As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been a spiritual seeker and an idealist. Even before I started college, I vowed that I would always be true to myself and that I would use my talents and abilities to make a difference in the world.

That vow was with me when I ran off to live in a commune. It was with me when I joined an ashram and gave away all my worldly possessions. It was even with me when I finally finished my formal education and settled into my career as a law professor. Even after decades of teaching and practicing law, I never gave up seeking, and I never forgot my personal declaration to make a difference in the world.

Well, hardly ever. Until about seven years ago, that is, when a crisis of the soul turned into the wake-up call of a lifetime.

It started when I accepted a promotion that I knew in my heart was not right for me. Everyone said, “It’s perfect for you, Laurie — do it!”

My heart was drowned out by other voices. Voices of people I loved and respected. Voices of people who were important to me. So I did it. I did it for them. I did it because I believed them. Because they said it was perfect for me. Because they said they needed me.

I did it for the wrong reasons, and I paid the price. I stayed stuck in that job for four years. Worse yet, I stayed stuck in that mindset of pleasing other people, ignoring the voice of my heart.

But gradually the voice of my heart became louder and more insistent. Finally it wound up screaming at me: “Laurie, what are you doing? What happened to your valued? What happened to your vow to use your talents to make a difference in the world?”

Only when the crisis reached serious proportions did I realize how far off my true path I’d allowed myself to go. Only when my health began to decline and my inner voice had become unbearable did I begin to take action to correct course.

Long story short, I finally listened to my heart, gave up the promotion and went back to teaching.  I founded the Gender Justice Project to carry out my life-long commitment to fighting for women’s rights. And I spent time learning and preparing for an entirely new career. 

With the help of some terrific coaches, I was able to reinvent myself – aligning my career with my new vision of the contribution I wanted to make in the world. That was the beginning of my career as a global coach and retreat leader. 

Together with my friend and life partner Denise D’Amour, who shares my quest for making a difference while having fun, I’m building this beautiful new business. Today, I share my passion for travel and transformation through life coaching and leading retreats to some of the most beautiful spiritual sites around the world.

All my life, I’ve loved learning, growing, and changing. Now I love inspiring others to grow and change – and especially inspiring them to follow their hearts!

Over the years, most of my students and clients have had one thing in common — a dream of creating something much bigger than themselves, something that would have a positive impact on their lives, their families, and their communities. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of them. And if so, I’m inviting you to join me for the exploration of a lifetime!

Bottom line: I’ve been and done a lot of things in my life. Today, in addition to practicing law, I’m practicing life. I’m a certified Passion Test and Passion Project facilitator, a certified Oracle Card reader, among other things. But most of what I am — and most of what I have to share — comes not from any credentials or degrees but from hard-won wisdom and experience over the course of an amazing and adventurous life. I’m guessing it’s a little like that with you, too.

So if my story resonates with you, why not join me on this fabulous, ongoing journey of a lifetime?