We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Laughlin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kim, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up, I realized early on that I wanted a different path than the one my mother followed. While I love her dearly, I saw the limitations she faced. Raised in a strict household where women were expected to be subservient, she married my father as a way out, not realizing she was continuing down the same road. But I felt a spark inside—a drive for something more.
I didn’t just dream of a different life; I went after it. I went to college, then moved 3,000 miles away without overthinking it. I was excited by the unknown and eager to see where the journey would lead. Looking back, I now realize how many times I simply decided to “go for it”—whether it was launching my career in the corporate world or taking a leap in my personal life. When I met my now-husband, I didn’t wait around for him to ask me out—I took the initiative! Twenty-five years and two wonderful daughters later, I haven’t looked back.
For years, I thrived as a Director of HR, where I discovered my true calling. Too many people are unhappy in their jobs, and too often, it’s because of poor leadership. I kept asking myself, why should anyone settle for unhappiness in a place where they spend so much of their life? This question became my mission.
After a decade in HR, I took another leap—this time into entrepreneurship. I founded my own business, dedicated to helping leaders build cultures of trust and happiness so people could genuinely look forward to Monday mornings. I believe we all deserve to love what we do. You don’t have to accept the path you’re given; know your worth and go after it. I wish my mother had known that truth, but I’m living it now and helping others do the same.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Due to my background in HR, I see how small—and medium-sized companies struggle to create and maintain creative, productive teams and trust. People are complex, and people skills are critical in leadership.
Leaders who realize they are there “for” their team, not the other way around, have the most productive outcomes, talent retention, and, more importantly, low stress! I found the secret sauce, and my mission is to teach as many leaders as possible how to make Monday the new Friday. I speak at events, do one-on-one sessions, and do customized group corporate training, but what I am most excited about is my “Reach the Apex of Leadership” Mastermind/Course. It’s for new leaders or leaders who never received true leadership training and are struggling with colleagues or their team(s). Why always look forward to Friday, that vacation or retirement, to be happy? It doesn’t have to be that way!! We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so make today the day!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Listening skills and empathy would be on the top of my list. The second one is just because you have been in a role for however long, look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Are you happy?”. You do not have to settle.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I want to speak with organizations that struggle with employee relations issues and need someone to navigate the challenges. It’s stressful and frustrating and procrastination prolongs the problem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.culturalapexcoach.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culturalapexcoach/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/culturalapexcoach/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
