Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Foster.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I spent the vast majority of my career in fashion as a designer. It may seem like a huge pivot to leave that industry and move into the speaking and coaching world, but to me, it was a natural progression.
As a designer, I was given the opportunity to speak and lead hundreds of workshops. I no longer speak about my inspiration for designing a product, nor do I tell the stories of the craftspeople in Madagascar who made our straw handbags, but I learned so much from the many years I spent leading from the front of the room.
Today, my primary keynote is called Fall {Back} in Love with Your Work because I know firsthand how disorienting disliking work can be. My dream job from the time I was a little girl was to be a fashion designer. In 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and realized that I was really unhappy and uncomfortable in a job I was supposed to love. I shifted my relationship with work after that and now help others do the same.
According to the latest Gallup poll, 67% of Americans are disengaged with work- which means that the majority of our workforce does not like what they do all day every day. This affects their performance, and it affects how they deal with the people closest to them in their personal lives. I can’t think of a more important and timely topic.
In addition to speaking, I act as a fractional Director of Learning and Development for companies that aren’t yet at the stage to hire a full-time team member to inspire and motivate their teams. I also coach executives and founders.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I left my day job to become an entrepreneur, I had no idea how much would be required of me. I actually became one of the hardest bosses I’ve ever had! I hear this a lot from founders—when we switch to working for ourselves, we often don’t know when to leave work at the dining room table and get out and live life!
Getting coaching for myself was a game-changer for my business early on. I know I wouldn’t be as successful today if I hadn’t sought out support.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Laura Foster Coaching and Consulting?
I speak and lead trainings for organizations, conferences, professional associations, and women’s networks.
I specialize in supporting individuals and teams in shifting their relationships with work- no matter where they start, they can all learn to appreciate, and love work without quitting their jobs or changing companies, or moving to Portugal to open a bookstore.
In my signature keynote, Fall {Back} in Love with Your Work, I show participants how to re-envision their work as an opportunity for professional and personal growth so that they possess more energy, improve professional relationships, make more impact, and position themselves for additional career advancement.
I’ve been speaking and facilitating trainings for over twenty years, and it’s my favorite thing to do.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
If you notice a culture issue with your staff or teams and could use an injection of positivity and hope- reach out to me to see if I can help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
laurafostercoaching.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ laurafostercoaching/ - Linkedin: https://www.
linkedin.com/in/laura-foster/
Image Credits
Bree McCool
Jaimie Lee Colyer
