Successful career transitions
At the time I started working with Laura, I was convinced that I’d never be able to get a new job, that nobody would want to hire me. Laura helped me see that this wasn’t true, working with me to identify specific skills and see that I did have something of value to offer. With this boost in confidence, and her coaching, I wrote the cover letter that got me the phone interview that got me an in-person interview! The work she had me do to prepare for those interviews (as well as her sage advice regarding to how to approach the interviews) kept me cool, calm, and collected, even though it had been over 30 years since I’d interviewed for a job! I’m so grateful that Laura gave me the courage to put myself “out there”! —Jane, UX Designer
When I walked into Laura’s office, the biggest dream I could dream was getting a new job, any new job, and then pretending that the last few years of my current job hadn’t happened. With Laura’s help, I rediscovered that I had value to offer, and I had the confidence to find a job where I could do amazing things. Laura’s power is in her honesty. With love, she will call you on all the stuff you don’t want to look at and she will not let you slide. —Emily, Teacher
Laura reminds you of your inherent and possibly untapped strength, she gets you to pinpoint the “must haves” in your life and create your plan forward based on that knowledge. When you come up empty handed with the questions of what you should be doing, she is asking the right questions to help you discover it. She gets you there—she propels you forward. I no longer feel hindered by inertia—I know the steps I can take to center myself and focus on the path forward and forward we go!! —Carmen, Sales Manager
Talking to Laura was pivotal. It helped me approach the job search from a different perspective when she suggested I look at it like research rather than seeking interviews. Secondly, her simple suggestion that my explanation of my career path up to now revealed some strong points. That got me thinking about what those strong points were… I became aware that I seek both to mentor and be mentored and that working with strong, intelligent, forward thinkers is what propels me to grow (this also came up in the mock interviews—the idea that at the heart of my career identity, I am a teacher). I ended up with two job opportunities to consider and chose the one that felt the most challenging and inspiring. —Lindsay, Educator
Laura helped me to identify a new career path that I am excited about pursuing and helped me to realize that all of my work experiences up to date have been helpful in preparing me for this change. She helped me get focused and organized with my job search and gave great insight into the world of interviewing. Her tips helped to calm my nerves and gave me a way to prepare that was purposeful and effective. John, Housing Advocate
Her brilliance at helping me inventory my skills and thus gain confidence about my abilities was the key. I was transitioning to a new career, and I’m so glad she encouraged me to get involved with volunteer work in order to update my skill set in my intended career. I know that my volunteer experiences are what got me in the door—both the actual work I did and the connections I made. —Jackie, Youth Program Director
I sought out a career coach because I consistently would get myself into job situations where I was unhappy, and I needed help to break this cycle. Laura was able to help me see each situation in a different light and gave me strength to take bold new steps forward to tackle each challenges. She also encouraged me to explore a different career direction that is a better fit for what I’m looking for. Laura is a very personable, empathetic, and talented coach who has helped me get through an extremely challenging work situation and a rough career transition period. —Susan, Counselor
Laura provides the right mix of encouragement and perspective rooted in empathy and a discerning ear. She is incredibly responsive and cares deeply about one’s journey to find meaningful work and live life fully. After an exercise in finding clarity and some concrete goal-setting, I have been propelled through a self-directed career change. Without Laura’s help this could have easily taken a year or more to do alone. With her support, I projected, then embodied the charisma to “try on” other hats, find what best worked for me, then network, research, pursue and land my current position. —Malyn, Technical Recruiter
Laura reminds us to seek jobs from our heart—jobs that cultivate our unique skills and need for growth. She places equal focus on the concrete work of creating relevant cover letters, resumes, and confident interviews. I am learning “what is the next step for me?” and the group’s feedback gives gems of insight. —Erika, Nonprofit Fundraiser
Laura has been an invaluable resource for keeping me focused on realistic, actionable next steps as I plot out a new career that will enable me to lead a sustainable creative life. Her conversational tone provides support, perspective, and balance without drawing attention to herself as a coach. I am inspired by her calls to action, touched by her genuine warmth and compassion, and motivated by her resolve to hold me accountable. —Daniel, Artist
Laura helped me navigate a career transition, a job search, and negotiate with my new employer to get what I really want. Laura has many different skills and she can support your career development in any number of ways: resume/cover letter revisions, preparations for hard conversations, help in refining your goals, and job searching guidance. As a coach, she responds to what you need rather than giving you a one-size-fits-all philosophy or program. Megan, Nonprofit Program Director
Laura knows how to listen carefully, without immediately jumping in to offer advice or troubleshoot your situation. She asks good open-ended questions, and gives you tools to think about and identify career opportunities that align with your personal values and purpose. Laura is like your best friend, but you don’t have to be embarrassed about revealing your weaknesses. She’ll show you how to leverage them to your advantage! Laura helped me successfully change industries and find the job I wanted. Mae, Communications Professional
Business Development
Laura delivers! Her business knowledge, practical tools and techniques brought me to the next level in my coaching business. Laura is an extraordinary coach. —Ronnie Joy, Mid-Life Dating Coach
Laura is a fabulous coach. I had been inquiring about a target market that would fit best for my business for years and in our first session together, she asked some pointed questions and then just nailed it! I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t thought of that myself. Laura has just the right amount of straight-forwardness and just the right amount of soft compassion to have me feel supported and pushed. I’m telling everyone I know about her! —Matt, Chiropractor
