Why I Started Wayfound

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“At some point, I realized this wasn’t just a calling. It was a responsibility”

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A Life Rooted in Purpose

I started Wayfound out of a deep desire to live a life of meaning and purpose. No matter what job title I held throughout my professional journey, certain identities always called to me: Guide. Teacher. Change Facilitator. Over time I realized that these weren’t just roles—they were expressions of something core to who I am.

That’s a part of what led me from a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering to a Master’s in Applied Psychology. I’ve long felt that my purpose is tied to human development—that is, helping people grow into their potential and navigate life’s big transitions with clarity and courage.

Similarly, I have always felt pulled to use my natural gifts—insightfulness, empathy, the ability to see people clearly, and to communicate with care and power—to serve in ways that truly matter. And after much reflection, I reached the conclusion: Now is the time to launch.

But First, My Own Turning Point

I didn’t arrive here overnight. I spent my early years uncertain about the career path that was right for me. I eventually settled on engineering because of my love for mathematics and the belief that it could offer me “a good career and great earnings.”

And the truth is, I did make progress in that field. But it was never work that fully engaged me at my core.

My journey has taught me that there are many things that I can do and roles that I could play really well—engineering is one of them. But one of my most impactful realizations has been that only a few of these things or roles actually ignite something deeper within me — only a few feel aligned with who I really am. I used to find myself dreaming more about those things than the job I was in.

It took time, reflection, and courage to shift directions. And the truth is, it wasn’t easy. Speaking the truth of what really calls to us often requires vulnerability, risk, and redefinition. But once I gave myself permission to make that shift, my entire experience of life changed.

The challenges didn’t disappear—but I now meet them with more grit and clarity, because I’m no longer just working a job. I’m living a mission.

The World of Work Is Shifting

With a background in engineering, I naturally approach change from a systems perspective—seeing how disruptions ripple across people, processes, and possibilities.

Over the past few years, I’ve taken this approach to closely observe the rapid shifts happening in the world of work. The rapid evolution and integration of new technologies, economic shifts, and evolving societal expectations have been disrupting so much of what we have always known. Roles are changing. Industries are evolving. And the pressure to continually adapt — to learn, pivot, and grow—is becoming a non-negotiable part of staying relevant and thriving.

But I have also observed that we aren’t all prepared for this. And not everyone has the inner tools to navigate these changes well.

As an Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how inner capacities like self-regulation, values alignment, and learning agility are often stronger predictors of long-term career success than technical skill alone.

I believe that those who will thrive in this new world are not just those who acquire new skills, but those who cultivate inner capacities:

• Clarity of values

• Emotional flexibility

• The willingness to grow through uncertainty

Without these, the psychological cost of disruption can be high.

Not Just Skills—We Need Meaning

There’s a lot of talk about reskilling and upskilling today, especially in technical areas. While that’s important, I believe equally important is the work of gaining clarity on who we are—what matters to us, what makes us tick, and what kind of contribution we truly want to make.

“The most effective transitions are guided not just by intuition, but by evidence.”

In my work, I draw on research-backed approaches from applied psychology to support meaningful, sustainable reinvention.

Too many of us spend our lives in roles that feel empty, disconnected, or misaligned. Now, as change sweeps through the world, we have a rare opportunity to pause, reset, and ask:

What truly gives my life meaning?

New Possibilities in a Transforming World

AI and other innovations are not just here driving disruptions in what we’ve always known. I also believe they’ve come bearing a gift: a chance to rediscover and express parts of ourselves that may have been dormant. To pursue meaningful paths—not because we have to, but because we’re intrinsically called to.

When we approach work from this perspective, lifelong learning and the evolving demand for us to adapt and grow becomes a joy—instead of a chore. When we are learning in service of a deeper calling, we can grow into work that reflects our full selves, while supporting others and shaping a better future.

My Role—and Wayfound’s Mission

I see myself as a guide and facilitator—someone who can help shine a light in this transforming space. Through Wayfound, I want to help people and organizations navigate change with clarity, strength, and heart.

Whether through one-on-one coaching, group programs, self-guided tools, or organizational partnerships, my mission is the same:
To help people adapt, grow, and thrive—and to ensure that this kind of support is available to anyone who needs it.

My coaching and facilitation approach is rooted in both evidence and empathy—drawing from I/O psychology, adult learning theory, and systems design.

Whether you're navigating a layoff, standing at a crossroads, or feeling the quiet ache of misalignment in your career—I see you. And you're not alone.

We are in a defining moment. The ground beneath us is shifting.
But we are not lost.
We are Wayfound.

What might become possible if you gave yourself permission to grow into something new?

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Stephanie McFarlane holds a Master’s in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Engineering. Her work at Wayfound reflects a rare blend of strategic systems thinking and deep human insight.