Today we’d like to introduce you to Jan Degallier.
Hi Jan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story—it’s an honor to be considered for the Inspiring Stories series.
Looking back, my journey has been anything but linear—but it’s been deeply purpose-driven. I started my career as a CPA, working in public accounting and later moving into corporate finance roles where I led teams and managed strategy for a multi-billion-dollar company. On paper, I was “successful,” but something inside me kept nudging me to use my experience in a more personal, meaningful way.
Over time—and with a lot of prayer, reflection, and courage—I stepped out to start my own business. I launched a strategic coaching practice focused on helping entrepreneurs and business leaders not only understand their numbers but lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
What I’ve discovered is that so many business owners feel overwhelmed because they’ve never been taught to “speak the language” of financial leadership. That realization became the foundation for my book, Rise Above Your Business: Knowing the Story of Your Numbers, and the work I do today—empowering others to move from chaos to clarity, and from survival to strategy.
Today, I work with entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and growing teams to bring strategy, structure, and momentum to their vision. I also lead a community of purpose-driven leaders and speak on topics related to faith, business, and transformational leadership.
The heart behind it all? Helping others rise into the fullness of who they were created to be—because I know what it feels like to wonder if you’re ready, and what it takes to say yes anyway.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but the challenges have shaped me in powerful ways.
One of the biggest was making the transition from a steady corporate career to launching my own business—right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. I didn’t plan it that way, but I chose to move forward anyway, trusting that the timing had a purpose.
It was a season filled with uncertainty for all of us, and stepping into something new during that time came with its share of doubts and risk. But looking back, it was a blessing in disguise. The world had gone virtual, and we were all trying to figure out how to stay connected. That opened doors I never expected—my network grew quickly, I had opportunities to collaborate with people across the country, and I was able to build relationships that might not have happened in a different season.
Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to overcome mindset shifts, push through fear, and navigate the pressures of building something from the ground up. But through it all, I’ve seen that clarity often comes in the doing—and that the obstacles are often the very things that prepare us for what’s next.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Degallier Leadership Solutions?
I’m the founder of a strategic coaching and advisory practice that helps business owners lead with clarity, confidence, and financial intelligence. My focus is on empowering entrepreneurs and leadership teams to rise above the chaos of the day-to-day and build businesses that are not only sustainable—but purpose-driven and aligned with their bigger vision.
What I do best is help people understand the story their numbers are telling—so they can stop guessing, start making confident decisions, and create momentum in the areas that matter most. I specialize in financial strategy, leadership development, and business planning, but more than anything, I help leaders see the full picture of what’s possible when they combine insight with action.
What sets my work apart is the balance of deep financial experience (30+ years as a CPA and corporate finance leader) with a heart-centered, practical approach that meets people right where they are. I’m not just about numbers—I’m about people, clarity, and purpose.
I’m especially proud of my book, Rise Above Your Business: Knowing the Story of Your Numbers, which has become a tool I use to help business owners who may have felt intimidated by financials step into leadership with confidence. It’s also helped shape my newest offering—a group advisory program for entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step but want support, strategy, and structure to grow well.
At the heart of everything I do is this: I believe business can be both profitable and purposeful, and that when you lead with clarity—anything is possible.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep expanding the impact of my mission: helping business owners become the kind of leader their business needs to grow and thrive.
So many entrepreneurs start with a great idea or a passion—but at some point, the business begins to demand a different version of them. My goal is to help them rise into that version with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
One of the biggest things I’m working on now is expanding my reach through a new, easy-to-access program built around the question: “What if you could become “the future You” your business demands?” It’s designed to give business owners the tools, structure, and strategic support they need—especially those who don’t yet have a CFO or financial advisor on their team.
At its core, it’s a strategic decision-making system for business owners who want to stop guessing, start leading, and build a business that’s not only successful, but sustainable. I’m passionate about making this kind of support more accessible so that more leaders can experience the freedom that comes from knowing their numbers, leading on purpose, and staying aligned with their long-term vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.degallierleadershipsolutions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandegallier/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DegallierLeadershipSolutions
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-degallier/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandegallier1305
