Meet Laurie Wetzel, a transformational and career leadership coach who’s using her decades of corporate experience to guide others toward clarity, purpose, and bold next steps. After 30 years in the corporate world, Laurie took a leap of faith and launched her own coaching venture, Next Level Leadership Group. Through her strategic, empathetic, and empowering approach, she’s helping professionals redefine success and create a career that truly aligns with their strengths. Featured by Humans of Fuzia—a platform dedicated to uplifting stories that inspire our global 5 million-strong community—Laurie’s journey is a testament to what happens when courage meets purpose. Her story embodies the spirit of He for She and She for She, showing us how women can rise by lifting each other.
Laurie, how would you describe yourself to our readers?
I’ve always been very independent—even as a child. I grew up in an entrepreneurial household, so taking bold moves felt normal to me. I’m a people person and a people leader. I’ve always loved connecting with others, solving problems, and aligning people’s unique strengths with where they want to go. Transitioning from corporate leadership roles to coaching gave me the chance to fully lean into those strengths.
Tell us about your venture, Next Level Leadership Group. What is it all about?
At Next Level Leadership Group, I help high-achieving professionals gain clarity on what’s next and give them the tools to make it happen. Many of my clients check all the boxes on paper but still feel stuck, overlooked, or like they’ve hit a plateau. My coaching blends strategy with deep clarity. Together, we find their professional edge—crafting strong narratives, building confidence, and creating practical action plans that move them forward without burnout.
Do you work with individuals only, or do you also coach groups and companies?
I offer a mix! My work includes one-on-one coaching, corporate workshops, and soon, group coaching programs. I’m excited to scale my offerings and support more people, especially through accessible formats.
You also have downloadable resources. Are those designed for people who aren’t ready for one-on-one coaching?
Exactly. I publish free career insights on LinkedIn every Tuesday and occasionally release free toolkits. For those not ready for private coaching, I offer paid downloadable kits that help them explore their strengths and professional brand in a self-paced way.
Who typically seeks your coaching services?
Most of my clients have been working for 5 to 20 years. They’re high performers with a strong track record, but they’re ready for something more—be it leadership opportunities, career reinvention, or simply a break from playing small.
How do clients usually find you? Is LinkedIn your primary platform?
Yes, LinkedIn is where I started and where I engage the most. With a 30-year network built through my career, it made sense to begin there. I also have a website and am starting to explore Instagram more actively to build a new audience.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?
Wearing all the hats! From social media to accounting to actual coaching—it’s a lot. I’m working longer hours than ever, but I feel incredibly aligned with the work I’m doing. Recently, I hired a fractional online business manager, another woman entrepreneur, to help me stay organized and start scaling. Figuring out when to ask for help and what kind of help I need has been a learning curve.
As you continue to grow, what are your short-term plans for this year?
By the end of the year, I’d love to hit six figures in revenue. A big focus is launching The Standout Advantage, my signature program, as a digital course. Not everyone can invest in one-on-one coaching, so this will allow me to reach more people and provide real value at scale.
“If you’re aligned with the work that energizes you, even the long hours can feel meaningful. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.”
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