Self-doubt ends here. Self-confidence begins now.
For midlife women ready to rewrite the rules, reclaim their voice, and rise into their next chapter with fire, freedom, and unwavering purpose. Through personalized coaching, transformational speaking, and the wisdom within Maksymizing Life, I guide you to stop waiting, start healing, and finally create the life you're meant for.

Whether you\'re seeking to inspire an audience, transform your relationships, or unlock your fullest potential— I provide the guidance, tools, and unwavering support to help you do it scared and live it bold.
The first step is often the hardest—but it's also the most powerful. Let's discover where you are, where you want to be, and create your personalized roadmap to transformation.
Explore these conversation starters with our AI assistant, powered by Valerie's coaching expertise and the transformative wisdom of Maksymizing Life. Get personalized guidance tailored to your journey—instantly.
While AI provides helpful guidance, true breakthrough happens through personalized coaching that honors your unique story, challenges, and vision for what's next.

When you stop running, you start living.
Paperback – 17 Dec. 2025 by Valerie Maksym
Are You Still Running From Something That Happened Years Ago?
You're successful on the outside, but exhausted from carrying pain you've never processed. You've mastered the art of "I'm fine" while avoiding the feelings that terrify you most.
If you've spent years, maybe decades, outrunning grief, betrayal, or trauma, this book is your permission to finally stop running.
In The 37-Year Run, Valerie Maksym shares the raw truth about what happens when avoidance becomes a life sentence. After losing her father at twelve, she ran for 37 years—not on a track, but from her pain. She built relationships on survival instead of healing. She created patterns that kept her small and chose protecting herself over becoming herself.
Then, at 46, standing on a bodybuilding stage with every muscle screaming to flee, she made the choice that changed everything: she stopped running. What followed wasn't pretty. It was necessary.
New Release - December 2025
Get Your Copy Today
This book is your roadmap from running to healing to finally LIVING
Available in Paperback • Published December 2025
These women did the work. They faced their fears, challenged their patterns, and chose to show up for themselves. Here\'s what became possible when they stopped waiting and started living.
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about coaching, programs, and getting started
I don't just teach theory—I've lived the transformation. My approach combines real-life experience with proven coaching methodologies. I focus on the whole person: mindset, relationships, health, and personal power. We work together to uncover what's really holding you back and create lasting change from the inside out.
Programs are customized based on your goals and needs. Most clients work with me for 3-6 months to see significant transformation. We'll discuss the best timeline during our discovery call based on where you are and where you want to be.
I offer both! One-on-one coaching provides personalized attention and a custom roadmap for your unique journey. Group coaching offers community support and shared learning at a more accessible price point. Both options include accountability, resources, and my full commitment to your success.
That's exactly what the free discovery call is for! We'll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and which approach will serve you best. There's no pressure—just honest conversation about what you need right now.
For speaking inquiries, use the contact form or email directly. I speak at events, conferences, podcasts, and women's groups on topics like midlife transformation, resilience, body confidence, and reclaiming your power. Let me know your event details and we'll discuss how I can serve your audience.
Absolutely! All coaching sessions are conducted via Zoom, so location doesn't matter. I work with women across the country and around the world. As long as you have internet access, we can connect.
Relationship coaching addresses communication patterns, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, setting boundaries, understanding attachment styles, and creating deeper connection. Whether you're working on your marriage, dating again, or healing from past relationships—I help you show up as your best self.
While I specialize in midlife women (typically 35-60), I work with anyone ready to do the work. If you're feeling stuck, lost, or ready for real change—regardless of age—let's talk. What matters most is your readiness to transform.
Life coaching includes weekly or bi-weekly sessions, personalized action plans, accountability check-ins, email support between sessions, resources and worksheets, and access to my proven frameworks for transformation. You'll also get lifetime access to any recorded content from your program.
My book is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. You'll find the direct link on the Book page. It's the perfect companion to coaching—or a great place to start if you're not ready for one-on-one work yet.
Yes! I offer flexible payment options because I never want finances to be the reason someone doesn't get the help they need. We'll discuss payment plans during our discovery call and find something that works for your situation.
Coaching is deeply personal, so results vary. Common outcomes include increased confidence, clarity on life direction, improved relationships, better boundaries, weight loss and health improvements, career transitions, and a stronger sense of self. The key is your commitment to the process.
Therapy often focuses on healing past trauma and mental health treatment. Coaching focuses on moving forward—setting goals, creating action plans, and building the life you want. I'm not a therapist, but I work with many clients who are also in therapy. They complement each other beautifully.
Come as you are! Bring honesty, openness, and a willingness to look at things differently. I'll guide you through everything else. Before our first session, I'll send a brief questionnaire to help me understand your goals and where you're starting from.
Not all coaches are the same—and not all approaches work for everyone. My style is direct but compassionate, action-oriented but trauma-informed. I focus on results while honoring your journey. If previous coaching didn't work, let's talk about why and how this will be different.
