Q: Your new book Born to Buzz is about sparking passion in work and life. How do you personally define “passion,” and why do you believe it’s so central to living a happier and more fulfilled life?

LB: Passion isn’t always about fireworks or one grand calling. As I share in my keynotes and coaching, it feels different to every human. One of my favorite audience exercises is helping people find the word that defines what passion feels like for them. (My word is fizzy, because when I’m doing the things I love, there’s this bubbling energy inside me that feels connected, powerful, and generous). Over time, you start to recognise that feeling, and also when it’s missing. There are also two types of passion: harmonious passions, which complement your life, and obsessive passions, which can actually be damaging. The goal is always to cultivate the harmonious kind!

Q: You speak to organizations about the benefits of weaving passion into culture and leadership, and how to go about it. How did your career journey shape this belief, and what impact have you seen when companies and individuals embrace it?

LB: I've spent 20+ years in corporate and agency leadership, and I know how easy it is to lose sight of what lights you up. My turning point came when I was a new mum with a demanding consulting job at a national technology agency. On paper, it was a dream role, but after several years, I realised I was experiencing burnout. It wasn’t that I was just physically exhausted, I’d lost sight of the things I truly loved beyond my family. 

What I've seen time and time again is that when organizations invest in helping their people to bring their passions into their work, the effect can be transformative. Whether that’s through creative projects, mentoring, or causes they care about, teams show up with greater commitment and energy. Creativity is often given a massive boost from different ideas, and teams connect with more compassion when they see the "real human" behind their peers' day-to-day identities. 

Q: Passion can feel like a luxury when people are balancing heavy responsibilities. What are some practical ways professionals can rediscover their spark without having to “quit it all”?
LB: I know it’s a controversial view, but weaving more passion into your life isn’t always about quitting your job or making dramatic changes. My book Born to Buzz shares how in more detail, but essentially, passion can be nurtured and experienced through smaller, intentional steps. It’s not selfish — in fact, passion can be fuel that helps you show up better for everyone else.

I call one of my favourite strategies “Side Door Contributions.” Instead of trying to force passion through the “front door” of your job description, look for the side doors, or the small, creative ways that you can bring more of yourself into your work.

For example, you might be passionate about photography, so you volunteer to capture moments at company events, helping people feel more connected to the culture. Or maybe you’re a CEO who loves songwriting: you're unlikely to drop the CEO role to suddenly become a rock star, but you can start a lunchtime songwriting circle for employees who also want a creative outlet.

You get the idea. The point isn’t to abandon your career, it’s to notice where your passions can quietly enrich your life, both inside and outside of work.

Q: Through Passion Collective, you’ve created a global community of people pursuing more of what they love. What has surprised you most about this journey, and what does the community teach you?

LB: What’s surprised me most is how universal the desire for more passion truly is. This became so clear as we offered our global grant programme, Atomic Grants, when more than 10,000 people from over 50 countries applied. While the applicants' lives looked very different, the themes were the same: people want to feel more alive, more connected, and more purposeful. That universality has been one of the most powerful lessons for me. We need this unifying force in our workplaces, our homes and our communities! 

Q: Looking back at your career so far—as an author, speaker, and community founder, what’s been a defining moment when you realised this path of inspiring people to pursue their passions was making a real difference?
LB: I’ll never forget when an event attendee emailed me days after the event, saying that my keynote had helped her to summon the courage to ask for the promotion that she deserved – and she got it! Moments like that remind me that this work can change lives. Every time someone shares that Born to Buzz or Passion Collective gave them the nudge to try something new or connect with another person, it reaffirms why I do this.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
LB: For me, it’s more about rhythm. There are busy seasons with speaking, coaching, or writing and then times to recharge. But importantly, I don’t drop my passions when I need rest. Travel, tennis, and even researching my family history are things that light me up and give me energy. A mistake people make is retreating from their passions when life feels overwhelming – but often, passions can restore balance.

Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields?

LB: Try not to become consumed by the fact you’re a woman in a male-dominated space! I don't mean to be flip, given the severity of the gender pay gap (let alone the other inequities that exist in the workplace) but focus on what you can control: build relationships, prepare well, deepen your expertise, and take opportunities when they come. Express your opinion, treat people with respect, and keep learning. The system hasn’t been built for women for millennia, but the more you focus on your craft and your connections, the more resilient and impactful you’ll be to help contribute to the future.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?
LB: Do the work early to figure out what you truly love. This doesn't necessarily mean turning your hobby into a business just because you enjoy it because building a business is hard work, with ups, downs, and trade-offs. You have to love it enough to keep going even on the tough days. So, really get clear on what lights you up, and build from there.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known
LB: I wish I’d known more about what I truly loved to do, and how that intersected with my natural skills. I spent decades building expertise – which we all need to do – but neglecting the work that lit me up. The sweet spot of passion and skills does exist, it just takes bold choices, curiosity and plenty of work. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
LB: Success looks different for everyone, so be brave enough to define it on your terms. Build your skills, keep learning, and find mentors who challenge and support you. The women I’ve seen thrive are those who combine competence with curiosity, and who lift others up along the way.

If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
LB: I love this question! It's hard to choose but … Michelle Obama; Roger Federer; Freddie Mercury; my Dad, Trevor Best. 


What’s the most amazing adventure you’ve ever been on?
LB: In my 20s, before I moved to America, I backpacked up the East Coast of Australia from Sydney to Cairns. I sheared sheep, camped in the outback, sailed the Whitsunday Islands and explored the rainforest. I met wonderful people and experienced true adventure with no ties. Bliss!


Six Things About Laura Best

1. Who is your favorite author? 

Hilary Mantel.

2. Best and worst flavor ice cream? 

My go-to is always mint chocolate chip, and I'm definitely not a fan of anything with banana or peanut butter!


3. What’s your favorite quote or saying?

"Sweetness after difficulty" - it's the motto for my family's Scottish clan (Ferguson). I love the optimism and trust it implies.


4. If you unexpectedly won $10,000, what would you spend it on?
Building the Passion Collective community, and investing in sharing the word about my book, "Born to Buzz", because I know both would reap wonderful returns!


5. Do you read reviews or just go with your gut?

I read reviews after I've experienced the thing, then compare and contrast. 


6. What’s your big passion?

Helping others find theirs!