Every leader needs an unbiased thought partner. 

The Honest Advisor, founded by Laura Gilman, offers a confidential and highly customized approach to coaching, consulting, and connecting. Laura established the company with the belief that every leader needs an unbiased thought partner to work with them to make important decisions that will accelerate growth for themselves, their teams, and the future of their organizations. Recognizing the critical need for objective guidance and honest feedback, Laura set out on a mission to provide executive leaders with candid assessments and actionable strategies to break unproductive cycles and drive progress.  

The Honest Advisor also offers a unique expertise, supporting executives and patient caregivers as they navigate the complexities of cancer while simultaneously performing in demanding professional cultures.

About

The Honest Advisor integrates elements of coaching, consulting, and strategic connections to deliver comprehensive support. Engagement with each client includes: 

  • An in-depth discovery process: A thorough assessment, characterized by curiosity, probing questions, and active listening.

  • A select team of advisors: After direct collaboration with Laura, a small team of diplomatic and expert advisors may be assembled to address specific client needs.

  • Goal setting and action planning: Establishing clear goals and developing action plans to achieve them.

Approach

The Honest Advisor works with entrepreneurs, executives, leadership teams, emerging leaders, and boards across a wide range of industries, including private equity, financial services, pharmaceutical, healthcare, retail, biotech, nonprofit, and more.

The company works with…

Founders, C-Suite and Executives to:

  • Accelerate an organization’s mission.

  • Transition into an executive role.

  • Craft and implement a strategic plan.

  • Create revenue generation and fundraising strategies. 

  • Secure executive level talent.

  • Elevate communication and presentation impact. 

  • Engage and develop a Board of Directors. 

  • Enhance company marketing and branding.

  • Rebuild teams and cultures.

  • Conceptualize partnerships and programs.

Boards to:

  • Identify board talent and build pipelines of future talent.

  • Align roles and responsibilities.

  • Mediate conflict.

  • Counsel new board members. 

  • Define the Board’s legacy. 

  • Advise on fundraising. 

Emerging Leaders to:

  • Learn to advocate for themselves.

  • Gain confidence to explore new opportunities.

  • Identify strengths and areas for growth.

  • Negotiate new contracts and compensation packages.

  • Create personal and professional narratives. 

  • Generate ideas. 

  • Connect and expand networks. 

Cancer Patients and Caregivers to:

  • Provide guidance on navigating a cancer journey at work. 

  • Advocate for reasonable accommodations to manage work responsibilities.

  • Educate and empower themselves to advocate with the medical community.

  • Advise on resources.

Clients + Services

All clients are kept confidential. Names and logos will never appear on websites or testimonials.  

Laura Gilman's prolific career began at Morgan Stanley in Equity Capital Markets, where she navigated the intricacies of Initial Public Offerings and steered international roadshows during the late 1990s technology boom. Transitioning to executive roles at Victoria’s Secret Beauty and Citigroup, Laura spearheaded strategic initiatives, client engagement efforts, and revenue-generating projects.

In the nonprofit realm, Laura built teams and innovative programs, raising over $100M to advance groundbreaking cancer research. Her collaborative spirit with business leaders, philanthropists, and influencers has consistently driven transformative growth. Notably, Laura also served as an Executive Producer for 200 Miles, a film highlighting philanthropy's impact, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Recently appointed as the Chief Growth Officer for HealthTree Foundation - a cutting-edge technology company that is accelerating cures for cancer—Laura brings her wealth of experience and lived expertise to build strategic plans, drive revenue, and build innovative programs.

Laura holds three leadership and executive coaching certifications: Co-Active Leadership Coaching, ICF Coaching, and Hogan Personality Assessment. She is committed to empowering leaders and driving growth through unbiased honest advising. She serves her clients as a leadership mentor, business strategy coach, and transformation expert. Additionally, she is channeling her creative energies into writing a fiction book exploring the personal and professional choices that create leaders and shape their lives.

Laura is known for her humor, candor, and wisdom. Born and raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Laura now splits her time between New York City and Westport, Connecticut with her husband and son.  

Bio

Testimonials

  • “The ultimate truth teller and coach. For over 10 years, she has helped me find a way to monetize my superpower. I would not have had my career success if it weren’t for her. I trust her entirely.”

    ~ S.A., Talent Agent

  • “Her relentless and unwavering commitment to help me finally be honest with myself led me to define my goals and advocate for myself.”

    ~ A.S., Financial Services Executive

  • “Laura was able to untangle the complexity of my life and provide honest feedback.”

    ~ M.L., Fintech Executive

  • “She helped me move forward after a personal crisis that left me deeply uninspired professionally and personally. Together we built a plan and got to the other side.”

    ~ L.B., Financial Services Executive

  • “Laura identifies the obstacles and opportunities, secures the resources needed, and moves us forward – swiftly.”

    ~ W.A,. Entrepreneur and Board Member

  • “Laura blends a refreshing combination of directness, warmth and spot-on insights.”

    ~ A.G., Entertainment Executive

  • “Laura has a visionary sense that is steps ahead of the rest of us. She is a connector – bringing both people and ideas together.”

    ~ S.P., CEO

  • “The Honest Advisor assembled a team of experts that we needed within weeks. They came in and worked with us to build a strategic plan that we wanted to implement. Unlike other consultants they bring a sense of teamwork to their project. “

    ~ J.A., CEO

  • “Laura was able to unite terminally ill patients and their caregivers, executives, and philanthropists by showing empathy while never losing sight of the goal. She helped us raise millions of dollars for cancer research during our darkest days. She made a tremendous impact.”

    ~ S.L., Philanthropist

  • “She understands the transformative power of philanthropy and keeps our mission front and center.”

    ~ G.P., CEO

  • “Laura cuts to the chase.”

    ~ W.A., Development Executive

  • “Intuitive, wise and witty leader – a natural.”

    ~ S.K., HR Executive

  • “She can pull us all together in times of crisis.”

    ~ A.N., Pharmaceutical Executive

  • “Calm and measured.”

    ~ K.B., Senior Government Official

  • “She has a unique ability to genuinely connect with people within moments of meeting them.”

    ~ C.A., Development Executive

  • "Transitioning careers was daunting until I partnered with Laura Gilman and her Honest Coaching practice. As my coach she helped me to honestly assess my potential and empowered me to reframe my expertise in a new light, unlocking opportunities I hadn't considered. I highly recommend her for anyone navigating a career transition!"

    ~ K.D., Investment Strategists

Contact Us

lauragilman@thehonestadvisor.com

Westport, Connecticut | New York City