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Hi, I’m Laurel, your Chief Navigation Officerβ„’

Hi, I’m Laurel, your Chief Navigation Officerβ„’

12 Minute Turnaround

With over 30 years of domestic and global leadership experience across industries and functions, Laurel Rutledge knows what it takes for companies to survive and to thrive in today’s marketplace.

Having reached the top tier in her career as Vice President of Global Human Resources Strategy & Analytics with an 18 billion dollar company, Laurel knows what it takes to build and maintain a successful team.Β 

Laurel’s expertise in Human Resources, Enterprise Risk Management, Organizational Leadership, Consulting, and Operational Audit, showcase her ability to simplify complex situations, moderate difficult conversations, and provide effective guidance to help organizations reach desired outcomes.

To learn more about Laurel’s professional background, please refer to her LinkedIn profile.

With over 30 years of domestic and global leadership experience across industries and functions, Laurel Rutledge knows what it takes for companies to survive and to thrive in today’s marketplace.

Having reached the top tier in her career as Vice President of Global Human Resources Strategy & Analytics with an 18 billion dollar company, Laurel knows what it takes to build and maintain a successful team.

Laurel’s expertise in Human Resources, Enterprise Risk Management, Organizational Leadership, Consulting, and Operational Audit, showcase her ability to simplify complex situations, moderate difficult conversations, and provide effective guidance to help organizations reach desired outcomes.

To learn more about Laurel’s professional background, please refer to her LinkedIn profile.

My Story

I grew up in Odessa, Texas on the South Side, literally across the tracks. We had a 3 bedroom house with one bathroom and a swamp cooler air conditioner that you had to β€œwater” to get the house cool. And, I had/have the most amazing parents and the coolest little brother EVER (although I wasn’t so sure about that when we were little). We didn’t have everything we wanted but we got absolutely everything that we needed. Including, parents who pushed us to be people of our word, who thought critically about the world around us and were willing to stand up and speak out in the face of injustice and wrongdoing. That foundation ensured I was able to….

Fight the battles.
Manage the conflict.
Lift folks up.
Call folks out.
Make things right where I could.
Speak truth to power (consequences be damned).

I gave it ALL β€œat the office,” and I lost my ever-lovin’ mind trying to ensure our actions and words aligned. It was exhausting trying to get folks to β€œget it” who were simply more comfortable with the way things had always been (despite saying they wanted different).

I finally had enough! So, I got out.

I grew up in Odessa, Texas on the South Side. Literally across the tracks. We had a 3 bedroom house with one bathroom and a swamp cooler air conditioner that you had to β€œwater” to get the house cool.Β  And, I had/have the most amazing parents and the coolest little brother EVER (although I wasn’t so sure about that when we were little) We didn’t have everything we wanted but we got absolutely everything that we needed. Including, parents who pushed us to be people of our word, who thought critically about the world around us and were willing to stand up and speak out in the face of injustice and wrongdoing. That foundation ensured I was able to…

Fight the battles.
Manage the conflict.
Lift folks up.
Call folks out.
Make things right where I could.
Speak truth to power (consequences be damned).

I gave it ALL β€œat the office,” and I lost my ever-lovin’ mind trying to ensure our actions and words aligned. It was exhausting trying to get folks to β€œget it” who were simply more comfortable with the way things had always been (despite saying they wanted different).

I finally had enough! So, I got out.

My Story

My Mission

I got out so YOU could benefit from what I learned. I got out to serve bigger.

I got out so I could help women like you who need my expertise to create impact in the world through your own business venture.

So, yeah. I know some stuff. And I’ve done some stuff, too.

What’s important here is: So have you!Β 

I’m here to use everything I’ve learned and accomplished, to help YOU use everything YOU’VE learned and accomplished, to grow your business and create the life that you dream of.Β 

As you grow your own business, I’ll have your back to help you navigate successfully with a strategy that will help you serve even bigger.

My Mission

I got out so YOU could benefit from what I learned. I got out to serve bigger.

I got out so I could help women like you who need my expertise to create impact in the world through your own business venture.

So, yeah. I know some stuff. And I’ve done some stuff, too.

What’s important here is: So have you!Β 

I’m here to use everything I’ve learned and accomplished, to help YOU use everything YOU’VE learned and accomplished, to grow your business and create the life that you dream of.Β 

As you grow your own business, I’ll have your back to help you navigate successfully with a strategy that will help you serve even bigger.

