Success Stories

She is a true advocate. Her strategies will change your business and your life.

"Lauren had been a work colleague for several years and she suggested a one-time session to find out if I would want to get some life coaching on a more regular basis. I found the one session inspiring and very helpful going forward with my music career. I decided to try for an audition for an orchestra and hired Lauren for about two months to achieve heavy duty practicing and working toward the audition. It was really intense, but every step of the way Lauren was right there coaching, cheering, taking notes! It turned out I didn’t get the audition, but I got something a lot bigger: Knowing I can practice hard and be a better player. I’m starting to get gigs again and it’s those two months of working at it that gives me the confidence to play great. Meeting with Lauren and being accountable was my favorite part of coaching. I find the one-on-one is a big help to getting things done. Lauren is very goal oriented in a practical manner, but not judgmental in the least. It’s like figuring out your dreams, going for them and getting them without high drama!"
— Lauren Draper, musician, graphic designer, art director

"I was feeling very stuck both professionally and personally and simply overwhelmed by all the 'newness' in my life including a divorce, a new job, living alone, etc. Working with Lauren gave me the confidence to make changes and provided the accountability I needed to get things done. I had tried therapy in the past but, while I found it interesting, for me it was too much about navel gazing and not enough about taking action. I needed the kick in the pants that coaching gave me to move forward. When I look back over just nine sessions I can't believe what I have accomplished! Lauren challenged me to set definitive goals and held me accountable for reaching them while offering encouragement and support along the way. I would recommend Lauren to anyone who is looking to effect positive change in their life or who finds themselves feeling like they have no 'good' choices. Lauren will help you realize that you have it in you to be successful and happy." 
— Jennifer D., wine store owner

"I was at a point in life when I wanted to make some changes in my professional image and improve my communication style so that I could keep current and move forward in a highly competitive job market. Lauren has the wonderful skill of honing in quickly on what is really holding you back from making changes and helping you focus on bringing those issues to the forefront. For me it was like a great 'a-ha' moment. Lauren led me, with compassion and focus, to want to make the changes that really needed to be made. She has a contagious sense of positivity and life enthusiasm that fuels you to want to take action. I highly recommend Lauren to those seeking a coach for life and career direction. She will help you uncover issues, zero in on what is really important to you, and lead you to start making changes and taking steps towards the successful path you want to be on."
— Dorothy O., executive assistant

"I found the Energy Leadership Index assessment surprisingly beneficial. Unlike the Myers-Briggs or other self-assessment tools, the results of the ELI require a debrief with a professional. Lauren unlocked what the results meant and how I could interpret them. I learned some vital things about my attitude under normal conditions (positive, as I had assumed), but also under stressful conditions (negative, draining attitude on self and others). The assessment helped me see what I can work on to open up more of the positive anabolic energy to better inspire myself and those around me. I would recommend this tool to anyone who wishes to be a better leader, increase their positive anabolic energy and, quite simply, have a more purposeful and fulfilling life." 
— Maureen Falvey, EVP in advertising

"Lauren helped me to realize that which I had known all along, but could not express to myself. After taking the Energy Leadership Assessment and through a thorough and informed debrief with Lauren I was able to garner a true understanding of the ways in which I handle stress, frustration and interactions with others. The assessment and the results it yielded was the perfect place to begin my journey towards formulating a plan for my immediate future. Through only four sessions I was able to formulate a plan for self-improvement that was accessible and manageable. I am excited to pursue new directions that are the result of what I truly want and will achieve in my career and personal growth. It is without reservation that I recommend Lauren to anyone who feels trapped and lost in a dead-end career situation."
— Daniel Aulbach, educator
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"Lauren was my coach for 12 weeks. I had just switched jobs and was trying to find something that made me happy. As we went through our amazing process she helped me discover I was allowing many past experiences to hold me back. After we worked through these, Lauren helped me reframe how I wanted to be present in my life now. This completely changed how I showed up in my every-day life. Now I am creating the life I want to be living. Thank you so much, Lauren!" 
​— Treavor Olmstead, coach

Lauren will help you realize that you have it in you to be successful and happy.

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"I decided to work with Lauren because I have new goals for a new year. My challenges revolve around being unclear about how to get there. She has brought clarity, positive feedback, resources for how to do things better and our sessions are client-focused. I appreciate that. I would recommend her as a business coach for anyone who has any kind of business and is feeling unclear or stuck." 
​— Diana Maltz, RN, health coach and educator

"Lauren has an uncanny ability to cut through the red tape of my thought process and get to the goal of what I'm pursuing. Lauren helps me to prioritize next steps and to clarify the potential results of those next steps, allowing me to move beyond hang-ups and fear into a place of productivity and satisfaction." 
— Austin, food safety consultant

