Laura Gassner Otting 
Life is… lifing. Per usual, I’m trying to shove ten pounds of life into my five pound bag, and sometimes something drops. I just saw a great instagram post about this, actually, from the tarmac, as I sat for hours on my delayed flight that I thought I so cleverly booked after the first delayed … Read more
There’s a certain kind of panic that creeps in when you’re about to walk into a moment that feels just slightly—okay, wildly—bigger than your confidence. A job interview after years out of the market.A presentation to a room full of people who could change your life.A keynote with a mic pack and a green room… … Read more
Last week I got a standing ovation. But, it wasn’t for me.It was for my client.Here’s what happend:One of my favorite things to do from stage is to thank a company for the work that they have done by telling them a story of how they have personally impacted my life. Thanks to VaynerSpeakers, I got … Read more
I spent this past weekend running the famed Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, through the monuments and mayhem of Washington DC. I was lucky to get this bib because the event is done only by lottery, and it sells out almost immediately. But, I got the bib because a keynote speaker manager who follows me on … Read more
When I was 25 years old, I went to a bar to meet my best friend Jina. Madam’s Organ (in Adam’s Morgan) was halfway between our two apartments and, thanks to her special relationship with the bartender (ahem), we never paid for drinks and he looked the other way when we got up on the … Read more
Last week I had the great privilege of guest lecturing in Dr. Bret Simmons’ business management class at the University of Nevada. At one point, I asked the students how many of them had mentors; a paltry few hands went up. Then I asked how many of them had champions; every one of those few hands dropped, … Read more
This picture is the culmination of thirteen years of effort.This picture is the fruition of a plan interrupted by life.This picture is the lemon of a body forced into submission. If this picture is worth a thousand words, those words start with: AGAINST ALL ODDS, I DID IT ANYWAY. Why?Because I didn’t run my first … Read more
Life’s been a little harried lately. January and February are a busy season for sales kick off meetings (SKOs), and I’ve been doing a lot of them. Between Transunion, IBM, Charter Oak Financial/Mass Mutual — I’ve been on my toes. Like my newsletters, I customize every talk. So, it’s been… a lot. But, I’d never complain. … Read more
I’m just back from celebrating my birthday weekend in beautiful Puerto Rico, where both of my boys flew in to be with me and my husband and enjoy sheet cake with me on the beach. (Yes, I’m bougieAF about a lot of things, but you are going to have to pry the cheap supermarket sheet … Read more
It’s my birthday week, so naturally, I’m celebrating life. But here’s what I need you to know: Sheet cake is truly my first love. (Sorry to my husband, Mr. Hot Stuff.) I love sheet cake so much. I want it served at my birthday. I want it served at my funeral. If you have a wedding … Read more