My Impact

For me, it’s twofold.

First, it’s amplifying the impact women have on the world by helping them build, navigate and execute business strategies that make millions.

And second, it’s helping kids in my home state of Texas get a quality public educationβ€”with plans to widen the impact as my foundation grows. I do that by earning money in my business that then funds those social justice efforts.

My Impact

For me, it’s twofold.

First, it’s amplifying the impact women have on the world by helping them build, navigate and execute business strategies that make millions.

And second, it’s helping kids in my home state of Texas get a quality public educationβ€”with plans to widen the impact as my foundation grows. I do that by earning money in my business that then funds those social justice efforts.

You can't Serve from An Empty Cup

When I’m not advising and consulting for women-led organizations, doing my podcast or radio show, you can find me salsa dancing, investing in myself by working in my garden: connecting with the amazing women in my village, trying to decide what I want to learn next, or just enjoying a good book or podcast.

You Can't Serve From An Empty Cup

When I’m not advising and consulting for women-led organizations, doing my podcast or radio show, you can find me salsa dancing, investing in myself by working in my garden: connecting with the amazing women in my village, trying to decide what I want to learn next, or just enjoying a good book or podcast.

Get out of your rut or talk yourself back off the ledge. Surviving corporate America is not easy, but it is doable with the right tools and insights. 

Listen on:
Apple Podcast ➝
Spotify ➝
Google Podcast ➝
Take Me To The Podcast Page

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Get out of your rut or talk yourself back off the ledge. Surviving corporate America is not easy, but it is doable with the right tools and insights. 

Listen on:
Apple Podcast ➝
Spotify ➝
Google Podcast ➝
Take Me To The Podcast Page

Designing Your Dream.
Creating YOur Vision WITH CONFIDENCE.

I can still picture the look of disbelief on my boss’ face that quickly turned to panic when I said, β€œI’m done.”Trust me: β€œI. Felt. FREEDOM. If you’re stuck in a position that makes you want to rip your eyelashes out one by one, you’ve probably imagined this conversation with your boss many times. I want that day for you.Β And yet…Things aren’t always unicorns and rainbows at your next position, or even when you start your own business.

I’ve helped women and the organizations they lead become a prosperous time and again by giving them a fresh perspective – backed up by decades of experience and hard-earned expertise. I want you to get past that moment of courage it takes to leave a toxic environment. It’s a very satisfying moment. But the even better feels? They come when you can make a huge impact on your family and community because you’ve started and grown a business that brings in big dollars.

Those big dollars are key to making a bigger impact. So my question for you is: what is the impact you want to make? Yes, it starts with courage. The courage it took to for me to walk into my boss’ office – not angry, not upset – just done. The courage I know you and every woman has deep inside them to rise above and serve bigger.Β 

My gift is the ability to help you navigate.

Help you get aligned, clarify your vision and move into empowered action with confidence.Β Now you have a partner. Let’s go.Β 

Designing Your Dream.
Creating YOur Vision WITH CONFIDENCE.

I can still picture the look of disbelief on my boss’ face that quickly turned to panic when I said, β€œI’m done.”

Trust me: I. Felt. Freedom.

If you’re stuck in a position that makes you want to rip your eyelashes out one by one, you’ve probably imagined this conversation with your boss many times. I want that day for you.Β And yet…Things aren’t always unicorns and rainbows at your next position, or even when you start your own business.


I’ve helped women and the organizations they lead become a prosperous time and again by giving them a fresh perspective – backed up by decades of experience and hard-earned expertise. I want you to get past that moment of courage it takes to leave a toxic environment. It’s a very satisfying moment. But the even better feels? They come when you can make a huge impact on your family and community because you’ve started and grown a business that brings in big dollars.


Those big dollars are key to making a bigger impact. So my question for you is: what is the impact you want to make? Yes, it starts with courage. The courage it took to for me to walk into my boss’ office – not angry, not upset – just done. The courage I know you and every woman has deep inside them to rise above and serve bigger.


My gift is the ability to help you navigate.



Help you get aligned, clarify your vision and move into empowered action with confidence.Β Now you have a partner. Let’s go.

My most noteworthy achievement is being a black woman who triumphantly navigated the challenges of corporate America for nearly three decades.

