Hello!
I'm glad you stopped by. I look forward to learning more about you. In case we haven't met, here's a little about me:
I'm an award-winning, mission-driven systems thinker & operator of scalable ventures. You can learn more about my work in innovation, for women & get in contact by clicking here.
Call on me if you're interested in direct, insightful, humorous, actionable thought-leadership and exceptional execution.
My areas of expertise include diverse topics such as: growing women's leadership in the political or tech ecosystems, product inclusion/innovating for under-represented use cases, creating authentic communications and go-to-market strategies for America's alpha consumers (women!), market segmentation, and the power to create bold pivots whether they are professional and personal (from navigating the chasm from politics to tech, to sailing to Panama...).
In addition to my professional experience, I have sought out opportunities to experience life in 27 countries on five continents, as well as on the high seas (sailing 4,000 miles of the Western Caribbean from 2011-2013). As much as I can, I enjoy life outdoors with my husband, two young children, and our whimsical dogs Scrambles and Judy Bacon.
Testimonials
"It's amazing how much valuable, ACTIONABLE advice Laurie can distill into one hour. Based on her experience and her overall understanding of the market, she helped me better get into the minds of my prospects to ensure that I was speaking their language and delivering the appropriate value prop. Not only was the guidance that Laurie gave good for my bottom line, but she also reminded me that it was 100% OK to be my authentic self. And that is why Laurie is special, she clearly, honestly tells you where she sees potential pitfalls and points you down a path that feels true to your business and yourself. "
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Ashley Connell
CEO & Founder, Prowess Project
Operating Experience
A nearly 20-year veteran of politics and public affairs, I've served two government appointments for my work with women and families. In 2017, I pivoted to create a parenting tech app for new generation of alpha consumers: millennial moms. I’m honored to have received recognition for my work in innovation from accelerators in Silicon Valley, the Chicago Tribune, Entrepreneur, SXSW and others.
My cross-functional experience includes serving as a front-line leader, operator, funder and advisor for high-growth, mission-driven campaigns and ventures. In both the public and private sectors, I love building towards product<>market fit with an approach that is data-driven, agile, and with a healthy dose of humility!
My private sector work includes launching my own tech startup, and advising early and growth-stage CEOs on customer journeys, product, and strategic operating plans. I’m a founding and active member of the female founder ecosystem in Texas, and remotely mentor numerous under-estimated founders worldwide.
In the public sector, I’ve successfully executed numerous high-stakes issue campaigns and elected 35+ women (and some great men!) as a political operative for Annie’s List, Gloria Steinem, MoveOn.org, NARAL, Planned Parenthood, and others.
In order to successfully propel both public- and private-sector initiatives, I exercise executive level management skills with a strong bias towards action. My specialties include strategy and structures for fulfillment (team/growth operations), category-building and crisis communications, consumer-facing go-to-market campaigns, and program and product design focused on the voice of the customer.
I've served as a founder, consultant, an extension of an established team, or full-time operator on the following summary of ventures.
For-Profit, Start-up & Agency
JuiceBox Hero (founder)
Alamo Drafthouse’s “Fantastic Fest”
Birds Barbershop
Conscious Venture Lab/Conscious Venture Partners
Generation TX (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board), in partnership with Mercury Mambo & Milkshake Media
The HighBall
Influence Opinions
Organicare (#femtech)
Techstars: Equitech EIR (Baltimore, MD); Haven Connect (TechStars 2018); Tot Squad (TechStars 2020)
Waking Giants
Village Capital
Numerous Advisory Roles
Non-Profit & Public Sector
Female Founders TX (founder)
The Center for Women in Law (ftg. Valerie Jarrett)
NARAL Pro-Choice Texas
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Texas Watch
Via Hope
Campaigns & PACs
Annie's List (29 wins)
Cliff Brown for District Judge (win)
The Democratic National Committee
Jennifer Kim for Austin City Council (win -- 1st minority woman elected to Austin City Council)
MoveOn.org
Perla Cavazos for Austin City Council
Travis County Democratic Party
Voters for Choice
Numerous advisory roles
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Product Leadership & Design
My emergence as a leader in consumer product design and go-to-market strategies is directly attributable to my success championing consumers in high-stakes political work.
The through-line of winning elections and product<>market fit is a foundation of understanding about people (which people?!) and what they are dealing with so when we craft spot-on campaigns that address those concerns they are compelled to act.
Human-Centered Design
Solving for Moments that Matter
Waking Giants moves people from overwhelm to action on today's most important issues. Designing this mission-driven subscription box required an innovative approach. We found inspiration through the Inzovu Curve.
CX: Discovery by Curation
Give the people (exactly) what they want!
Turns out, people don't want LOTS of choices. They want The Choice for them -- or maaaybe up to 3 choices if they are comparison shoppers. When designing for JuiceBox Hero, see how we met expectant moms with a thoughtful wayfinding quiz that considers functional, emotional and social concerns when they set out to make one of their most important consumer choices (childcare!).
Speaking
"We can't really say that, can we?!" Sure we can!
I believe communication can solve everything, that magic arises from distinguishing what's missing, and that sunlight is the best disinfectant. So, yes, let's talk about It!
I'm well known as a compelling, strategic, empathetic and entertaining speaker, thought-leader and mentor/advisor. If you're interested in partnering on a special event or booking an advisory or discovery call, please get in touch to discuss topics, availability and rates.
@ SXSW
Global Women in Digital
@ Indeed
Upwards Women
@ The Riveter
Founder's Insitute
Broadcast
Entrepreneur, Fox, NBC, PBS' Now, KUT & more
Calls To Action
Rallies, Trainings, Inspiration & more
Pitching & Presentations
Coaching & Delivery: Elevator or Executive
Recognitions & Appointments
Recognitions
Nominee - Austin A-List presented by the Austin Chamber, SXSW
Finalist - 2X Woman of the Year, The Hustle
Finalist - Ada Lovelace Awards honoring women across the Gulf South who have made an impact in their local tech community.
Champion - Capital Area Democratic Women
Government Appointments
Texas Department of Health's Family Planning Advisory Council
City of Austin's Commission for Women