About Me

I'm a child of the Midwest who found my HEA at the University of Illinois before I was legally old enough to drink. "Not how I had my life planned" could be a theme for everything that's happened since then. Life is humbling. Books—and friends—get you through it.

A voracious reader since childhood, Laura spent 20+ years as a global technology leader, innovator, venture capitalist, and startup founder before pursuing her lifelong dream of being an author.

During her long career with Microsoft, Laura led the strategic direction of some of Microsoft’s best-known products, including MSN, Exchange, and the original Microsoft Office. Laura also served as Vice President of Worldwide Strategic Planning and led over $1B in strategic investments, including Hotmail and Healtheon WebMD.

Post-Microsoft, Laura served as Principal at the global venture capital firm Atlas Ventures, leading its Silicon Valley and Seattle offices. She founded the corporate gifting site Knackshops.com, later sold to Modern Gourmet Foods. 

Laura has served on dozens of for-profit and non-profit boards, and she follows the edict "write what you know."