After a lifetime of being a pleaser, turning 40 made me realize that being respected was much more valuable than being liked.
Laura Balsamo, ACC · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Laura
Laura Balsamo, ACC, is a seasoned Career Coach at the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), where she has dedicated over 20 years to supporting employees across all levels of the organization. Beginning her career in transit administrative support, Laura organically developed a grassroots coaching practice starting in 2012, helping union employees translate hands-on skills into transferable career language for promotions, interviews, and professional growth. Her ability to identify potential and provide guidance led UTA leadership to formalize her role in 2021, making her position the only coaching-focused roles embedded within a transit agency. As a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and trained with the Arbinger Institute, VitalSmarts, Tilt 365, and Gallup Clifton Strengths, Laura specializes in career coaching, leadership development, interview preparation, resume writing, crucial conversations, and employee development. She teaches career advancement and organizational excellence workshops, and delivers public speaking events on impact and empowerment. She works with a diverse client base—from frontline bus and rail operators and mechanics to chief officers—emphasizing vulnerability, authenticity, and a human-centered approach. Her philosophy is to “see the person,” helping employees understand how their unique skills and strengths contribute to individual and organizational success. Laura’s commitment to personal and professional growth extends beyond the workplace. She serves on the Little League Baseball Board of Directors and has volunteered as a school and life coach for peers with disabilities. Recognized in the 2026 edition of Influential Women, Laura attributes her success to her clients’ willingness to seek guidance and her capacity to show up authentically, creating safe spaces for growth. She encourages young women entering her industry to embrace caring and confidence, persist despite pushback, and approach their work with empathy, optimism, and integrity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Laura
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute all of my success to the fact that people are willing to ask for help; you may not know that you're an amazing chef if no one ever tells you that they're hungry! As far as my individual talent, I would say my ability to show up with vulnerability and 100% transparency. My ability to show up as my true self (flaws and all) invites my clients to do the same. When coaching takes place with authenticity, that's when you see positive change! Adults are not often given the grace to be messy, insecure, or afraid. I create a space that says, "It's okay to not be perfect; if you want a partner, I'm here."
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is , "Don't chase the money; chase the take home pay." We often refer to our salaries as, "take home pay". However, when you look at what we really take home at the end of the day, it's not necessarily monetary. We take home our impact, the difference we've made that day, our relationships, our confidence. Sometimes, it all comes together and the salary accompanies our purpose. Just make sure you're chasing something that you feel good about taking home at the end of the day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Whether it's leadership in transit or professional development as a whole, don't apologize for caring. Don't apologize for trying. Caring, nurturing, or emotion have historically been labeled as weaknesses for women in the workplace and are often minimized. When you combine that ability to care with bravery, vision, strategy, and confidence, you're wielding a superpower. If you're told no, turned down, or doubted; keep pushing that button. At some point, that door is going to open.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the challenges I see, especially with new leaders is managing our personal bandwidth. We hear the hard stuff; we have employees or clients tell us things that they have never told anyone else. Making sure that we're 'wiping the slate clean' after each one-on-one coaching is critical. You don't have to carry the load for the people you support or lead; but offering them a steady arm for balance can make all the difference.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My number one value is seeing people holistically. We are complex, sometimes imperfect creatures. Another value is remembering that anything can be a big deal to someone, regardless of our perception. In employee and career development, I could be coaching an executive who lost funding for a multi-million dollar project, then my next session could be with an employee who lost thirty dollars in overtime; both issues are equally as important. I will sit in the swamp with them for a minute, whatever that may look like. We can't stay there though; we've got to get up and move forward.
I also value resiliency. I have two teenagers and the resiliency they exude in this complicated world is inspiring to me! They help me understand that a difficult situation today, may end up being a story that helps someone else tomorrow.
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