Lauree Ostrofsky, Chief Hugger & Coach

In 2002, I hired my first life coach to help me be more creative without quitting my day job. Within months, the sessions took me from a decade-long public relations career to a six-week sabbatical in the mountains outside of Rome, Italy.

A stint in art school followed, along with an appreciation of photography, farmers' markets and inventing dinner out of what's in the fridge.

It was only after a serious health issue that I decided to change my life more radically. While healing after surgery I recognized just how much potential we have to affect change in our lives. Whether it's how your positive attitude can be reflected back in the people around you, or it's when you know what you want, the right opportunities show up to move you forward.

I bring this to every coaching relationship. You have incredible potential and my job is to help you own it and hone it.

Background & Bio

I challenge what's possible in how we work, live and love one another.

That means learning to understand and trust your instincts, finding and expressing the right words, and knowing when it's time to be scared and do it anyway.

For more than 12 years, I have served as a speaker, author, coach, PR strategist and marketer for high tech companies, start-ups and women-owned businesses. Clients include IBM, Canonical/Ubuntu, LogMeIn, Fodors.com, Liz Claiborne, and Girl Scouts of the USA. I often use my marketing and communications expertise when coaching clients who want to start and grow their own businesses, and when I design corporate coaching programs.

I'm certified by Coaching For Transformation, a one-year program offered through the New York Open Center and accredited with the International Coaching Federation.

Home is currently Washington, DC where I enjoy adventurous dinners, cupcake taste-testing and getting lost whenever possible.

When I'm not coaching, I'm probably hugging.