Laura Cho is an international certified coach and public speaker, Laura is dedicated to helping individuals worldwide shape fulfilling careers that align with their passions and aspirations.
Laura recently took part in and emerged as an award winner at the 2023 Women’s Tabloid Awards. These awards recognize outstanding accomplishments of women, with a primary focus on women leaders, CXOs, entrepreneurs, and businesses led by women. The Women’s Tabloid Awards honored Laura as the winner in the category of Best Emerging Woman Leader in Human Resources.
With over a decade of rich experience in the field of Human Resources, Laura has honed her expertise through key roles at renowned organizations. Laura’s impact extends beyond corporate boardrooms. She shares her wealth of knowledge on HR and career topics across international stages, from prestigious universities and radio shows to online platforms and public seminars. Her commitment to empowering the next generation is evident in her engagements with diverse audiences, contributing to the narrative of career success and personal development.
In an interview with Women’s Tabloid, Laura shares her transformative journey from an unexpected start in HR to becoming an international certified coach and acclaimed public speaker. With a decade of rich experience and a passion for empowering millennial talents, Laura unfolds her insights on career development, personal branding, and the keys to unlocking one’s full potential. Let’s dive into the enriching conversation.
Women’s Tabloid: Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to become an international certified coach and public speaker focused on helping millennial talents?
Laura Cho: I stumbled upon a HR career and fell in love with it so I accidentally started my career in HR. Within four years in my career, I became a manager leading the HR department in AA Corporation. In my early career, I rarely had mentors who gave me guidance on how to succeed in a corporate career. I only learned from my experiences so it took me years to figure out for my career success.
As I have years of experience in being an interviewer in my HR career, I started sharing tips on how to write an attractive CV and prepare for an interview with my friends and people in my network. The more experience that I have, the more I want to support millennial talents for their career from my experiences so I started my blog and spoke on different events about career related topics and ingredients for career success as a public speaker. Then I learned about coaching and becoming a certified coach to support better to my clients around the world.
WT: You’ve had an extensive career in HR with roles at well-known companies like DKSH, AA Corporation, Schindler Group, and Prudential. How has this corporate experience shaped your approach as a coach and public speaker?
LC: My professional journey in the corporate world has provided me with substantial expertise in collaborating with individuals on a global scale, supporting in their career growth, and furnishing me with a depth of knowledge in HR and career fields which has greatly influenced my approach both as a coach and public speaker.
WT: You’ve shared your expertise on HR and career topics at various stages in Hong Kong, Singapore, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Could you share some memorable experiences or impactful moments from your speaking engagements?
LC: One of the standout moments in my public speaking journey occurred in Hong Kong, where I had the honor of being a speaker at Talent Management Asia, an event organized by Human Resources magazine. On this remarkable occasion, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with speakers from renowned organizations such as Facebook, Microsoft, and DHL. This experience was not only enlightening as I shared my insights but also provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from experts spanning various industries.
WT: You’ve collaborated with HR associations and provided workshops for HR senior executives. Can you tell us more about these collaborations and the impact they’ve had on HR professionals?
LC: I’ve partnered with HR associations in Cambodia and Myanmar to conduct workshops tailored for senior HR executives. During these sessions, I shared insights on cultivating a flourishing organization culture, offering tips on employee engagement, learning and talent development, and effectively managing workforce in challenging environments. HR professionals who participated in these workshops gained valuable ideas and initiatives that they could apply within their respective organizations.
WT: You mentioned that you are a personal branding and executive coach for senior executives and women business owners. Can you share some strategies and insights you use to help your clients set up their personal and business branding effectively?
LC: As a personal branding and executive coach for senior executives and women business owners, I employ a variety of strategies and insights to assist my clients in establishing effective personal and business branding. Here are some key approaches that I use during my coaching sessions with my clients.
- Clarifying Personal and Business Values
- Defining Unique Selling Proposition (UPS)
- Crafting a Compelling Story
- Online Presence Optimization
- Effective Communication Skills
- Networking Strategies
- Leadership Presence and Development
By applying these strategies, clients can build a compelling and authentic personal brand that resonates with their target audience and supports their professional goals.
