Meet
Dr. Laura
ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST | KEYNOTE SPEAKER| THOUGHT LEADER | PODCAST HOST | AUTHOR
Allow me to introduce myself: I'm a work and career psychologist and thought leader on eradicating toxic leadership so people and cultures can thrive. I’ve always been fascinated by how work intersects with life and I love to use my expertise to improve organizations and help people navigate their work lives.
I’m honored to have been selected as a Woman of Distinction in Canada in 2014 and received a Canadian Woman of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018.
Who is Dr. Laura?
A Thought Leader
While completing my Doctorate in 2002, I focused on remote leadership and predicted the world of work would change to become more flexible and mobile. I continue to write and innovate on the topic as a future of work pioneer.
In 2013 I co-created assessments and training for organizations to thrive when working remotely, and co-founded a start-up called Work EvOHlution™, that developed leaders, teams, and cultures to succeed in hybrid or remote workplaces. We developed the Distributed Work Profiler which was featured in Scientific American magazine as the world’s first personality profile of a remote worker. The company was selected as one of Alberta’s most innovative start-ups by Alberta Venture magazine and presented several times at the innovation megaconference, South by Southwest, in Austin, Texas.
In my role as an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department, at the University of Calgary, I love collaborating with undergraduate and graduate students on research projects currently focused on the behaviors and impacts of toxic leaders.
Work EvOHlutionTM
A Keynote Speaker
I speak to audiences globally on creating thriving workplace cultures, eradicating toxic leadership, hybrid and remote leadership, and preventing burnout. More about my speaking sessions.
Host of Where Work Meets Life™ Podcast
I launched my podcast is 2020 after being fascinated by how work intersects with life and my long-held belief that successful workplaces require thriving humans. Along with my expert guests, we explore and share insights on thriving workplaces, thriving humans, career fulfillment, and advocating for a better world with listeners in the US, Canada and from around the globe. Explore podcast episodes.
An Author
I have contributed to books and many articles in my field of organizational psychology, with my latest book I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss releasing January 13, 2025. I also co-authored Growing the Virtual Workplace in 2008.
In addition, using another part of my brain, I have written two psychological thrillers, Losing Cadence and Finding Sophie. These books are currently being adapted for a television series! I aim to both entertain and raise awareness on important topics around mental health and domestic violence. Through this focus, I have become an Advocate to end violence against girls and women, and regularly contribute to initiatives that educate, fundraise, and bring awareness to these horrific issues.
A Serial Entrepreneur
My passion for taking creative ideas and launching them into successful business strategies led me to start two counselling psychology practices (Canada Career Counselling and Synthesis Psychology), as well as several former business brands offering organizational assessment and consulting services. I’ve not been afraid to try something new or do things differently!
Community & Family Focused
Philanthropy and charitable work are very important to me, and so I serve on non-profit committees and boards focused on areas that I’m passionate about. Ending violence against girls and women through the WITH HER movement I co-founded is an important focus. Also, I dedicate time to the Board of the Youth Singers of Calgary, a 40-year performing arts organization that focuses on growing confidence and leadership skills in children and youth in the performing arts.
Do I have a great work-life balance? No – but I don’t even like that term! I do, however, strive for work-life wellness by ensuring I am inspired and healthy in both spheres. This takes constant work and a team of supporters to help make my vision a reality.
I have a busy and fun household overlooking the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, which includes my husband Scott, two sons (Nick & Matt), a daughter (Cadence), and two white, fluffy dogs. I enjoy travel, squash, hiking, yoga, playing and singing music, and downhill skiing.
Laura and her children Circa: 2016
