About
Hello, I'm Laura Hess
I help women like you navigate the emotional journey of unexpected retirement and discover a path forward filled with joy.
For over 30 years, I’ve walked alongside women during life’s major transitions, creating a safe space to acknowledge their feelings while gently exploring what comes next.
My own path taught me that life’s unexpected turns, though painful at first, often lead us to deeper joy. As a CPA turned coach and founding member of the International Coach Federation, I learned that true transformation begins with honoring where we are while staying open to where we might go.
My approach to coaching was forever changed when my own coach asked, “What are you doing that really fills your heart?” That question led me to create “From Pain to Possibility”—a step-by-step guide that helps women navigate the emotional journey after unexpected job loss and discover new joy and purpose. Then, a life-threatening battle with sepsis in 2018 deepened my commitment to helping women transform life’s unexpected transitions into meaningful new chapters.
I understand that unexpected retirement isn’t just about leaving a job—it’s about processing a profound loss of identity, community, and purpose. When you’ve spent decades building a career, the questions about what comes next can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer both emotional support and practical guidance, helping women:
Transform fear into cautious hope about what’s next
Create an encore chapter aligned with what truly matters
Create an encore chapter aligned with what truly matters
Move through uncertainty with grace and self-compassion
Build meaningful connections and community
Through both individual coaching and carefully curated group programs, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations. Women who once felt lost and overwhelmed have discovered new purpose, reignited old passions, and created fulfilling new chapters—each at their own pace, in their own way.
From Retirement to Joy: “Now I Smile All the Time”
Download this free guide to discovering hope and joy after unexpected job loss. Find out how women are moving from “What now?” to “What’s possible!” — even when retirement wasn’t their choice.
In this guide you will:
- Find out why 'What now?' is the perfect starting point for turning uncertainty into possibility
- Learn the reinvention secret I discovered in crisis that's encouraging women to move from 'Who am I now?' to 'I can't wait to begin’!
- Use the 'joy anchors' method to find unexpected purpose even after forced retirement
Your Next Chapter Begins With a Conversation
Let’s discuss what’s possible for your encore years.
Chrissy Carew,
MCC
Laura is a brilliant facilitator.
My PUSH the Envelope™ Mastermind was a wonderful experience for me. I reached my goals much quicker than I would on my own. I really connected with the other women in the group and made some wonderful new friends. It was great to have people to bounce things off of. I had insights left and right, one after the other. It’s an experience for women who really want to have a support team. The accountability was really great, and the belief in me made me believe more in myself. And being a solopreneur I have so much alone time. The community and camaraderie was amazing.
Lisa Grant,
Acupuncturist
I highly, highly recommend Laura.
“I’ve been working with Laura for 3 years now. As a business coach, Laura has deep insight into what you can do to help move yourself forward. She works exclusively with women in business and understands our needs, hang-ups, and how to get us moving. She is a joy to work with and emphasizes joy as part of how we balance work and life.”
Dr. Toni B. Greif
This still brings me joy today.
More than 25 years ago, I began working with Laura Hess. Under her guidance, I wrote then: “I will be inspired, motivated, and energized to make the world a better place no matter what role I am in at any time.” Pretty magical.