Woman of the Week: Laura Cooke

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Laura Cooke

My Current Job/Company:
Assistant Head for Operations/The Wellington School

My Birthdate
02.28.72

My Work:
The Wellington School helps children discover and develop their unique potential. I lead the business side of the school with a talented and fun team that makes the school more effective and efficient so that our teachers can do their work of inspiring, mentoring and preparing our students for the world. Oh, and I teach the Leadership and Business class to our upperclassman. I believe every child deserves to find their passion and place in life and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work on behalf of our students with incredible people and for an amazing organization.

My Passion:
My family, helping others,and tennis.

My Family:
My husband and 4 amazing daughters. I pinch myself when I write this because I feel so incredibly blessed! Chris (best friend/soulmate/husband), Caroline and Christine (twin daughters – age 10), Emma (age 7), and Elizabeth (age 4) – oh and Murphy, our 1 year old dog. My life is full of love.

My Heroes:
My mom and dad – Julie and Jeff Wilkins (married for 47 years) and my grandmother, Eileen Gard (soon to be 96 years young).

My Escape:
I love the mountains and the beach! Dessert Mountain, Arizona and Kiawah Island, South Carolina are both paradise to me. Solo walks with my dog.

My Pet Peeve:
Long lines and people with bad energy.

My Indulgence:
Starbucks, any drink with St. Germaine, and Lindey’s Post Mortem dessert

My Roots:
Family first! Friends I can trust. Laughter. Entrepreneurship.

My Future:
Endless possibilities.

My Love:
Watching my kids’ eyes light up when they share something with me. Teaching. Seeing my husband make the girls laugh. Working out. Helping others grow. Witnessing children find things they love.

My Quote on Life:
“When we fearlessly fight for what we believe in and remain hopelessly optimistic about life, love and the future, we create an authentic connection with all in our path. Most importantly with ourselves.” – Gary Friedman Chairman & CEO of Restoration Hardware

My Accessory:
iPhone (does that count?), Anything from Thread right now.

My Advice to Young Women:
Dream Big! Know and believe in yourself. Then, find mentors and relationships that make you better and help you fulfill your dreams. Smile – it is your gift to others.

How I Balance it All:
I try to keep my focus on my priorities and stay organized (My Cozi family calendar is my lifeblood) I have strong support system from family and close friends. I recognize I am human. And, I try to let go of having everything be perfect all the time. A rotisserie chicken for dinner is OK in our house but we won’t give up sitting down for dinner or having that time together. I know that true balance in my life right now is impossible so instead I try to remember to live in the moment and laugh!