WT: You’ve worked with clients from various countries, including the U.S, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Myanmar. How do you adapt your coaching approach to cater to the diverse needs of clients from different cultural backgrounds?
LC: Adapting coaching approaches to cater to the diverse needs of clients from different cultural backgrounds is crucial for effective communication and understanding. I normally conduct individualized assessments at the beginning of the coaching relationship to understand client’s expectations which guides the customization of coaching strategies. Active listening and observation during sessions to pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues are also important to recognize distinct communication styles. Adjusting communication styles enhances the effectiveness of the coaching relationship. I also tailor goal-setting processes to align with cultural values and expectations as different cultures may have diverse definitions of success and different benchmarks for achievement. By integrating these strategies into my coaching approach, I aim to create an inclusive coaching experience that addresses the unique needs and preferences of clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
WT: Could you share a success story or two of clients who have seen significant improvements in their careers or personal branding after working with you?
LC: One of my clients embarked on our coaching journey while holding a middle-management position with aspirations of reaching the executive level. Together, we focused on his career goals, engaging in systematic career planning. After a couple of years of coaching, he successfully ascended to the role of CEO and our collaboration continued to work on refining his leadership skills over time.
In another instance, a business owner sought my assistance in enhancing her personal brand to become a prominent woman business leader. Our coaching centered around crafting a personal brand tailored to resonate with her target audience and strategically positioning herself as a public speaker. Subsequently, she gained recognition as a well-known public speaker and achieved notable business awards.
WT: You mentioned your involvement in the community in Myanmar. Can you tell us more about your contributions and experiences related to coaching and career development in Myanmar?
LC: Being a native of Myanmar, I am passionate about giving back to the community through human resources development in the country. My focus has been on collaborating with organizations that prioritize youth development. I’ve engaged in knowledge sharing on various career development topics with thousands of young individuals nationwide. Additionally, I have actively served as a mentor and coach, offering career guidance through blogs, career talks, and workshops.
WT: What are your future plans and goals as an international coach and public speaker? Are there any exciting projects or initiatives on the horizon that you’d like to share with our readers?
LC: As an international coach and public speaker, my future plans and goals revolve around expanding my reach and impact on a global scale. I aim to continue working with diverse clients from various cultural backgrounds, helping them achieve their personal and professional aspirations. One exciting initiative on the horizon is the development of a series of coaching programs which will cover a range of topics, from leadership development to personal branding, catering to the diverse needs of my audience.
I also plan to collaborate with organizations and events that align with my mission of empowering individuals to reach their full potential. This includes participating in international conferences, conducting workshops, and engaging in strategic partnerships to amplify the message of personal and professional growth. Additionally, I am exploring opportunities to contribute to the field through writing, whether it be articles, books, or online content. This will serve as a platform to share insights, strategies, and success stories that can inspire and guide individuals on their journey to success.
In essence, my future is centered on continuous learning, growth, and the creation of meaningful opportunities for individuals to unlock their potential and achieve success.
WT: If you could offer one piece of career advice to millennials looking to unleash their full potential, what would it be?
LC: One piece of advice for millennials looking to unleash their full potential is to prioritize continuous learning and adaptability. In today’s dynamic and fast-paced professional landscape, the ability to acquire new skills, stay updated on industry trends, and adapt to change is paramount. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, be open to exploring diverse experiences and taking on challenges outside of your comfort zone. This not only broadens your skill set but also fosters resilience and adaptability, qualities highly valued in today’s ever-changing work environment. Building a successful career isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about continuous self-improvement, adaptability, and the ability to navigate change with confidence.
WT: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers, especially those who are aspiring to follow in your footsteps as a coach and public speaker?
LC: Your journey will be unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success in coaching and public speaking. Stay true to your purpose, continuously refine your skills, and enjoy the journey of making a positive impact on others’ lives through your work.