Laura Michaud works personally and closely with family businesses to help them manage the challenges of running and growing their organizations. From conducting initial interviews with each member to achieving a favorite outcome while maintaining harmony in the family, Laura is committed to finding practical and amiable solutions. (To see a partial list of Laura's clients, click here.)
Laura has worked with clients in manufacturing industries such as prepared food, steel, construction, and wine making, among others. She works tirelessly to protect the confidentiality that comes with working on sensitive issues.
“Laura has the unique ability to assess, understand and coach family members to create a functional team where one did not exist before. She has been able to successfully guide this family when it suddenly was given the responsibility to lead an organization once tightly managed by the founder. Laura knows how to make family business members understand where their talents lie, and how to use those talents within the organization to create a competent team to operate the business.
She is direct and unflinching in her coaching, helping family members realize that their skills might be used optimally in a different capacity than the one in which they have been operating.
Laura's primary goal in every situation is to be fair, and score a win for every family member involved in the business."”John Colaruotolo: Casa Larga Vineyards
“I wanted to say thank you again for working with us. I admire your ability to stay composed and operate with competency and focus. You've been a tremendous help and ‘voice of sanity' in the midst of our growing pains.”
Suzanne, Prepared Food Industry
"Thank you for taking the time to help us strategize on how to discuss a delicate situation with an employee. You helped us come up with a clear and professional way to present that person with a list of continuing problems, and offer a deadline for improvement. You provided our staff member with valuable direction, and we appreciate you serving on our board as well as your continued support and dedication to making our family business successful.”
Derek Phillips , Phillips Flowers & Gifts
Everyone who hears Laura speak offers praise and enthusiastically boasts about her presentation and the content he or she walks away with. Her memorable messages and timely practical tips give her audiences tools that they can use immediately, in every aspect of their lives.
"No matter how many times we have invited you to participate at one of our Symposiums you never fail to deliver vital information in an enjoyable format that captures the audience’s attention. The evaluations from your sessions were excellent.
The method in which you deliver your message make the attendees feel that you have their best interest at heart. Your energetic positive approach make your programs both exciting and interesting.
I look forward to working with you again in the future."
Marcia Childs: National Association of Home Builders
“The comments from attendees at the three seminars you conducted were tremendously positive. You were thorough and enjoyable, and our Dealers have learned new ideas they have taken back with them and applied to their businesses. We were pleased with your presentations and now are extremely pleased with the results that we see coming in.”
Alan J. Ranking, President and CEO, Icynene, Inc. (Construction)
“A very big THANK YOU!!! Your transformed an otherwise ‘long' meeting into an exciting memorable event for everyone in attendance.”
Diana Achim, RR Donnelly & Sons Company
“Our entire membership found your presentation dynamic and educational. You took great care in making a very sensitive topic comfortable for all. Thank you for making our first experience of hiring a professional guest speaker outstanding.”
Heather Corvey, Executive Director, Sierra Pacific Crafts (Retail)
“You were so spirited, fun, and upbeat that I couldn't help but get motivated myself. You were able to keep everyone's attention, made them feel relaxed and provided a thoroughly enjoyable and educational program.”
Jessica Drexler, Events Coordinator, Bradley Fixtures Corporation (Construction)
“Your energetic style and humor was a great way to kick off our conference. I believe that the success of your presentation was due to the time you spent investigating the type of everyday pressures healthcare recruiters experience and taking the time to understand what our roles are in healthcare.”
Jackie Wilhelm, Chicago Area Healthcare Recruiters
“Thank you so much for a tremendously powerful and dynamic presentation! The combination of your personal experiences with family businesses and the comfortable manner in which you presented created an ideal environment for learning.”
Annika Sieler, Associate Director, USC Marshall School of Business
“What a great forum you presented to the Center for Family Business. The evaluations were excellent and our program committee would like to invite you back.”
Debbe Skutch, University of Toledo Center for Family Business
“The surveys were great. You received top marks on every aspect of the presentation. Laura, I would highly recommend you to anyone wanting a quality presenter and program and I look forward to seeing you present again.”
Mike Trueblood, Cal State Fullerton Family Business Council
“Overall, Laura is one of the most professional speakers that I have had the pleasure in working with over the past 10 years. She is knowledgeable and energetic. I told Laura that I wanted someone that could educate and entertain our family business members and she delivered.”
Peter Johnson, University of the Pacific Institute for Family Business