Sessions are typically 60 minutes via Zoom. We'll dive deep into where you are, identify what's blocking you, and create actionable steps forward. I'll challenge you, support you, and hold you accountable. Between sessions, you'll have homework—because real change happens in the action you take, not just in our conversations.
Life happens, I get it. I ask for 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling. This allows me to potentially offer that time to another client. Same-day cancellations will be charged unless there's an emergency. Respect for both our time is important.
For relationship coaching, having your partner involved can be powerful. We can do sessions with both of you together, individually, or a combination. For life coaching focused on your personal growth, sessions are typically one-on-one, but we can discuss what works best for your situation.
Yes. Whether you're trying to save your marriage or navigate a conscious uncoupling, I can help. My goal is to help both partners gain clarity, communicate effectively, and make decisions from a place of strength rather than fear or resentment. Whatever path you choose, you deserve to walk it with dignity.
You can't control your partner's choices, but you can control yours. Individual coaching can still dramatically improve your relationship by transforming how you show up, communicate, and set boundaries. Often, when one person changes, the whole dynamic shifts. And sometimes, that clarity helps you decide your next steps.
Therapy often explores past wounds and diagnoses issues. Relationship coaching is forward-focused on building skills, improving communication, and creating the relationship you want moving forward. I'm not treating pathology—I'm helping you build connection, intimacy, and partnership. Many couples do both simultaneously.
Absolutely. Ending a long-term relationship is like losing a limb—you have to relearn how to move through the world. I help you process the grief, rediscover who you are outside the relationship, rebuild confidence, and eventually open yourself to new possibilities. This is sacred work, and I'll be with you every step.
I speak on midlife transformation, overcoming adversity, body confidence and health, relationship resilience, finding your voice, reinventing yourself, and reclaiming personal power. Each talk is customized to your audience's needs. I share my story authentically and provide actionable takeaways that inspire real change.
Raw, real, and relatable. I'm not here to give a perfectly polished corporate talk. I share my truth—the messy middle, the hard lessons, the transformation. Audiences connect with my authenticity, humor, and directness. I make people think, feel, and most importantly, believe change is possible for them too.
Yes! I love podcast conversations. Whether your show focuses on personal development, relationships, health, midlife transitions, or women's empowerment—I bring authentic stories and practical wisdom. Reach out through the contact form with your podcast details and topic ideas.
Definitely. I've delivered powerful virtual presentations for online conferences, summits, and corporate events. Virtual doesn't mean less impactful—I bring the same energy and authenticity whether I'm on stage or on screen.
Speaking fees vary based on event type, length, preparation required, and travel. I also offer reduced rates for nonprofits and women's organizations whose missions align with my values. Let's talk about your event and budget—I'm committed to making it work when possible.
YES. That feeling of being stuck is exactly why people seek coaching. You don't need to have it all figured out—that's what our discovery call is for. We'll talk through what's going on and determine together if coaching is the right next step. Clarity often comes from the conversation itself.
Some clients feel shifts immediately—new perspectives, relief, clarity. Lasting transformation takes time and consistent work. Most people see significant changes within 3-6 months. But coaching isn't magic—it's a partnership. The more you engage, practice, and implement what we discuss, the faster you'll see results.
I understand financial concerns. But here's the truth: staying stuck has a cost too—to your health, relationships, happiness, and potential. We'll discuss payment plans and find something that works. I also offer limited sliding scale spots for those truly committed but facing hardship. Investment in yourself always pays dividends.
Absolutely. What we discuss stays between us. I take your privacy seriously and create a safe space for complete honesty. The only exception would be if you were in danger of harming yourself or others—then I'm ethically obligated to help you get appropriate support.
Yes! Every potential client gets a free 30-minute discovery call. This is a no-pressure conversation where we explore your situation, discuss your goals, and determine if we're a good fit. You'll leave with clarity whether you work with me or not. Book yours through the contact page.
My book isn't theory from someone who studied transformation—it's the raw truth from someone who lived it. I share my journey through divorce, weight loss, single motherhood, reinvention, and finding love again. It's honest, messy, and real. Readers say it feels like a conversation with a friend who truly gets it.
Absolutely. While my story includes divorce, the book is about transformation, resilience, and reclaiming your life—themes that resonate whether you're facing relationship challenges, career transitions, health struggles, or just feeling lost in midlife. The lessons apply to anyone ready to rewrite their story.
Yes! I share regular content on social media, blog posts, and occasional free workshops or webinars. Follow my channels or join my email list to stay connected. The book is also an affordable entry point if you're not ready for one-on-one coaching yet.
You can! However, coaching only works when someone is ready and willing. I recommend gifting the discovery call or the first month, allowing the recipient to opt in if it feels right. Forcing coaching on someone rarely leads to transformation—readiness is everything.
Let's talk! Schedule a free discovery call and get all your questions answered.
Schedule Discovery Call