Laura W. Miner, PhD is a board-certified leadership coach and consultant who helps midlife professionals develop their inner leader for outer impact. Through her signature program, she empowers clients to uncover their strengths, fine-tune their habits, and clear away the roadblocks standing between them and their goals. This program forms the foundation of her book, STRENGTHENED: Developing the Leader Within. With a science-based, research-backed approach, Laura guides clients toward meaningful results—personally and professionally—helping them lead with purpose and confidence.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
If my business had a mascot, it would definitely be a Torchbearer. The torchbearer symbolizes inspiration, guidance, and purposeful leadership — qualities that align perfectly with my mission. Like a guiding light, the torchbearer represents self-leadership as a way to illuminate the path forward, helping individuals recognize new opportunities and tackle challenges with confidence.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for me. It’s not just a goal but a fundamental part of how I operate. As a recovering workaholic, I had to be intentional about building this balance into my routine to prevent burnout. I created a framework called the UPRR equation: Unplug, Play, Rest, and Reset. It involves taking regular breaks to disconnect from daily demands, engaging in fun and creative activities, recharging with rest, and resetting with practices like journaling or meditation. This approach helps me stay aligned with my needs and thrive in both my personal and professional life.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
Unexpected detours invite me to reflect and refine my approach. When a setback or detour occurs, I ask myself, “What is there for me to learn?” This curiosity opens up a space for exploration, where I consider whether I need more information, a shift in perspective, or additional support. I then share these insights with my inner circle, which helps amplify my clarity and empowers me to move forward with both grit and grace. These detours remind me that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges — it’s about embracing them and finding a better path forward.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
Success for me is about more than numbers; it’s about creating lasting impact. My “Ripples of Impact” folder holds notes, testimonials, and kind words from individuals I’ve supported on their journeys. This collection reminds me that my purpose extends beyond revenue. True success — at least for me — is in the lives I touch and the ripple effect that continues long after our work together. Financial milestones are important, but they’re hollow without that deeper impact. Dollars alone don’t define success; it’s the difference I make in people’s lives that truly counts.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
While I’ve experienced many moments of growth, I’m currently facing a wave that’s pushing me to evolve my business in exciting ways. Thanks to referrals, repeat clients, and word of mouth, my one-on-one coaching practice has remained at full capacity. This is rewarding but also limits how many people I can support. It’s challenged me to think creatively about reaching a larger audience. By analyzing client testimonials, I realized that helping people get unstuck is central to my work. This insight has inspired me to design a scalable program that brings the science of self-leadership to more people, ensuring I continue to create impactful shifts for individuals.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship is critical for the success of small businesses, not just at the beginning but throughout every stage of growth. As businesses expand, they face new challenges that require different levels of support. Mentors who align with your journey can provide perspective, guidance, and confidence during times of transition. They’ve been invaluable to me, helping me navigate uncertainties and grow. This experience has motivated me to give back by mentoring others. It’s about the ripple effect — helping others achieve success and watch them pay it forward.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work is about developing the inner leader for outer impact. I empower midlife professionals to build self-awareness, confidence, and resilience so they can lead with purpose in every area of their lives. Whether overcoming imposter syndrome, burnout, or analysis paralysis, my approach is practical, research-backed, and focused on getting clients unstuck and moving forward with clarity. The impact is profound — clients experience shifts that ripple out, influencing their teams, families, and communities. My mission is to inspire people to lead with purpose, creating a positive difference that extends far beyond themselves.