"I recommend Lauren at Connect the Dots Coaching for anyone needing guidance on the path their life is taking, whether it be career, relationships, family, children, or the intersection of all of the above! I reached out to Lauren at a time when I was overwhelmed with decisions I had to make regarding my job, where I should be living, whether I wanted to have a child, and more. I was frozen by what I perceived to be mistakes I had made in the past and had what I knew was an unhealthy and unhelpful way of looking at things that would not be useful going forward. I was at the point where friends or family could not help me; I needed a complete outsider, someone who would be a good listener and provide concrete courses of action going forward rather than dissecting my childhood to within an inch of its life. I made substantial progress in the first session alone and that continued throughout our meetings. I literally think about things in a way--a much more helpful way--that had never even occurred to me in the past. Lauren has my highest recommendation."
— Laura C., attorney​

​"Thank you for an educational life coaching and vision boarding workshop. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is uncertain about how to move to the next level in their life."
— Brenda Jamison, office manager

​"I met with Lauren when I was at a crossroads with my career and personal life. Before meeting with Lauren, I had no idea just how much my anxiety over both situations had clogged my progress and clouded my way forward. It only took one hour for me to have much of the fog lifted and accountability created. I liked her straight forward, yet empathetic manner; you're not going to meet with her to complain, you're going to meet with her to get things done. She is very helpful at dissecting situations down to manageable steps. I think anyone at any stage in their career would benefit from Lauren's coaching."
— Brooke Young, architectural conservator

"I really enjoyed Lauren's vision board workshop. I realized how important an exercise schedule is for me and to continue with it through 2017. Also I realized how politically involved I've become, and to follow through going forward as well. I thought Lauren was very attentive to each of us and offered good support. And I loved the collage aspect of the workshop. Such fun! When I got home, my next-door neighbor had her door open and noticed my large bag. She's an artist, and asked if I bought art supplies. I pulled out my masterpiece and she loved it!" 
​— Leslie Lefkowitz, massage therapist

“I began working with Connect the Dots Coaching in January of 2020, pre-pandemic, to stay on track with starting a new business. Post-pandemic, Lauren helped me pivot and revamp my business model. I was in a lot of fear about how to move forward. Lauren's action and self-care plan helped me focus and build the confidence I needed. She also provided me with invaluable information and resources to help me create my business, which launched in March of 2021.”
--Renee Puryear, CEO & founder, You’ve Been Hired – Now What
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"After 16 years in construction I decided to take a big bold leap into radio documentary work. I was looking for someone who could push me and motivate me in tangible ways. Lauren was absolutely stellar at this. By the end of each of our meetings I would have a list of concrete tasks that were manageable as well as focused and sometimes challenging. Lauren was the perfect balance of thoughtful, tough, and on point. By the end of our five sessions I had clearly moved way farther in my goals than I had expected. I felt like Lauren was great at really listening to my goals and focusing our time on moving my process forward on achieving them. I love the satisfaction of seeing and reviewing all the things I had accomplished at the beginning of each session. This was a terrific space where I knew I had someone I could really bounce ideas off of and who was completely in my corner and actively helping me to do the things I needed to get done. Lauren was fantastic at finding new and interesting ways for me to achieve my goals, large and small. I will be recommending Lauren to any friend looking for advice, guidance and encouragement! I am so happy to have found Lauren right when I really needed help in moving my life forward."
— Jey Born, independent radio producer

“Lauren is the secret sauce to getting your business and life on track! I have had the pleasure of working with her one-on-one, and she has brought about deep insight and actionable plans for my life and my business. Additionally, Lauren's emotional intelligence, genuine care and curiosity and understanding of the business world, especially the New York City real estate industry, is truly impressive. I recommend her highly and without hesitation to anyone who wants to put the time and effort in to supercharge his/her personal and business life! She is a true advocate. Her strategies will change your business and your life.”
— Stephanie L. Davis, marketing and branding consultant, real estate industry expert

"I wasn't sure how much life coaching could actually help but I was at a point in my life where I wanted to give it a try. Its something I had considered several times in past years. I work hard but there was always more I wanted to be doing, feeling like I didn't have enough time for all the personal and career goals I want to achieve. Putting things off until later and just having that guilty feeling about it. I met Lauren through a friend and was casually asking her about life coaching one day. I liked what she had to say so I decided to go for it. The outcome after a few months was beyond my expectations. Lauren is a great listener and gives thoughtful, no nonsense advice. She follows up promptly and holds you to anything you agreed on completing. The exercises are tailored to what you want to achieve. I went all on with what she asked me to try, and several of the exercises I'm still continuing on my own three months later. It's one of those things where you get what you put into it. I now feel better about where I am in life and where I am going thanks to her guidance.
If you're ready to gain some insight and clarity on your career or personal goals and come up with an actionable strategy, Lauren is a great choice." ​
​— Joseph R., software engineer, artist

