Who is Jessica Urquhart?
Hi! Nice to meet you here. :)
I’m a career coach, former corporate finance maven, and nature lover who understands that the real work of building a fulfilling career doesn't start with a perfect plan, it starts with calibrating to your inner compass.
For over two decades, I led complex financial strategy across industries, navigating spreadsheets, boardrooms, and investor expectations while gradually confronting the growing gap between the impact I wanted to make and the realities of what I was actually being paid to serve.
That reckoning didn’t just reroute my career path,
it redefined how I wanted to live.
The turning point came when I realized I had achieved all the external "success" I thought I needed, yet I still wasn't fulfilled by my work. So against all norms, I gave myself a life-changing gift - permission to slow down, reevaluate what truly mattered, reimagine what was possible, and put it all to the test.
What emerged from my adventurous exploration was ALTAZ Coaching. A way to support others like me who've discovered the old map no longer fits the terrain they're aiming to traverse. Today, I collaborate with thoughtful leaders navigating high-stakes career transitions and individuals called to something deeper than just a new title or role.
My clients are seeking meaningful realignment, reinvention, and the kind of work that reflects who they’ve become. Whether you’re redefining your role, your work, or yourself, I help you create the space and strategy to make decisions that are deeply aligned and entirely your own.
Career transitions often require slowing down, trusting your internal compass, and taking one clear step at a time... even when the path isn’t obvious. The adventures in these photos hold many of the lessons I now bring to my coaching work.
about
altaz
The ALTAZ Philosophy
ALTAZ stands for Altitude and Azimuth, two coordinates used in ancient navigation to orient yourself by the stars in the sky.
Together, they represent the essence of my coaching: elevated perspectives to see your direction more clearly, and strategic positioning for navigating what’s next.
My grounded guidance blends deep listening, values-led strategies, and nature-informed insights to help you chart new paths that are aligned and self-directed.
Yes, please.
Forest frolics and meadow meanders. Watching the sun rise across the Chicago skyline. Mint green tea. Driving with the windows down along gorgeous scenic byways. Epic adventures with my love. Singing silly songs to my silly dog. Sharing dry humor with friends. Documentaries on space, earth sciences, and mountain climbing. Well-organized data. Immersions into music. Simplicity. Quiet time alone.
No, thanks.
Green peppers, horror movies. Shoes that hurt to walk in. Overscheduled calendars with no space to breathe. Saying "yes" when I don't mean it, or feeling guilty for prioritizing my needs. Always finding something to complain about. Saying "that's above my pay grade." Degradation or disregard for our collective humanity. Forgetting that we belong to the earth, not the other way around.
Want to Collaborate?
I partner with a select number of 1:1 clients at a time, ensuring each receives the focused, thoughtful support needed to move through change with clarity and conviction.
If you're craving that kind of spacious, strategic partnership and you're ready to move forward in a way that feels true to you, I’d love to hear from you.
Still sitting with the decision? You’re always welcome to reach out with questions.