Corporate Marketing Grind to Columbus Founder: Tami Chapek

In this episode, you and I sit down with Tami Chapek, founder and principal of We Inspire We. Tami’s journey from marketing executive to leadership coach is filled with pivotal lessons for professionals striving to build community and inspire change. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to authentic leadership.

From Art to Advertising to Leadership Coaching

Tami’s career began in the creative world of marketing and advertising, where she combined her artistic talents with business strategy. However, her path wasn’t without its bumps. “The first time I was a manager, I micromanaged everything,” she shared. “I realized I wasn’t being the kind of boss I wanted to be, but instead of getting discouraged, I became passionate about learning how to lead effectively.”

That curiosity sparked a journey of self-improvement, mentoring younger professionals, and eventually transitioning into leadership coaching. A turning point came in 2017 when a role in corporate America left her feeling burnt out and unfulfilled. It was a classic inflection point. “I asked myself, ‘What would it be like if I took control of my future?’ That’s when everything changed.”

A Leap Into Entrepreneurship

Tami didn’t initially see herself as an entrepreneur. However, after soul-searching and working with her own coach, she discovered her passion: helping others become authentic leaders. She enrolled in coaching classes and quickly realized, “This is it. I wanted to do this all the time.”

Starting her own business came with challenges, especially around finances and identity. “Going from being a VP in advertising to a leadership coach was a hard pill to swallow,” Tami admitted. But she embraced the transition by focusing on impact rather than fear, shifting her mindset from scarcity to abundance.

What Makes a Great Leader?

Tami’s coaching framework revolves around three pillars: effectiveness, influence, and inspiration. She explained, “A great leader is someone who knows how to execute their role, influence others without authority, and inspire their team to bring passion and creativity to their work.” Authenticity is key. “Lean into your strengths—don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold,” she advises.

Her work has led to transformative results. Tami shared a story about a client in France who shifted from overworking to leading with confidence and balance. “She took her first vacation without checking emails, and her team thrived in her absence. That’s what leadership should look like.”

Building We Inspire We

Tami’s company name, We Inspire We, reflects her vision for community and collective growth. “I didn’t want to brand it with my name because it’s about a team effort,” she said. Her team of specialized coaches—ranging from a “Confidence Coach” to a “Career Storyteller”—ensures personalized support for clients at every stage of their journey.

Networking is another cornerstone of Tami’s work. She highlighted the importance of crafting a compelling elevator pitch, knowing your ask, and always following up. “Relationships are a two-way street, but the follow-up is on you,” she emphasized. For professionals navigating new environments like the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Tami’s advice is simple: show up, engage meaningfully, and take full advantage of the resources available.

What’s Next for Tami?

Tami is excited to launch her upcoming book, which dives deeper into authentic leadership. “It’s about helping people discover who they are as leaders and using that to drive change,” she shared. For updates, she encourages readers to visit WeInspireWe.com and connect with her team on LinkedIn.

Tami Chapek’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about being unapologetically yourself while empowering others. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, her insights offer a roadmap for growth, resilience, and inspiration.