren’t mind-readers,” Julia says. “It’s okay to let your manager know you need materials ahead of time or a moment to process before responding.” That transparency not only helps her thrive; it gives others permission to do the same. “I tell teams that I’m an introvert so they know my quiet moments aren’t disinterest. I’m just processing.”
Julia is already living a version of her dream life. She’s married to her best friend, raising two energetic boys, and surrounded by a strong support system in a beautiful place. But if she could add a little more magic? “I’d be living on the beach, with family and best friends as neighbors and working at the local zoo.”
Whether she’s leading teams or dreaming of beachside animal care, Julia Epstein is proof that knowing yourself and advocating for your needs can be a powerful foundation for both career success and personal happiness.
To learn more about Julia, connect with her on LinkedIn.
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