Clarity, calm, and confidence are possible - and these stories prove it.
Coaching meets clients at pivotal moments - whether they are stepping into leadership, overcoming burnout, or planning their next career move.
What they all share in common is the desire to feel calm, clear, and confident about the path ahead.
Spotlight Stories: Career Transition
Michaela K., Executive Event Curator
“Taking the leap and signing up for coaching with her was a big decision for me. At the time, I was deeply unhappy in my job—so much so that it was affecting my health. I was losing my hair, my cortisol levels were through the roof, and I just felt miserable and stuck. Even though I wasn’t earning much, I knew something had to change. I just didn’t know how to make it happen.
From our very first meeting, Lauren and I clicked. I instantly felt seen, heard, and understood. She created a space where I could be honest and open, and it quickly became clear that she could help me. And she did. Although we identified my dream job early on in the process, I truly don’t believe I would have gotten there without her.
She helped me reconnect with what really mattered to me, challenged my thinking in the best way, and guided me every step of the way. If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or just know you need a change but don’t know how to begin, I can’t recommend coaching enough. Taking that step changed everything for me.”
Elizabeth B., Chief of Staff at Citi turned COO in the Non-Profit Sector
“Working with Lauren was truly life-changing. I came to her feeling stuck in a financial services career that was unfulfilling, unsustainable, and—if I’m honest—comfortable in all the wrong ways.
Lauren helped me see that comfort doesn’t equal purpose. Through her guidance, I transitioned into a new role in the nonprofit sector that is not only challenging and rewarding but also deeply aligned with my values. I’m now part of a mission-driven team where I feel energized and truly valued.
Lauren pushed me in all the right ways, helping me fast-track what could have taken me years to figure out on my own. She helped me challenge limiting assumptions—like the idea that leaving financial services automatically means sacrificing salary or benefits. With her support, I made a bold move without compromising what matters to me and my family.
I’m incredibly grateful I made the investment in myself, my future, and my family. Lauren’s coaching was the catalyst for meaningful, lasting change in my career and life.”
Spotlight Stories: Leadership Development
Shannon S., Private Equity
“When I first started working with Lauren, I was just six months into a new job in private equity and already feeling burned out. I was stuck in a reactive mode—constantly putting out fires, pushing forward, and barely coming up for air. My nervous system was in overdrive, and it was showing up in every part of my life, not just at work.
Working with Lauren helped me slow down and get clear on what actually matters to me. She guided me through reconnecting with my values and using them as a lens for how I show up professionally. One conversation that really stuck with me was about letting go of the idea that I had to constantly prove my worth through nonstop output and hours at the desk. That shift changed everything—from how I make decisions to how I manage my time, and ultimately, how to communicate and lead. I’m definitely still a work in progress, but now I pause more often and try to lead from a grounded place—not from stress or urgency.
I feel more centered and more confident in how I navigate things, even when the stakes are high. If you’re on the fence about executive coaching, I get it—it can be hard to make space for it, especially when you’re overwhelmed. But if you’re feeling stuck, overextended, or just out of alignment, coaching with Lauren is a real gift.
She’s thoughtful, steady, and incredibly easy to trust. I’ve come to rely on her not just as a coach, but as a true partner in my growth.”
Bev C., Corporate Controller
“Working with Lauren has been truly transformative. As a driven professional, I often found myself pulled in too many directions with little time to reflect or realign. Lauren helped me define what truly matters, both professionally and personally. Through thoughtful guidance, she helped me establish clear, actionable goals and most importantly, brought a renewed sense of clarity to my thinking.
Our work together allowed me to create a more sustainable work-life balance without sacrificing performance or ambition. What sets Lauren apart is her ability to listen deeply, ask the right questions, and challenge assumptions with empathy and insight.
I would recommend her to any leader seeking clarity, alignment, and growth.”
Explore More Career Transition Success Stories
Jacqueline T., Ex. Goldman Turned Business Owner
“Change is hard! Growing is painful and doing something new is scary! That is exactly where I was when I was introduced to Lauren Hornacek. As an educated and fairly competent person navigating life with some success, I was naturally a little hesitant when I first met with Lauren.
The underlying truth was, I was stuck and needed help getting unstuck. Though I was motivated to get to the next step in my career, I was unsure what that looked like. Lauren was instrumental in helping me out of my own way and helping me define what I was looking for.
