For nearly 20 years, I have served as a speaker, author, coach, and communications consultant with clients including IBM, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Fodors Travel, Liz Claiborne's domestic violence awareness program Women's Work, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. I'm also founder of Hudson Valley Women in Business in upstate New York, and the #HugTour Movement.

The real story

First things first:: I’m Lauree and I’m an introverted A student who has tried really hard to make others proud of me. That led me at 26 to the responsible corporate job and 401(k), the fiance my mom adored, etc. etc. I had done all the “right” things but something still felt missing and I didn't know what.

I took art classes. I learned reiki. I hired a coach. Soon I was backpacking through Europe on a six-week sabbatical, because once I built up the courage to ask, my bosses actually said yes. I returned with my eyes and heart more open than ever before.

A year later, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Three surgeries followed. I lost 30 pounds, my balance, my hearing in one ear, and the feeling in half of my face. In the midst of that, on my most painful day in the hospital ICU, I healed myself from the inside out. Suddenly I had first-hand proof of how much power we all have to change our lives, physically, mentally and emotionally for the better.

It propelled me forward. I quit my job, went to art school, started my business, traveled to 13 countries and counting, moved to a new city, relinquished all of my belongings and ended my marriage. With each choice I believed that more was possible than I could ever imagine, and each time it came true.

My memoir, I’m scared & doing it anyway (2013), shares the hospital epiphany that led me to create a life and career I love. It's time for you to create them, too. My second book, Simply Leap: Seven Lessons on Facing Fear and Enjoying the Crap out of Your Life (2016), helps you forge your own path of reinvention, cupcakes and dance parties included.

What you want is possible. Get started with a free consultation.