The oldest of eleven children, Laura Cornille-Cannady grew up believing that she would be either a comedian or a psychologist. As a student at Quincy College in Quincy, IL, Laura pursued one of those dreams and majored in Psychology. With a B.A. in psychology, Laura began her career in higher education working in both housing and administration. Laura received a Masters degree in Human Service Counseling from Illinois State University. After receiving her degree, Laura continued her work in higher education as an Associate Dean of Students for a small private Midwest university.

While in higher education, Laura began her public speaking career. She became a well traveled and much in demand speaker. Her style is reflective of her two career dreams. She is full of energy and life humor, which reflects a keen insight into people and today's issues. The National Association of College and University Residence Halls has selected Laura as a Top Ten presenter. She has spoken in a wide variety of settings including health care, government, social service, education, financial services, corporate, manufacturing and small business.

Laura is an active member of her profession and her community. She is an alumnus of the 1997 Leadership Illinois Class and has been a past President of the organization. In recognition of her outstanding professionalism, she received the "1996 Women of Excellence Business and Professional Award." She is also an active member at both the regional and national levels of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). In the community, Laura is a leader in the fight against breast cancer and has served on the board of the United Way. She is the founder of a not-for-profit organization, Wear To Work, which provides clothing and services to women who are making the transition from welfare to work. She also has served on the Quincy University Board of Trustees. Laura spends her free time with her husband, Randy, their daughter, Mary and granddaughter, Madelyn.

• Bah Humbug!! Re-igniting Passion in the Workplace - These days it is not just the holiday when "bah humbug" can be heard in the workplace. Negative attitude and poor morale seem to be "catching." How do we re-ignite passion in a workplace that seems to have lost its heart... a workplace that has placed increasing demands with little job security? We will take a look at relearning optimism and putting passion back into our work and life.
  
  
• Discovering the Treasures of the Workplace Generations - Within the business community, a shift is taking place in the workplace. Many recruiters, human resource staff members and managers are discussing how to motivate and maintain productivity within the workforce. This light-hearted look at each generation's strengths and limitations will help you to understand how to get the best from others ... no matter their age and views.
  
  
• Get High on Yourself! - Even the most optimistic of us can get pulled down by life's unexpected changes. We will focus on the five basics to pulling yourself up when life has let you down. This is a perfect opening address or motivational closing to any retreat, conference or workshop. This high-energy and motivating speech uses humor and real life adventures to stimulate you to "do something."
  
  
• Getting the B.E.S.T. From Others! - Ever feel like most of your day has been spent putting out fires? Recently, feel like you were totally misunderstood by a fellow employee? Today's multi-tasking frenzy requires that communication be THE critical skill and tool in getting us all moving in the same direction. Communication impacts effectiveness, efficacy and efficiency. This high energy speech will cover four practical principles to use when communicating with others in order to get the B.E.S.T. from them.
  
  
• Is That What I Said? A Look at Gender Communication Differences - Lee Iacocca said "communication is everything" and that has never been more true than in today's diverse work setting. Without bashing or judging, you will take a humorous and realistic look at our communication differences and show how to bridge these gaps. This topic will not require a trip to other planets, but may cause you to laugh at yourself.

• "Laura makes the information easy to understand and learn. She kept my attention all day, very educational." - Computer Consultant
  
  
• "Laura makes a strong first impression and follows through on it. Her stand up training skills are very good. She has a unique ability to work with a group, diagnose problems and guide the group toward solving them." - Human Resources Manager
  
  
• "Well worth the time and the money. Laura was well-prepared and had an excellent understanding of our needs. - Heavy Equipment Manufacturer