How to Trust Your Intuition and Make Better Decisions in Work and Life

Most professionals are taught to trust logic, facts, and strategy. But what if your greatest asset for career clarity, confidence, and leadership was something you have ignored all along? In this episode of the Work Unscripted podcast, intuitive business coach Wendy Sterling shares how to access your intuition, why it matters in both life and business, and how small shifts in awareness can lead to major breakthroughs.

Wendy has guided thousands of women through reinvention and built multiple successful companies, all while listening to her gut. She now teaches others to integrate intuitive wisdom into their decision-making process, especially during times of change, stress, or uncertainty.

What Is Intuition and How Does It Actually Work?

Contrary to the myth, intuition is not woo-woo, mystical, or irrational. Wendy defines intuition as an internal compass. It’s a calm, quiet voice that speaks truth before logic catches up. “You just know,” she says. “You may not have evidence. You may not be able to explain it. But it’s real.”

In contrast to fear, which feels loud, reactive, and anxious, intuition feels grounded, focused, and subtle. It doesn’t shout. It nudges.

The Secret to Accessing Intuition in Everyday Life

So how do you start trusting your intuition? Wendy explains that the key is in the pause. Most people miss intuitive signals because they are too busy. Our culture celebrates hustle and speed, but intuition only emerges when you slow down.

That pause can be as short as 30 seconds before responding to an email, or as long as an intentional walk without distractions. “You’ve got to tune out the noise,” Wendy says. “Your answers are always there, but you need space to hear them.”

To begin practicing intuitive decision-making, she recommends starting small. Try asking yourself simple questions:

• What do I feel like eating today?

• Do I want to accept this meeting?

• Should I rest or push through?

These micro-moments build self-trust and prepare you for bigger decisions like career pivots, launching a business, or ending a relationship.

Using Intuition in Business and Leadership

Many leaders assume intuition has no place in the boardroom. But Wendy challenges that belief directly. “Data and logic matter,” she says. “But the best decisions come from both the head and the heart.” Trusting your gut can help leaders:

• Improve hiring by reading beyond resumes

• Avoid burnout by recognizing misalignment early

• Lead with empathy instead of control

• Build cultures where employees feel safe and seen

Tactical ways to apply intuition at work include pausing in meetings to acknowledge the energy in the room, allowing teams time to reflect before final decisions, and encouraging employees to listen to their own instincts.

Why Intuition Beats Imposter Syndrome

High achievers often struggle with imposter syndrome because they rely solely on external validation. Wendy argues that intuition is the antidote. When you trust your inner wisdom, you stop waiting for permission and start acting from alignment.

She shares her own story of career reinvention. After building a seven-figure divorce coaching business, her intuition told her it was time to let go, even when logic said to keep going. That whisper led her to a new path, and within six weeks, she had built a new six-figure business. “It wasn’t spreadsheets. It was soul-led clarity,” Wendy explains.

Daily Practices to Strengthen Intuition

Ready to integrate intuition into your day? Wendy offers five powerful practices that support mental clarity, emotional regulation, and decision-making:

• Take a 30-second pause each day to ask, “What do I need right now?”

• Let your gut choose what to eat, wear, or listen to

• Ask for time instead of saying yes too quickly

• Question fear-based thoughts and look for evidence

• Delay digital distractions and listen to your body first

These habits train your nervous system to recognize intuitive signals. Over time, they create confidence, peace, and better decisions.

Final Thoughts on Intuitive Leadership and Career Fulfillment

Whether you are navigating a career transition, starting a new business, or trying to find your voice as a leader, trusting your intuition is a powerful strategy. It brings clarity when facts are incomplete. It builds resilience when fear is loud. And it anchors you to your purpose.

Wendy reminds us that intuition is not reserved for healers or creatives. It is available to anyone who pauses long enough to hear it.

“You don’t have to be spiritual to trust your gut,” she says. “You just need to believe that your inner voice deserves a seat at the table.”

For more on how to integrate intuition into your career, business, or leadership journey, listen to Wendy Sterling’s full interview on the Work Unscripted podcast here.