Real leadership. For the rooms that weren’t built for you.

You’re ready. Lead anyway.

Dr. Lauren Young — Speaker. Author. Founder, The GRL Initiative. For women leading or contemplating leading: in education, athletics, business, and life. Real talk from the messy middle, built for everyone figuring it out in real time.

Book Lauren to Speak →
Book Lauren to Speak →
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Be first to know →
A woman speaking at a podium during a conference or event. Behind her is a large screen displaying a slide that reads "WHAT BELONGING REALLY IS" and explains the concept of belonging as a signal from the environment that communicates safety and being seen. The right side of the stage has vertical banners with the NFHS logo, which features a red and white striped shield with the letters NFHS.

Ed.D. | 20+ Years in Education & Athletics | Vermont Principals’ Association | Author, Lead Anyway (July 2026) | Executive Coaching Certification, CCL

Real time censorship on TikTok. When an app is in bed with the government it censors what people are seeing, and there’s nothing offensive or reportable around protecting parks unless you’re protecting your 🍑from 🍊
Some places don’t just exist… they become part of you. For me, that’s our national parks.
Living there for a few years, they didn’t just shape my surroundings—they shaped my soul. The quiet. The scale. The reminder that
My last Coachella was 11 years ago?!? Wild. Before brand trips and complete over marketing, Coachella. Tyler the creator’s mom and I were friends, and she hooked me up with an artist past. What an experience to be golf carted around behind the

Start where you need it most.

There’s no right way to do this — just a place to begin.

I need a quick reset

Short, honest pep talks for when your confidence dips, your identity feels shaky, or you just need something real to hold onto.

Pep Talks

I want to understand myself better

Tools, prompts, and a quick quiz to help you figure out who you are — and who you’re becoming.

👉 Take the Quiz

I want to grow as a leader

Deeper reflections on leadership, belonging, identity, and navigating the hard parts no one prepares you for.

👉 Start Learning

This isn’t about fitting in.

You can be accepted and still feel completely alone.

Fitting in asks you to adjust.
Belonging allows you to exist as you are.

Most of us were taught how to perform —
very few of us were taught how to belong.

That’s what this space is here to rebuild.

CIAC Women In Leadership Conference Nov. ‘25

Pep Talks for GRLs
Pep Talks for GRLs

Stay connected.

One real pep talk each week — plus first dibs on Lead Anyway when it drops July 2026.