Biography
With over 25 years as an innovation partner for global brands, Laura Weiss supports organizations to develop their people into talented leaders who successfully navigate change and get results.
Originally a licensed architect, Laura’s own change story began when she left architectural practice to focus on the broader world of innovation. She spent a decade as an Associate Partner at world-renowned design consultancy IDEO where she helped launch two practice areas and led numerous innovation programs for Fortune 500 businesses as well as organizations in the social and public sectors. While at IDEO her clients included AT&T, Morgan Stanley, and the Government of New Zealand.
After serving as a Principal in Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Professional Development practice, Laura was inspired to re-launch Design Diplomacy, LLC to support organizations that are investing in relationship-driven leadership in order to envision, develop, and deliver innovative outcomes for a better world. Her own passion for developing talent extends to academia, where she has been an Adjunct Professor in pioneering graduate programs focused on leadership at both the California College of the Arts and the Yale University School of Architecture. In addition, Laura has served as a director on several nonprofit boards including the American Institute of Architects' Strategic Council.
Laura’s services include executive and leadershiop coaching for individuals and cohorts, and the creation of learning experiences focused on professional transitions, full-circle feedback, inclusive facilitation, and conflict resolution.