In that time, and in the years since I began advising, mentoring and consulting for entrepreneurs, I’ve seen and experienced countless challenges and roadblocks as well as spectacular triumphs and successes within these organizations.Β Β 

I’ve had ringside seats for decisions that have brought multi-billion dollar corporations down as well as strategies that led similar companies to record profits.Β 

I’ve guided solopreneurs as they transitioned into growing enterprises with robust teams and profitability like they never imagined. I know what makes and breaks them all.Β 

I’ve not only seen it. I’ve been a part of it. And I can help you to navigate your business venture so that you can avoid the pitfalls and celebrate the kind of successes you’re dreaming of.

My gift is the ability to help you navigate.

I’ve helped women and the organizations they lead become prosperous time and again by giving them a fresh perspectiveβ€”backed up by decades of experience and hard-earned expertise.

There’s nothing more satisfying than making a huge impact on your family and community because you’ve started and grown a business that brings in big dollars.

Those big dollars are key to making a bigger impact. So my question for you is:

What is the impact you want to make?

It all starts with courage. The courage I know you and every woman has deep inside them to rise above and serve bigger.

I’m here to help you get aligned, clarify your vision and move into empowered action with confidence.

Let’s get to work.

Explore how we can work together right here.

My most noteworthy achievement is being a black woman who triumphantly navigated the challenges of corporate America for nearly three decades.

In that time, and in the years since I began advising, mentoring and consulting for entrepreneurs, I’ve seen and experienced countless challenges and roadblocks as well as spectacular triumphs and successes within these organizations.Β Β 

I’ve had ringside seats for decisions that have brought multi-billion dollar corporations down as well as strategies that led similar companies to record profits.Β 

I’ve guided solopreneurs as they transitioned into growing enterprises with robust teams and profitability like they never imagined. I know what makes and breaks them all.Β 

I’ve not only seen it. I’ve been a part of it. And I can help you to navigate your business venture so that you can avoid the pitfalls and celebrate the kind of successes you’re dreaming of.

My gift is the ability to help you navigate.

I’ve helped women and the organizations they lead become prosperous time and again by giving them a fresh perspectiveβ€”backed up by decades of experience and hard-earned expertise.Β 

There’s nothing more satisfying than making a huge impact on your family and community because you’ve started and grown a business that brings in big dollars.

Those big dollars are key to making a bigger impact. So my question for you is:Β 

What is the impact you want to make?Β 

It all starts with courage. The courage I know you and every woman has deep inside them to rise above and serve bigger.Β 

I’m here to help you get aligned, clarify your vision and move into empowered action with confidence.

Let’s get to work.Β 

Explore how we can work together right here.

Success stories from my amazing clients

  • "Your coaching will lead to unprecedented productivity"

    H. Bower CEO & Founder, Ethos Consulting LC
    "Too often leaders get filtered down versions of the truth due to positional power. With you, they get the actual truth. This is important for their business because time is money and there is no time to guess what people really are trying to say or what they are really needing. Your coaching will lead to unprecedented productivity for them."

  • "A wealth of knowledge and support to us as we grow."

    S. Brittingham Principal, Director of Design, Vida Design
    "Laurel has been an incredible resource for our firm and has provided a wealth of knowledge and support to us as we grow. She is a great listener, and she has a unique gift in applying what she hears to actionable next steps to help our team improve. Her expertise in HR and organizational growth have helped us to work toward accomplishing our goals for the future of our business. We attribute much of our success and growth over the last year to Laurel, and we are so thankful for her involvement as a consultant partner with Vida design. We would highly recommend Laurel's services to anyone who is looking to grow an enduring and successful business through strong foundational principals and expert guidance."

  • "Wicked intelligence and focused ambition."

    V. Hawkins Special Education Administrator
    β€œLaurel Rutledge is the complete package. She has beauty inside and out, wicked intelligence and focused ambition. Laurel always imparts knowledge when you are in her presence and the great thing about that is she doesn’t even realize it. She is that person who makes you better just by knowing her.”
SUCCESS STORIES FROM MY AMAZING CLIENTS
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Group Program

Ok, so I’m working with women business owners and I LOVE that. And the reality is, I also ran that corporate gauntlet and know how overwhelming and lonely it can feel. I don’t want any other black woman to feel the way I felt, so I have something for you.

