From Birmingham to Minnesota: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
On a dreary, rainy day in Birmingham, many residents gaze out their windows, daydreaming about life abroad. For Laura Best, that dream became a reality when she made the bold decision to leave her public relations job in the city and embark on a new chapter in Minnesota, USA.
"There was something about the vastness of the United States and the notion that you can become anything you desire," Laura explained from her home across the Atlantic. "It simply felt like people were embracing life more fully."
The Foundation of Passion Collective
Laura's connection to America began at age 19 as a Warwick University exchange student on a three-month BUNAC program. After completing her degree and working in the UK, she felt a strong pull back to Minneapolis, moving there in 2000 during her twenties. She secured employment, married a fellow British expatriate, started a family after obtaining her green card, and navigated the challenges of being an outsider in a new country.
"I'm someone who arrived somewhere new and had to forge friendships," said Laura, mother to Sophia, 15, and stepmother to Joe, 26. "I understand the feelings of loneliness and not belonging, simply yearning for companionship."
Recognizing that the desire for female connection is a universal need, and that everyone possesses interests beyond their professional lives, Laura established the Passion Collective. This initiative provides a space for women to unite, learn about inspiring activities other women are pursuing fearlessly, and share in the joy of discovery.
Expanding the Movement
Laura developed an online network, organized coaching events, and delivered keynote speeches that attracted large audiences eager to reconnect with their authentic selves. She launched a grant program in collaboration with Bank of America and Cornell University in New York, receiving over 10,000 applications from 50 countries within four years.
"It felt incredibly energizing," Laura recalled. "After my speeches, I felt compelled to write a book to offer people more than just a brief encounter."
Her book, Born to Buzz: How to Spark Your Passions (Without Quitting It All), is set for release in late March 2026. Through her research, Laura discovered that approximately 80% of employees worldwide are disengaged from their work, with burnout being a prevalent issue. However, she found that incorporating more beloved activities into work and life can profoundly transform motivation and energy levels, benefiting both individuals and their communities.
The Philosophy of Passion-First Living
Laura advocates for a "passion-first" lifestyle, where fulfilling hobbies and interests take precedence rather than being relegated to the background. "One truth became evident: the need for passion is universal—and when we create space for it, everything shifts," she stated, noting she also hosts the Passion Chats podcast.
"It's not about dismantling everything or shirking responsibilities," Laura clarified. "It's about finding practical ways to integrate what you love into daily life. Reconnecting with what energizes us can positively influence how we lead, parent, create, and collaborate."
She designed the book to be warm and comforting, serving as a rallying cry for those seeking change. "You must fight for what you desire, for what you wish to do more of," Laura emphasized. "Living a passion-first life doesn't require perfection. Numerous benefits arise when we feel better and prioritize ourselves—it enhances our relationships with children, coworkers, and communities."
Born to Buzz targets anyone who outwardly claims to be 'fine' but internally knows they are destined for greater fulfillment.
Practical Steps and Success Stories
Laura encourages individuals to identify three activities they would pursue if given an hour of free time daily—such as baking a cake or reading more chapters of a book. She advises writing these on a "Passion Post-it" note and placing it in a visible location, as people often struggle to recall enjoyable options in moments of need.
The Passion Collective has yielded numerous success stories:
- One woman rekindled her love for playing the violin by retrieving her instrument from the attic, finding sheet music, and practicing again.
- A banker mourning her aunt's death remembered her passion for water skiing, located a venue to pursue it, and connected with like-minded enthusiasts. Initially hesitant to share this interest with colleagues, she was met with admiration and seen as courageous.
"These examples demonstrate how pursuing and sharing passions can inspire others, foster relationships, and humanize us beyond our professional roles," Laura noted. "You're not just a banker or teacher; you also engage in other meaningful activities."
Highlighting the severity of loneliness, which reportedly claims more lives than cigarettes in the US according to AP News, Laura stressed that putting oneself out there also aids others.
The Born to Buzz Framework
The book presents 12 transformational "sparks"—mindset shifts, habits, and practices—to help readers reconnect with their passions while maintaining commitments. "I aim to show that having a passion isn't some esoteric concept requiring you to abandon everything," Laura explained. "It's about determining how to incorporate more of the positive elements into your life."
