Meet Laurie Martin...
Building Strength, Resilience, and Lasting Transformation
Laurie Martin’s life began on a family farm, where grit, hard work, and early adversity taught her that how we respond to challenges refines us. Heartfelt humour often appeared just when it was needed most, helping her turn life’s hardest moments into clarity, strength, and forward momentum.
Her professional journey began in agriculture and transitioned into a high-stakes risk deterrence role during a time of personal adversity, stepping into the world of insurance with one of Canada’s largest companies — where every second mattered. No one knew the challenges she faced in her own life, yet she persevered, kept moving forward, and honed the ability to lead with precision and humanity under pressure. She progressed from coordinator to leading a new subsidiary on a global stage, learning that true leadership comes from clarity, connection, and presence.
After leaving the insurance world, Laurie founded Life Interrupted Inc., where her work became like a child to her — nurtured with unwavering dedication and care. Her work ethic, shaped by personal adversity, drives her to go above and beyond in teaching, supporting, and guiding others.
For 25+ years, Laurie has equipped leaders, individuals, and those who support others — including community and nonprofit organizations — with practical tools to respond effectively when lives are being challenged. Her teaching focuses on seldom-taught topics, helping people show up “ready” for life’s interruptions, build resilience, and provide confident support without stepping into a therapeutic role.
Laurie speaks the language of frontline needs where emotions run high. She leads with grace, humility, and soft humour, creating a welcoming style that makes learning, growth, and support feel safe, human, and meaningful.
Whether in the boardroom, classroom, community, or one-on-one, Laurie helps people build resilience, clarity, and sustainable wellbeing.
Looking for bold, different, and unforgettable approaches to leadership, learning, or life experience?
Laurie is the person to make it happen.
“Drawing on experience and real-world strategies, Laurie equips leaders, individuals, and those who help others to navigate challenges with confidence and calm.”
What
You'll Learn
Laurie’s work is practical, grounded, and immediately applicable-designed for leaders who want to sharpen life skills and emotional resilience from a frontline perspective, as well as for individuals navigating personal disruption. Through her guidance, you’ll learn to:
- Stay calm & focused under pressure
- Make clear decisions when life feels chaotic
- Communicate with confidence and empathy
- Manage stress without losing control
- Rebuild a sense of stability and personal power
“Whether for personal growth or professional development, Laurie provides real-world tools and strategies that work when it matters most.”
Speaker & Teacher for many years.
Laurie has extensive experience supporting individuals through a wide range of life-altering challenges, including drownings, suicide, witnessing injury, motor vehicle accidents, the fallout when CPR is not successful, ice storms, hurricanes, 9/11, the pandemic, and crisis line interventions and victim services. She brings compassion, practical guidance, and a deep understanding of grief and trauma to every situation.
She has been a speaker with numerous organizations, private clubs, government organizations, universities, and private clubs. A few to proudly share Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), Advocis, Sun Life, Richardson Wealth Management, Club Managers American Association of Europe (CMAE), Club Managers Association of Canada (CMAC), Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), Management Association of Canada, Investors Group, Elder Planning Studies (CIEPS), Conference Board of Canada, University of Toronto, University of Ohio, Desjardins, Human Resources Associations (Ontario and Nova Scotia), Siemens Canada, S.C. Johnson, Canadian Bankers Associations, American Bankers Association, Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU)Retail Council of Canada, Hospice organizations, Ontario Chiefs of Police (OACP), Shell Jamaica, Mobil Oil, Toronto Western Hospital (TWH), Waterloo Regional Health Network, Bluewater School Board, Regional Municipalities, Grand Cayman Community Emergency Response Teams, Bereaved Families of Ontario, COPING Centre, Arbor Memorial, Women in Crisis, Victim Services, and the Canadian Police Academy, among others.
Laurie has shared her expertise through podcasts, television, radio, and over 350 syndicated publications, including Canadian Insurance Magazine, Club Manager’s Quarterly, PCA Plus, The Boardroom, Club Managers American Association, Canadian HR Reporter, EAP Digest (U.S.), Help’s Here, Resources for Seniors and Caregivers, Toronto Insurance Women’s Association, Municipality World, and more than 18 syndicated newspapers.
Happy & Healthy Clients
“What a great pleasure to listen and watch Laurie present such a new take on what most people see to be a 'dry' or administrative subject. Her creativity, experience, vitality, passion, and brilliant presentation skills kept us wanting more, a total delight.”
Bill Sanderson, The Business Development Coach
“Laurie’s emotional resilience session transformed how we understand and respect differently when loss happens.”
Carolyn Elbert, M.S., Lecturer, Iowa State University
“Laurie is a real, gutsy overcomer, and unafraid to face tough situations. Her passion and wisdom inspire everyone in the room — the world is better because of her emotional resilience leadership.”
Shaundra Oelsner, RPN, CHS
Send Us Your questions
Learn more about Laurie’s work, services, and what to expect.
Are Laurie’s services only for organizations?
Laurie works with both organizations and individuals. While she provides educational talks, and workshops for leaders and teams, she also offers one-on-one guidance for those navigating personal life challenges, relationship (divorce, death of a loved one, betrayal, grief or challenging client conversations), or seeking a wellness/fitness coach.
Does Laurie provide therapy or clinical counseling?
Laurie focuses on life coaching and grief companioning. She does not replace clinical therapy or medical treatment. She does collaborate with professionals as part of a broader support system, where health and wellness benefits may be applicable.
What can I expect from a session or workshop?
Interactive, engaging, and tailored to your organization’s needs. Laurie creates a safe space for reflection and learning, sharing evidence-based strategies that participants can apply immediately. Workshops can also be accredited through partnering organizations.
Can Laurie customize sessions for our team or event?
Yes. All workshops, speaking engagements, and wellness sessions can be tailored to meet your participants’ specific needs, goals, and challenges, ensuring a positive and lasting learning experience.
How do I book Laurie for coaching, a workshop, or a speaking engagement?
You can contact Laurie through the website form or email her directly. She will work with you to design programs that best meet your needs—whether one-on-one coaching, workshops, breakout sessions, or speaking engagements.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. Laurie offers virtual coaching, grief and loss support, group sessions, workshops, and speaking engagements—making it easy to participate from anywhere.
How do I sign up for a virtual seminar or have a conversation with Laurie?
Reach out through the contact form or email Laurie directly. She’ll connect with you personally to understand your needs and help set up a virtual session, seminar, or one-on-one conversation that’s just right for you.
Contact Laurie for your next education event or for someone facing a life interruption.