Laura is a teacher and a mentor. She helped me learn how to evaluate decisions in a way that supported those things that I value in life, and she also taught me how to methodically make steps that brought me closer to those goals. It was her aptitude of cutting to the heart of the issue and creating concrete action frameworks that impressed me most in working with her. —Sergio, Social Entrepreneur
To say Laura is an excellent listener and provides sound advice doesn’t fully do her justice with regards to her abilities as a life coach. What I truly cherished about working with her was how she kept me accountable, on-track, and focused on achieving my goals. Thanks to Laura, I have exceeded my business goals. —Arthur, Landscape Designer
Laura Paradise is a good listener. She hears not only the words one speaks but also what’s behind those words, as well as what’s not being said. Laura has a great intuition into what’s going on with the person she’s coaching. In my case, she identified quickly some specific things that I could work on to do a better job of building and promoting my business. I found her very easy to talk with and to work with, and I would definitely recommend her to others. —Terry, Videographer
With the support of Laura and the other women in our group, I have been able to strengthen my marketing voice and learn about marketing strategies that I can implement now and down the road as my business develops. I really appreciate the constructive feedback from everyone. Especially for women who are solopreneurs like me, without formal business partners, this input is invaluable. —Carol, Solopreneur
Strengthening Interview Skills
Through the Interview Club, I found a supportive and safe place where I can practice interview questions and receive constructive feedback and useful tips for how to approach not just the “stumper” interview questions but also the typical questions that are asked at every interview. I believe that there is an art to interviewing well, and now I feel that I have many tools in my arsenal that I can continue to hone for future interviews. —Anna, Attorney
I just finished working with Laura on some interview prep. It was amazing. Both practical (defining who I am; “remember it’s an offer, not a pitch”), supportive (“your resume states a lot about what you’ve done, re-read it before the interview”), insightful and reaffirming (“great resume,” “you’ve done so much,” “you are very organized and professional,” etc.). I could share my very scary fears about not being “up to the job” and she had responses for me—and for the interviewers! —Isis, Business Analyst
Personal Growth
Laura has a deep capacity for listening and understanding. She hears what you say and listens for what you’re not saying. By working with her, I have become clearer about the work I want to do and the value that I bring. —Sarah, Office Manager
A coaching session with Laura is like peeling back the skin of a mango. And that mango is you, wow! You don’t get there right away. First you are in a non-judgmental, accepting environment that Laura creates so naturally. Soon the bruises and discoloration on the mango are meaningless as you discover what is inside. As painful and uncomfortable as it may be, it is the closest thing to your truth and it is delicious. Then you can create and walk the path that is only yours and no one else’s. —Mallorie, Teacher
Laura is a brilliant career coach! Laura’s expert guidance saved my career during a terrifying time when I thought for sure I’d be fired. Thanks to Laura’s expert coaching, I was actually promoted! —Linton, Public Relations Specialist
Laura is warm and compassionate, and at the same time thoughtful and challenging. She works with people struggling with decisions about work, moves, and other challenging life events, and especially with women in midlife. I find that after talking with her, I change my perspective and end up with new ideas. —Pat, Therapist
Laura is a dynamic coach. She is warm, sincere, and empowering. Her gentle nature makes me feel comfortable talking with her about anything. I feel supported during a time in my life that is very challenging. I highly recommend her to anyone struggling with big life decisions or transitions. —Pam, Naturopathic Doctor
Laura was born to listen—and to distill the essence of what’s important. Her gift is her warmth. When someone describes a “people person,” that’s Laura. She loves to get to know people, she’s easy to talk to, she’s a great listener, and she asks fabulous questions. Don’t let her soft exterior fool you. Her warmth is what makes her easy to work with, but she knows how to help you stay accountable and how to help you keep from sabotaging yourself! —Nelson, Nonprofit Manager
…with support, I got over some networking fear and volunteered for a local nonprofit fundraiser. And guess what? I made four really sweet connections. And it was easy because I just got to be my authentic self! —Christina, Event Producer
Group Coaching Support
The “Find your Right Work Group” helped us search for our next role, whether that is a new occupation, a promotion, or the next opportunity in their present occupation… the tone Laura sets of good instruction, gentle coaching and feedback. It is a non-threatening way of facing the challenge of job/career/next opportunity search. —Lila, Nonprofit Executive Director
I needed to be more proactive and I am taking on a new attitude of refusing anything but the best. A new path for me. A huge thank you for all your attention as I groped through the “No Excuses” group. It has been transformational… what a beautiful surprise for me. —Kathy, Artist
Laura’s coaching is powerful. I attended her “Find Your Right Work” group and now I do my “right work” daily and enjoy it thoroughly. Laura is both personable and practical—a rare find, and her groups are highly effective. Laura’s approach is supportive and playful. She helped me create a career trajectory that satisfied both my left and right brain. Laura uses art, movement and other unconventional tools to unlock your joy and expertise. She also helps navigate the gritty side of the job-search: writing resumes and cover letters, improving your networking and interviewing skills. —Meredith, Graphic Designer
Laura is a talented coach who facilitates groups well, and gets members to participate and receive individual attention and feedback. I leave each session with well thought out homework which helps me keep the best practices and other information shared fresh and then applied to my unique business. Laura helps me come up with action plans and the regular meetings allow me to have built in accountability partners and people who encourage me to stick with it. —Ayante, Massage Therapist