"I came to Lauren for coaching because I couldn't motivate myself to exercise, saw my weight yo-yoing and kept breaking promises to myself that I would go to the gym and do cardio. After one session with Lauren I was able to identify what was really stopping me from taking a spin class: I was making it about competition. Lauren helped me stop looking at spin class as if it were a competitive sport and instead look at it as a fun way to exercise. Once she helped me to shift my thoughts we came up with a plan and the very next week I took my first group class and had fun. I now look forward to class as I see it as a quick and enjoyable way to get exercise and maintain good health. Lauren is really good at hearing what is underneath what you are saying and going deeper to help you remove the blocks that stop you from having what you want in life." 
— L.H., director of human resources

"Even after just one session with Lauren I was able to prioritize what mattered the most, and as a small business owner I appreciated her knowledge and experience being a small business owner herself. Not only does she assist you in being accountable for your goals, she's very accessible via text and email. She truly cares and wants her clients to do well, and asks the right questions in order to help guide you to reach your goals. I found my life improved exponentially with her aid and highly recommend her expertise, not just in business, but in life and love."
​— S.T., designer

Lauren has the wonderful skill of honing in quickly on what is really holding you back...for me if was like a great "a-ha" moment.

"Don't be held back any longer. I've taken Lauren's Female Fear Fighters series of workshops twice now, and it's helped me immeasurably. I can point to it in both instances as what has pushed me to the next level of action and willingness to do scary but extraordinary things. It's brilliant, and it's practical. 
In a safe, supportive environment, with like-minded, like-missioned women, Lauren's incisive exercises get straight to the core of what's holding us back. She then gives us various cognitive tools and processes to defang and reframe those unproductive thoughts, which in turn gives us the clarity and freedom to identify and commit to small but concrete, manageable actions to move past those now not-quite-as-paralyzing fears. 
Being accountable to, and more importantly, having the loving support of my Female Fear Fighters group has enabled me to actually take action, follow through, and get moving on things I've always wanted to do but put off because of fear for way too long. It's simple, but somehow, with Lauren's incisiveness and guidance combined with the group's support, it's magic. I went from zero to near-hero (it's a process) in the areas of dating and pursuing my dream career in a surprisingly short amount of time due to Lauren's supportive, smart and pragmatic coaching in these workshops. I can't say enough about it. If you're ready and willing, Lauren and your fellow Female Fear Fighters will get you where you once only dreamed you could be, one manageable, doable action at a time. It's transformative. 
I have also taken Lauren's vision board workshop two years in a row now, and they have been invaluable opportunities to reflect on my gratitude for the past year's achievements and blessings as well as to look ahead to what I want to manifest in the year to come. One of the highlights of this year's workshop for me was our releasing of balloons with all the things (fears, resentments, negative thoughts and emotions, struggles, etc.) written on them that I want to release and not bring with me into the new year. It was an incredibly powerful and freeing symbolic exercise! I feel lighter and I'm psyched for next year already!" 
— Candice S., educator

"This was truly a fantastic life coaching and visioning workshop to kick off the New Year in all of its abundance. What a needed treat to end this year off right. Thanks, Lauren! When's your next workshop?"
— Jacqueline Valencia Rodriguez, psychotherapist 

"I meditated tonight for the first time in a long time due to Lauren's life coaching and vision boarding workshop and making myself accountable. Thank you, Lauren!"
​— Tiffany Kallhovd, psychotherapist 

"Lauren's vision board and life coaching workshop was like a magical mystery tour of the soul. It really awakened me to what my values are so I can take the next steps toward achieving my dreams. In particular, it helped me get clear on how important it is for me to be creative. This is a great workshop for anyone to do." 
— Kelli D., licensed real estate broker

"I loved the life coaching and vision boarding workshop. The activities were very useful and Lauren kept each of us thinking about what we really wanted. She also validated what we had to say or felt. Great coaching!" 
— Marisol Castellanos, psychotherapist and life coach

"I just took a vision board workshop with Lauren and not only do I feel a shift in my attitudes towards my life goals but I actually just got off my ass and started accomplishing things! Doing it with a group and expressing my desires creatively really gave me the support and courage I needed to take the next step towards the personal fulfillment I've been yearning for.
The structure of the workshop was thorough and it flowed so nicely. The space (and snacks) were excellent. It was a great bonding experience and I love the feeling that it was time well spent. It would be great to do a group check in in a few months to see how we're all doing!" 
— Emily Saltzman, stay-at-home mom

“The workshop exceeded my expectations. I've never attended a workshop for self-improvement so I was skeptical. I learned a lot and had a very nice time. I found it helpful to write down my ideas and to hear others list want they wanted more and less of in their lives. Also, the warmth of the intimate space and the small size of the group helped me to become comfortable almost immediately. I really appreciated leaving with the idea of making definite plans within a set time frame and small attainable goals. Speaking the truth about my passion out loud to a group somehow gave my dream legs and made it seem more possible. I learned if I pursued it step by step and believed I had a right to pursue it, I could make it happen. I became more aware of my negative thoughts and beliefs, which are keeping me from pursuing my dream. I feel I have some new tools to help me combat the [inner blocks].” 
​— Renee W., registered dental hygienist