Associate Certified Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation
Master’s Degree in Psychology (Life Coaching emphasis)
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Management emphasis)
30 years in leadership, including VP and CXO roles
6 years as a professional coach
Lover of creativity, the outdoors, and lifelong learning
This is my story
“I believe everyone has the potential to lead and thrive—sometimes they just need the right partner to guide them.”
That’s where I come in. As a Leadership, Career, and Life Coach, I’m here to help you navigate the twists and turns of your career and life. Whether you’re aiming for that first big promotion, adjusting to the challenges of a new management role, or figuring out what’s next, I’ll work with you to unlock your potential and create a plan that feels right for you.
My journey started at the very bottom and I worked my way up to CXO and EVP roles over a 30+ year career. One pivotal moment came early on: while working as a cashier at a fabric store, I was asked to lock up one evening. That small opportunity launched a lifetime of leadership experiences.
A defining chapter of my career came when I was the EVP anticipating to be the next CEO in 5 years, only to have the organization acquired by a larger company. The experience of leading through that transition—retaining 24% of the original team over seven years—taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of separating self-worth from job titles.
I Serve
People who:
- Feel their work is challenging and want to figure out how to craft their perfect role
- Are uninspiring at work and are ready to make a change
- Want to be promoted but aren’t sure what steps to take
- Are new managers learning to lead a team effectively
- Want to communicate better and build actionable career plans
Professionals who:
- Are navigating career transitions or planning their next move
- Seek to lead with confidence and clarity
My Coaching Approach
My coaching style is warm, supportive, and action-oriented. I’m a cheerleader who will challenge you to view situations differently, encouraging growth and innovation. I lean into a mentorship method, offering thoughtful suggestions to help you navigate complex decisions.
Grounded in action planning, I believe that sustainable growth happens when ideas are paired with decisive steps. Together, we’ll identify your goals, craft a plan, and work toward achieving what you’ve always imagined possible.
A Bit About Me
When I’m not coaching, you’ll find me outdoors with my husband and dogs, exploring nature or diving into a good leadership or historical fiction book. I’m a creative spirit who loves learning, and I bring that energy into everything I do (including a book recommendation).
Let’s work together to unlock your potential, reimagine your career, and create a future you’re excited about.
What my clients say
“I cannot express enough how transformative my experience has been with my credit union career coach, Laura. From our very first meeting, it was clear that she was not just knowledgeable, but genuinely invested in my success. Her insights into the financial industry are unparalleled, and her ability to tailor advice specifically to my career goals has been invaluable.
What sets Laura apart is her empathetic approach. She takes the time to understand my aspirations, strengths, and areas for growth, providing personalized guidance that has helped me navigate my career path with confidence. Her encouragement and constructive feedback have been instrumental in my professional development.
Moreover, her expertise extends beyond just career advice. Laura has a deep understanding of the credit union’s culture and values, which has helped me align my career trajectory with the organization’s mission. This alignment has not only enhanced my job satisfaction but also my overall performance.
In every session, Laura brings a positive, motivating energy that makes me look forward to our meetings. She is a true mentor, always available to answer questions and provide support, making me feel valued and empowered.
I highly recommend Laura to anyone looking to navigate and/or advance their career in the credit union space. Her dedication, expertise, and genuine care for her clients make her an invaluable asset to anyone’s professional journey.” – Melissa M.
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I wanted to reach out and let you know that I think of you daily and that I use so many of the tools that you gave me while you were here. Yesterday, I was awarded the top performer for insurance sales in 2018; I reflected on the year prior when I felt like such a loser. I remember our chat and the encouragement, support and help in changing my mindset on how I offered the ancillary benefits. You truly impacted my life in so many ways! I have gained so much positivity in my own life and that is all because of you!! Thank you for impacting my life; I am and will continue to be a better person because of you!! Regardless of where my journey in life takes me your impact will be with me!! – Tammy Bauman (previous employee)
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I just wanted to say thank you and tell you how much I appreciated our “coaching session” experience this evening!! Having you as a sounding board was terrific! Did I make my decision tonight about the bike ride in June 2021 understanding that I can ride the SAG wagons up hills? No, but the new discovery, or shift, will be a resource, coupled with my doctor’s advice, for making a decision in the next 30 days. So, I salute you with a virtual cup of coffee and wish you a wonderful week filled with sunshine and beauty!! YOU ROCK!! – Cheryl
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“Laura helped me work through a challenging moment in my career and navigate toward the next step in my leadership journey. I am now moving into a new stage in my professional development stronger and clearer than I was before our work together. I so appreciated her thoughtful questions and perspectives over the past six months and will be drawing on those conversations for a long time to come.” – Rebecca J.
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“ALV coaches provided me great perspective and actionable inputs on my career goals. I really enjoyed my sessions and always came back with a ton of new perspective and empowering resources.” – Prachi G.
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“Before coach Laura came into my life, I felt very unfulfilled in my professional and personal life. Laura helped me find my self-confidence and purpose, and set me on a path that aligns more with my passions. I could not be more thankful for her help and support.
I was hesitant about coaching primarily due to the cost, but I fully believe it was well worth it. Laura made sure to always be available and prepared for the many directions in which our sessions went. She’s amazing and a reason why I’m now a full believer in the power of coaching.
Huge thanks to Laura and ALV for making my life better!” – Karla R-V.