EP 235 - It Only Takes ONE Yes: Julie Whitney’s Soaring Pivot from PR to Purposeful Storytelling

Julie Whitney’s career reads like a masterclass in communication—25 years in PR, authoring thousands of news releases, booking stories that captivated viewers across major networks, and crafting messaging that cut through the noise. But in a bold pivot, Julie turned her storytelling superpowers toward something more heartfelt and enduring: children’s books. 

In this inspiring episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, we sit down with Julie to unpack how she went from running a successful public relations firm to breathing life into a story that’s now soaring through classrooms, libraries, and hearts—Astra the Lonely Airplane. Her napkin says it all: “It only takes ONE yes!” That one yes—when pursued with purpose, persistence, and passion—can change everything. 

From Crisis Response to Creative Resilience 

Julie was no stranger to high stakes. As the founder of Phillippi-Whitney Communications, she helped her clients navigate the media landscape, crisis communication, and brand positioning. But as the pandemic grounded so many parts of life—including the aviation world that inspired her husband—Julie found herself drawn to a new kind of storytelling. 

It started with a spark: “My husband was watching planes get retired, and one in particular caught his heart,” she explains. That emotional thread became the foundation for Astra the Lonely Airplane, a story about resilience, belonging, and hope told through the eyes of a retired aircraft. “I saw an opportunity to make something beautiful and useful—to create something that would live on long after a press release,” she says. 

A Children’s Author on a Mission 

What sets Julie’s work apart isn’t just the heartwarming storyline—it’s the mission. Astra the Lonely Airplane is more than a book; it’s an experience designed to inspire kids to see value in what’s different, to understand change, and to connect with aviation in a way that’s engaging and educational. 

“I want to get Astra into every classroom, every library, every airport bookstore,” Julie shares. “Because it’s not just about Astra—it’s about the kids who feel left out, too.” 

Her storytelling is already taking off. Astra’s message resonates with children and adults alike, offering comfort, courage, and curiosity at a time when so many feel displaced. Julie is on a mission to scale Astra’s message through school programming, airport events, and expanded book lines—and she’s just getting started. 

The Courage to Pivot 

Julie’s journey is a powerful reminder that even a thriving career can give way to a new calling. “You don’t have to stay in one lane forever,” she says. “If your heart is being pulled toward something creative, listen to that. The world needs more of that energy.” 

It’s clear that Julie’s pivot wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. And it’s the kind of reinvention that fuels the spirit of Paper Napkin Wisdom. 

“It only takes ONE yes,” she says, smiling. “You don’t need 100 people to believe in you. You just need one. And sometimes that one is you.” 

 

5 Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Julie Whitney 

1. Don’t wait for perfect—start with passion. 
Julie didn't have a background in children's publishing when she began. What she did have was heart, a story worth telling, and the courage to try. 
Take Action: Think of a story you've been sitting on. Outline it today—even if just in bullet points. 

2. Your professional skills can fuel your creative pivot. 
Her PR expertise didn’t go to waste; it amplified her launch as an author. 
Take Action: List 3 skills from your current career that could serve your next chapter. 

3. Impact doesn't need a big platform—just a meaningful one. 
Julie isn't chasing celebrity. She's chasing connection. “If I can touch a classroom of kids, that’s a win.” 
Take Action: Ask yourself: “Where could I make a meaningful difference today?” 

4. Reinvention starts with listening to your own voice. 
Julie’s pivot came from being willing to hear her inner creative nudge. 
Take Action: Set aside 15 minutes this week to journal what your heart is whispering to you. 

5. A single yes can change the trajectory of your journey. 
Julie’s napkin wisdom reminds us: we don’t need mass approval—just belief and a little persistence. 
Take Action: Reach out to one person today with your idea. Ask for feedback, encouragement, or a small next step. 

 

Julie Whitney's journey from PR powerhouse to children’s author is a shining example of how wisdom, when shared with heart and purpose, can uplift generations. Whether you’re thinking about your own pivot or helping others soar, remember her words: It only takes ONE yes. 

📌 What’s your ONE yes moment? Share it on a napkin, snap a pic, and post it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s inspire the next wave of creators to take flight. 

Links: 
🔗 Astra the Lonely Airplane 
🔗 Julie Whitney on LinkedIn