Lauren pushed me where I needed it while allowing me to embark on my journey on my terms. I am beyond grateful for the time, energy and clarity Lauren has and continues to provide me. Her expertise is invaluable, and I couldn't imagine doing this next step without her!”
“I feel so thrilled that in just 3 months with you, I practically took a slingshot to somewhere new instead of the months of being miserable.” — April N.
Mary B., Ex-Corporate Turned Entrepeneur
“Lauren has an innate ability to listen without judgement, ask meaningful questions, and assess (and reassess) situations and their potential outcomes to help you live happily, productively, and genuinely.
I’ve learned a lot about myself, my relationships, and what I want for my future, as well as how to get there, while staying true to my ideals and consistently holding myself accountable.”
Sharon T., Senior Marketing Manager
“I needed to make a very big career decision, and after spending a considerable amount of time weighing my options, writing out pro/con lists and talking to friends and family, I was still confused and overwhelmed.
Lauren did not sway me either way; instead, she asked me specific questions which I hadn’t considered and which got me thinking in ways I hadn’t previously. This ultimately helped me make my decision.
Lauren is very bright, kind, and non-judgmental and I thank her so much for helping me work through my decision!”
Explore More Leadership Development Success Stories
Lindsey E., Senior Project Manager, Commercial Real Estate and Urban Revitalization
“Challenges and opportunities change daily, but with the confidence you helped me uncover and quantify, I feel much more prepared to start each day.
You helped me while we were working together and the topics we discussed have continued to ruminate in my brain and help me long after our meetings concluded.
The manner in which I approach my personal life and my professional life has improved greatly. I have been intentional in managing my own expectations around what I know I already bring to the table and where I am excited to keep learning.”
Heather M., Managing Director, Financial Services
“I connected with Lauren at a juncture in my career where I needed support and direction through a major transition.
Lauren's wisdom, not only in terms of advice, but also in knowing which questions to ask so I can connect with my own knowing, has been invaluable as I navigate a new path in my professional life.
Our sessions continue to help me learn, reflect and grow as a leader and I couldn't be more grateful.”
“While it was a relatively short time we worked together, you had an extremely positive impact on my professional confidence and overall outlook on life.” — Christina B.
Stephanie H., Business Coach and Mentor
“A paragraph doesn't provide enough space to articulate my adoration and respect for Lauren.
She is one of a kind, a coach and leader who cares greatly about others, always putting her attention on her clients. One conversation with her and you will feel grounded and ignited.
She is an amazing person, with great expertise, and a force within her industry. I think the world of her.”
Phoebe H., VP in Financial Services
“I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible impact Lauren’s coaching has had on my life.
Her guidance has truly transformed me into a more confident and self-aware person, helping me become more in-tune with both my goals and my potential.
Her insights have shaped my future in a positive way, and I now feel more equipped and inspired to pursue my dream life. What truly sets her apart, though, is the calming and inviting presence she brings to every conversation. She has a remarkable ability to make people feel not only heard but truly validated, and that has been an invaluable gift in my personal and professional growth.”
Christina B., Bank Examiner at OCC
“I highly recommend Lauren as a professional coach and trusted advisor. Lauren helped me approach my life in a more intentional way.
She encouraged me to take myself off of autopilot and be more deliberate in how I approach all aspects of my life - work, finances, relationships, and health. Her group coaching sessions in particular were a great way not only to get advice from Lauren but also to learn from the inspiring women she gathered for our group.
Today, I continue to leverage the strategies and insight I learned from Lauren during our sessions. She is a fantastic coach and an amazing human being.”
She has displayed that you can leave a life that makes you unhappy only to transform a life filled with purpose. Her past corporate experience allows her to demonstrate her detail-oriented practices while transferring these qualities to her clients. She’s a sure bet. - Allison F.
Christina P., Ex-Corporate Turned Business Owner
“I used to think working a lot of hours was a good way to make money as the breadwinner, not an escape from problems that I was afraid to deal with. Through working with Lauren, little by little, I started to recognize areas in my life where I wasn’t happy.
Making changes for my own happiness seemed extremely unattainable, but it wasn’t In just a short period of time, my life is my own and I’ve never been happier. It wasn’t numerous changes I had to make either; once I chose my happiness, my life just became an amazing journey.”
Reading these stories, you might be asking yourself - could this be me? The answer is yes.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re curious to see what programs are available or ready to talk things through, the next step is simple.
