Laura Wilcox

laura-wilcox-zia

Many of my clients arrive at a point in their careers where the next step is no longer obvious—but the stakes feel higher than ever.

I’m Laura Wilcox and I bring more than three decades of experience at the intersection of business, innovation, and education from MIT, MIT Sloan, and Harvard. I serve as Director of Business and Management Programs at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education, where I teach leadership, organizational behavior, emotional intelligence, and decision making. I coach senior leaders and experienced professionals navigating inflection points—making complex decisions and defining what comes next. My approach is..

  • Thoughtful and direct,
  • Grounded in research and real-world leadership experience, and
  • A trusted thought partner who asks hard, clarifying questions

Having lived across the U.S. and abroad, and traveled to more than 40 countries, I bring a broad perspective to questions many leaders quietly carry:

  • What matters most now?
  • How do I want to lead?
  • What does my next chapter look like?

I see coaching as a space to step back, gain perspective, and move forward with clarity and intention.

An Invitation

If you are reflecting on what comes next and would value a thoughtful partner in that process, I invite you to begin the conversation.

Why Zia

The name Zia is inspired by the Zia sun symbol of the Zia Pueblo in New Mexico—an ancient emblem representing balance and purposeful living.

For the Zia Pueblo people, the number four is sacred. It reflects the four directions, the four seasons, the four stages of life, and four essential obligations for a meaningful life: a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and devotion to the welfare of others. Together, these ideas remind us that fulfillment comes from living with balance, clarity, and contribution.

More broadly, the word Zia also evokes light, clarity, and grounded strength.

At a certain stage of life and career, leadership becomes less about climbing and more about choosing intentionally. Zia Coaching was created to give accomplished professionals a thoughtful space to pause, reflect, and gain clarity about their next chapter.

How I Work

My coaching is thoughtful, direct, and grounded in both research and real-world leadership experience. I serve as a trusted thought partner—asking questions that surface assumptions, clarify priorities, and challenge patterns that may no longer serve you.

Our work creates space to step back from daily demands, think more strategically, and make intentional decisions about your leadership and next chapter.

Clients often describe the experience as both challenging and grounding—a place to think more clearly and move forward with confidence.