Laurie Hirsch Schulz on Navigating Change with Purpose

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Laurie Hirsch Schulz, a transformational coach, nonprofit leader, and founder of LHS Coaching. Laurie’s career journey—from over two decades in corporate marketing at Kraft Foods and Visa to becoming a trusted coach and community leader—offers a powerful reminder that change is not something to resist but to embrace. Laurie brings to her clients a unique blend of corporate savvy, coaching expertise, and a deep passion for helping people find clarity when they reach what she calls inflection points. These are moments when life nudges—or pushes—you to recognize that what once worked no longer does. Whether it’s career dissatisfaction, a health scare, a layoff, or simply the realization that you’re ready for something new, inflection points are opportunities to redefine what comes next. From Corporate Success to Coaching Purpose Laurie enjoyed a successful career at Kraft Foods and Visa, thriving in marketing and strategy roles. But after more than 20 years, she hit her own inflection point: the work no longer aligned with her values. Rather than pushing through, she took a bold step. She negotiated an exit plan, gave herself what she called a “reboot year,” and invested in coaching and reflection. That pause was pivotal. Laurie discovered that what she loved most wasn’t just the marketing itself, but the mentoring, coaching, and team-building along the way. Out of that realization grew her coaching practice, where she now helps others navigate the complexity of transition. The Power of a Personal Compass Laurie’s process begins with what she calls a personal compass. This is more than a vision statement—it’s a grounding framework built around four key elements: Core Values – The non-negotiables that must guide decisions and actions. Mission – How you want to impact the world and show up in it. Energies – The activities, relationships, and pursuits that light you up. Capabilities – The skills and strengths that differentiate you, not just what you can do, but what you want to do. This compass serves as a touchstone, allowing clients to navigate life and career changes with greater clarity and confidence. It becomes especially powerful during times of uncertainty, when the “shoulds” of culture or family expectations may cloud what truly matters. Experimentation and the Permission to Change Clarity, however, is not enough. Laurie stresses the importance of experimentation—testing possibilities in small, manageable ways. That might mean scheduling coffee conversations with people in new fields, volunteering in a nonprofit role, or taking on stretch projects at work. These experiments open doors to new opportunities and perspectives while reducing the fear of change. And this is where Laurie offers something many of us forget: permission to change. So often, we keep doing what we’ve always done—even when it makes us unhappy—because it feels safe or because others have boxed us in. Laurie helps clients give themselves the grace and courage to step through new doors, even if what’s on the other side looks different than expected. Coaching as a Gift to Yourself Laurie distinguishes coaching from therapy or consulting. Therapy often looks backward; consulting provides external solutions. Coaching, in contrast, is about partnering with clients to ask the right questions, surface insights, and guide them forward. It is future-focused, client-led, and deeply transformative. As Laurie puts it, coaching is a gift—a purposeful pause that helps you reconnect with who you are, gain confidence in your strengths, and create a future aligned with your values. Watch our video podcast on YouTube. Key Takeaways Listen to the inner voice. When something no longer feels right, don’t ignore it. Inflection points are signs it’s time for change. Define your personal compass. Ground yourself in your values, mission, energy sources, and unique capabilities. Challenge the “shoulds.” Cultural and personal expectations can limit growth; real transformation begins by questioning them. Experiment your way forward. Try new roles, conversations, or volunteer work to clarify what resonates before making big leaps. Give yourself permission. You don’t need to stay stuck in a box. Change is not failure—it’s an act of self-leadership. Coaching is an investment. Partnering with a coach can help you pause, reflect, and move forward with confidence and clarity. Laurie’s story is a reminder that change, while uncomfortable, is often the catalyst for growth and transformation. We may not always know what’s on the other side of the door, but with clarity, experimentation, and courage, we can step through and discover new ways of living and working that truly align with who we are. To learn more about Laurie Hirsch Schulz and her coaching practice, or to connect with her for a ...