About
Crisis Happens.
Navigate with Confidence.
With over 30 years of executive leadership experience, I have enjoyed many successes.
I have also faced and overcome significant personal and professional challenges—among them, the sudden loss of my younger sister, the destruction of my home in a wildfire, and a series of complex business obstacles. These experiences have shaped my resilience and deepened my ability to identify and implement effective strategies for navigating crises.
As the co-founder and former chairwoman of a publicly traded company and a senior partner at a private equity firm, I understand the unique pressures faced by senior executives. My coaching approach blends emotional intelligence with pragmatic business insight, offering a structured, confidential space for leaders to navigate both personal and professional challenges with clarity and resilience.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College and a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. My professional training includes executive coaching through the Co-Active Training Institute and certification as a Grief Support Specialist from the University of Wisconsin.
I am the author of "Morning Leaves: Reflections on Loss, Grief, and Connection", an award-winning exploration of loss and resilience, and the co-author of "Stories of Friends and Families Lost". Both works examine the intersection of leadership and personal grief. In addition to writing, I design and lead educational programs, including grief workshops and speaking engagements.
I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Feeding San Diego, a member of the Feeding America network. Previously, I served as Chair of the Salk Institute Council and as a Trustee of Pacific Ridge School.
I’ve been married for 25 years and am the proud mother of two adult children—and one spirited little dog.
Expert Guidance at Critical Times
With 30 years of corporate leadership experience, I specialize in crisis management and grief support for senior executives. I understand the weight of high-stakes roles and have faced many of the same challenges that you may be experiencing. Whether it’s managing loss, burnout, or navigating life-altering moments, I help leaders stay grounded and focused while managing both personal and professional crises.
Tailored Solutions for Personal & Professional Growth
I provide the tools and strategies that focus on both strategic performance and emotional recovery. Whether you’re looking to grow through adversity, process loss, or maintain focus, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a resilient culture within your organization that helps everyone thrive through challenging times.
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Expertise That Makes a Difference
As an award-winning author and a 30-year corporate veteran, I bring a unique perspective to my coaching. My approach blends leadership skills with empathy, offering you the support and tools needed during even the most challenging moments. Having encountered many of the same challenges you face, I’m committed to guiding you and your team through adversity and loss. Together, we will navigate through these challenges and emerge wiser, stronger, and better equipped to handle whatever comes next.
How We Can Work Together
Confidential, one-on-one support to help you process grief, manage stress, and regain focus.
Creating a culture of resilience by building emotional intelligence within your leadership team so you are prepared for times of uncertainty.
Through keynotes and hands-on workshops, I help individuals and teams reflect, reset, and grow through life’s most challenging moments.
Start your journey with "Morning Leaves" and other resources designed to support healing and reflection during difficult times.
Laing was a true asset during a time of organizational crisis. Her expertise in handling high-stress situations is unmatched, but what sets her apart is her emotional intelligence. I saw firsthand how Laing handled her own personal challenges with grace and strength while continuing to support the rest of us. Her ability to balance both empathy and strategic thinking makes her an exceptional coach and leader.
John C. Chopack
Private Equity Executive
Laing leads with rare wisdom, empathy, and strength. She’s walked through profound loss and emerged with a calm, grounded presence that inspires trust and confidence. Anyone navigating high-stakes leadership or personal hardship would be lucky to have her in their corner.
Scott Schimmel
President, YouSchool
Laing is a professional of the highest integrity and character, making her an excellent mirror for any executive or organization. She has a rare courage to reflect what one needs to hear, not necessarily what one wants to hear, or what is popular. These qualities make Laing an invaluable resource for a wide range of situations, from grief interventions to executive coaching and strategic planning sessions. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her. She has made me a better leader.
Len Liptak
Co-Founder & CEO, ProSomnus Sleep Technologies
Partnering with Laing Rikkers has been invaluable during the journey of launching Tighties. Navigating the complexities of establishing a new business—from securing adequate funding and conducting thorough market research to building a reliable team and crafting effective marketing strategies—presented numerous challenges. Laing's strategic insights and unwavering support were instrumental in addressing these hurdles. Her guidance not only helped refine our business plan but also ensured we remained adaptable and resilient in a competitive market.
Krystal Gillis
Founder & CEO, Tighties
I had the pleasure of not only reading Laing Rikkers’s contemplative book, “Morning Leaves”, but also of listening to her speak at a workshop with The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition. Her gentle voice and manner inspired participants to connect with nature while she encouraged folks to share their individual grief journeys. Each page of Laing’s book is thoughtfully intertwined with beautiful botanical illustrations. I highly recommend reading this book as well as inviting her for speaking engagements.
Kris Masalsky
President
The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition
Laing consistently leads with honesty, transparency, and a deep respect for others. Her strong communication skills foster trust and clarity at every level, whether she's facilitating difficult conversations, coaching leaders, or aligning teams around a shared vision. With deep knowledge of Human Resources best practices, Laing brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to everything from talent development to culture transformation. She is the kind of leader who not only understands systems and structure, but also sees and supports the individuals within them.
Heather Rider
Board Director (Inogen), former Board Director (ProSomnus & Intricon) & retired global HR executive (ASML, Intuitive Surgical)
