A business leader and advisor, Laura has over 30 years helping organisations to embrace change, build and enhance culture and expand potential through a unique approach that fuses strategic planning, innovation and intelligent communications. This led to the guiding principles behind the purpose-led approach to building culture and sustainability in organisations. The results are sustainable brands that deliver their core purpose, recognise their role and impact in the world and nurture loyalty.

As an entrepreneur, Laura is the founder and driving force behind consulting and advisory companies, Appetite and Blackbird Consultants, who continue to advise on purpose-driven brands, ethical leadership, ESG, communications and culture across diverse sectors and geographies.

Her experience is in business leadership and consulting, helping boards lead and organisations work through significant strategic issues, from clarification of objectives through implementation and engagement.

As a strategic leader, Laura’s expertise in board governance and strategic transition has allowed her to lead organisations through substantial change, establishing new structures, strategic and business models, as well as engaging with new and enlarged stakeholder bases. 

Laura has filled many non-executive positions. She is currently Chair Emeritus of UN Women UK, a member of the Impact Board at Haymarket Media Group and a Trustee Director of Sophie Hayes Foundation. Previous Board positions include Director and Chair of Governance at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Canada, Director of Future London Enterprises, Director of STEM Learning Labs, Chair of the Design Business Association, Chair of Alberta Ballet and Trustee of ArtsCommons

An American, Laura was educated at McGill University in Canada, and the Courtauld Institute, University of London, UK.  Although she has made the UK her permanent home, Laura has lived for periods in the U.S., Canada, France and Tunisia and is currently residing in London.