My vision is a future where leaders do great things in a great way: people-centred, unburdened by stress, and deeply connected, empowering people, workplaces, and communities to thrive.
Laura Aiken, founder of Thrive Leadership, has dedicated her career to making this vision a reality. With a background in engineering and a personal journey shaped by overcoming burnout, Laura is committed to transforming how leaders navigate the pressures of modern work environments, fostering resilience and connection at every level.
Laura’s journey began in engineering, where she spent a decade on complex projects around the world with Bechtel Corporation. Her passion for developing people and shaping positive work cultures naturally led her to initiatives and roles centred on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, teamwork, leadership, and corporate culture change.
After experiencing burnout firsthand, Laura became committed to a more sustainable approach to leadership—one that prioritises well-being without compromising results. This realisation led her to transition to coaching and consulting in 2020, where she now empowers leaders to thrive under pressure, build resilient teams, and create workplaces where people can flourish.
Key Projects
Laura’s leadership development initiatives have made a tangible impact across diverse industries and organisations. She spearheaded the “Culture of Care” program for a leading geotechnical company in the middle east, which resulted in significant improvements in team dynamics, resilience, and leadership behaviour within just six months. As the Project Manager for the Black British Business Awards Talent Accelerator Program, Laura played a pivotal role in advancing the careers of high-potential minority leaders across various sectors. Laura is also the architect behind several transformative leadership retreats in the UK, Europe, and the USA, designed to help leaders reconnect with their purpose, build resilience, and foster meaningful connections. Her clients belong to globally recognised organisations such as Moody’s, Baker Hughes, Fugro, ABB, Bechtel, and Saipem, where her work continues to drive positive change and elevate leadership.
Qualifications
Laura’s expertise is backed by a 1st class master’s in chemical engineering, and she is a Chartered Chemical Engineer (MIChemE) and a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Her qualifications also include:
- Aligned Coaches Certification in Transformational Coaching
- Member of the International Coaching Federation
- Diploma in Neurolinguistic Programming
- UK ICF Trauma-Informed Coaching Program
- RYT200 Yoga Instructor
- WSET Level 2 with Distinction
Affiliations and Memberships
- Senior Consultant for Kintla, a leading consultancy co-founded by Neuroscientist Dr. Bruce Perry, enhancing leadership, resilience, and culture change for global firms.
- Faculty in Residence for ALLY Energy and chair of the ALLY ERG Leaders Council, applying her work to support those championing culture change in the Energy industry.
- Ambassador for the Bristol Women in Business Charter driving equity goals across signatory companies.
- Lean In Equity & Sustainability Circle Leader.
Appearances
Laura Aiken is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, known for her ability to translate complex leadership challenges into practical, actionable strategies. She frequently contributes her expertise at industry conferences, podcasts, and leadership forums, addressing topics such as resilience, leadership, and creating inclusive work cultures. Laura’s engaging and insightful presentations have made her a trusted voice in the leadership space.
Selected Speaking Engagements and Appearances:
- EntreConf Bristol, 2023 – Discussed innovative leadership strategies for the modern business landscape.
- The FORWARDER Conference, Heathrow, 2023 – Focused on resilience and leadership in logistics and supply chain management.
- Women on Boards UK Spring Northern Event, 2022 – Keynote on ‘Celebrating Resilience for Aspiring, Early-Stage, and Established Non-Execs’.
- The Unfcking Work Podcast*, 2022 – Explored transformative leadership strategies.
- People Business Podcast, 2022 – Discussed leadership and resilience.
- Nurse Leadership Forum, Arab Health, 2022 – Provided expert commentary on leadership and well-being.
- Business Health and Emotional Wealth, UK Health Radio, 2022 – Shared insights on business health and emotional well-being.
- Building Resilience with Laura Aiken, Building Humans at Work Podcast, 2021 – Highlighted approaches to resilient leadership.
- Inclusive Leadership and Psychological Safety in Construction, Civil Institute of Builders MENA, 2022 – Addressed leadership in construction.
- Building Resilient Teams, Civil Institute of Builders MENA, 2021 – Focused on team resilience.
- Discover-E Global Marathon, 2020 – Spoke on resilience in engineering.
- Women in Construction USA, 2019 – Advocated for inclusion and resilience in the construction industry.
- SWE National Conferences, 2017 – 2019 – Delivered multiple sessions on leadership and DEI.
Publications
Resilient Teams: A Proactive Wellness Strategy for the Construction Industry, Middle East Consultant (2022) – Article on implementing resilience strategies in construction.
Ready to transform your leadership journey? Explore Laura’s transformative services or reach out directly to secure her for your next event.