AVAcademy

Who is this for?
New to C-Suite or New Direct Report to the C-Suite (C-Suite Adjacent)Β 
You’ve joined the C-Suite. Feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the challenges of the C-Suite, including navigating complex processes and politics, and struggling to develop a clear vision and take strategic action.Are you ready to experience the “sausage making” process up close and personal? Well, hold on to your laptops because the Alignment Vision Action Academy – AVAcademy is here!
Sure, you might experience a few “did that just happen?” moments, but that’s all part of the fun! And with my expertise as the π˜Ύπ™π™žπ™šπ™› π™‰π™–π™«π™žπ™œπ™–π™©π™žπ™€π™£ π™Šπ™›π™›π™žπ™˜π™šπ™§β„’οΈ, you’ll learn to navigate this crazy world like a pro.

In just three short months, you’ll develop a clear vision for yourself and your organization, and you’ll learn to take appropriate, strategic, and intentional action. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to be an aligned leader?

So, if you’re ready to up your corporate game and join the ranks of the bigwigs, hit that button, and let’s do this thing! I can’t wait to see you in the AVAcademy!

I WANT THIS GROUP EXPERIENCE
Group Program

Ok, so I’m working with women business owners and I LOVE that. And the reality is, I also ran that corporate gauntlet and know how overwhelming and lonely it can feel. I don’t want any other black woman to feel the way I felt, so I have something for you.

AVAcademy

Who is this for?

New to C-Suite or New Direct Report to the C-Suite (C-Suite Adjacent)

You’ve joined the C-Suite. Feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the challenges of the C-Suite, including navigating complex processes and politics, and struggling to develop a clear vision and take strategic action. Are you ready to experience the “sausage making” process up close and personal? Well, hold on to your laptops because the Alignment Vision Action Academy – AVAcademy is here!

Sure, you might experience a few “did that just happen?” moments, but that’s all part of the fun! And with my expertise as the π˜Ύπ™π™žπ™šπ™› π™‰π™–π™«π™žπ™œπ™–π™©π™žπ™€π™£ π™Šπ™›π™›π™žπ™˜π™šπ™§β„’οΈ, you’ll learn to navigate this crazy world like a pro.

In just three short months, you’ll develop a clear vision for yourself and your organization, and you’ll learn to take appropriate, strategic, and intentional action. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to be an aligned leader?

So, if you’re ready to up your corporate game and join the ranks of the bigwigs, hit that button, and let’s do this thing! I can’t wait to see you in the AVAcademy!
I WANT THIS GROUP EXPERIENCE

Ok, so I’m working with women business owners and I LOVE that. And the reality is, I also ran that corporate gauntlet and know how overwhelming and lonely it can feel. I don’t want any other black woman to feel the way I felt, so I have something for you.

EXCLUSIVE VIP DAY

The Founder's Intensive - Full-Day Strategy Session - This Is Not Your Typical VIP Day.

Hello fellow business founder! If you’re looking for a high-level, customized approach to take your business to the next level, look no further than The Founders Intensive – Full Day Strategy Session with Laurel Rutledge.

During our 6-hour in-person session in Houston, Texas, we’ll work with you to clarify your core values and mission, identify areas of growth and opportunity, and develop a comprehensive strategy to drive your success. We’ll keep the humor flowing along the way, making sure you have fun while achieving your dreams.

The outcome of this session is a prioritized plan of action tailored specifically to YOUR business needs, plus three monthly follow-up calls for 60 minutes each to ensure your continued success.

Contact me today to schedule your session and experience success like never before.
I need this! Tell me more!
EXCLUSIVE VIP DAY

The Founders Intensive - Full-Day Strategy Session - This Is Not Your Typical VIP Day.

Hello fellow business founder! If you’re looking for a high-level, customized approach to take your business to the next level, look no further than The Founders Intensive – Full Day Strategy Session with Laurel Rutledge.

During our 6-hour in-person session in Houston, Texas, we’ll work with you to clarify your core values and mission, identify areas of growth and opportunity, and develop a comprehensive strategy to drive your success. We’ll keep the humor flowing along the way, making sure you have fun while achieving your dreams.

The outcome of this session is a prioritized plan of action tailored specifically to YOUR business needs, plus three monthly follow-up calls for 60 minutes each to ensure your continued success.

Contact me today to schedule your session and experience success like never before.
I need this! Tell me more!