Laura Best, a former Birmingham PR professional, made a life-changing decision to quit her job and relocate to Minnesota in the United States, where she has since built a thriving business dedicated to empowering women. Her initiative, the Passion Collective, focuses on helping individuals fight burnout and uncover their true passions through connection and support.
A Bold Move Across the Atlantic
In 2000, Laura Best embarked on a new chapter, moving to Minnesota after initially visiting as an exchange student from Warwick University. She was captivated by the vast opportunities and the American ethos that "you can be anything you want to be." This transition, however, came with challenges, as she often felt like an outsider in a new country.
Building Connections Through Shared Experiences
Drawing from her personal experiences of loneliness and adaptation, Laura founded the Passion Collective. "I'm someone who's an outsider who's come somewhere new and I've had to make friends so I know what it feels like to feel a bit lonely," she explained. Her goal was to create a community where women could connect, share interests, and rediscover their passions in a supportive environment.
Addressing Global Disengagement
Laura's research uncovered a startling statistic: approximately 80% of employees worldwide are disengaged from their work. This insight fueled her advocacy for a 'passion-first' lifestyle, where hobbies and personal interests are prioritized alongside professional responsibilities. She believes that integrating passions into daily life can lead to profound personal and professional transformations.
Sharing Wisdom in a New Book
To spread her message further, Laura has authored a book titled 'Born to Buzz: How to Spark Your Passions (Without Quitting It All)', scheduled for release in March 2026. In it, she emphasizes, "One truth became clear: the need for passion is universal – and when we make space for it, everything changes." The book provides practical strategies for weaving passions into everyday routines without abandoning obligations, featuring inspiring stories of women who revived long-forgotten interests such as playing the violin and water skiing.
Inspiring a Global Audience
Through the Passion Collective and her upcoming book, Laura Best continues to inspire women globally to embrace their passions and combat burnout. Her journey from a Birmingham PR role to a successful entrepreneur in the US serves as a powerful example of how bold moves and a focus on personal fulfillment can lead to meaningful change and success.
