Laura Whitfield, SHRM-CP, CEQP, CEQA
Laura Whitfield, SHRM-CP, CEQP, CEQA, is a seasoned organizational effectiveness consultant and founder of Journey Coach Consulting LLC, where she partners with individuals and small-to-medium enterprises to enhance talent strategy, succession planning, CEO search processes, and emotional intelligence assessment and coaching. With over 30 years of experience spanning military service, corporate HR, and nonprofit leadership, Laura leverages collaboration, emotional intelligence, and people engagement strategies to help organizations and individuals simplify complexity, align purpose, and unlock possibilities.
Her professional journey began with nine years of military service, which shaped her approach to leadership, discipline, and adaptability. Following her service, Laura built a robust civilian career in human resources, holding roles from benefits and payroll administration to HR generalist and training manager for Fortune 500 companies. She has consulted extensively with C-level leaders, nonprofit executives, and boards of directors, supporting leadership development, succession planning, and organizational transformation initiatives that maximize impact and engagement.
Laura earned her Bachelor of Science in Management/Asian Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds multiple professional certifications, including SHRM-CP, CEQP, and CEQA. She is an active volunteer and board member, serving Path Light Home and the Travis Manion Foundation, and previously leading United Way’s Mission United program for veterans. Passionate about fostering meaningful contributions and growth, Laura blends compassion, integrity, and collaboration to help people and organizations thrive.
• Emotional Intelligence Assessor Certification
• Emotional Intelligence Practitioner Certification
• Remote Work Foundations
• Tips for Working Remotely
• DDI Learning Systems Facilitator
• SHRM Certified Professional
• University of Maryland Global Campus - B.S.
• Path Light Home
• Travis Manion Foundatio
• United Way’s Mission United veterans program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a lifelong learner and having a genuine passion for helping others. My curiosity and openness to learning drive me to seek out new experiences, while my willingness to volunteer for opportunities has allowed me to grow and contribute in meaningful ways. Above all, I am committed to making a positive impact on those around me, which continues to inspire and guide my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to do work that I am truly passionate about. I’ve learned to seek opportunities that bring fulfillment and satisfaction, rather than focusing solely on financial reward, because genuine passion drives growth, resilience, and long-term success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to start with what brings you joy, meaning, and purpose. If you are pursuing a career in HR, make sure you genuinely want to work with and help people, because authentic care and engagement are the foundation of success in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the increasing reliance on AI in recruiting. While technology can streamline processes, it risks diminishing the human connection and the nuance that are essential in hiring decisions. This also presents a significant opportunity: ensuring that experienced professionals, including older workers and veterans, are recognized and valued for their mentoring ability and institutional knowledge, which are critical to organizational success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, include integrity, honesty, and dependability. I also prioritize clear communication, collaboration, and compassion, as they guide how I interact with others and ensure I contribute positively to any team or relationship.