Every leader needs an unbiased thought partner. 

At The Honest Advisor, we accelerate growth.

We work with founders, c-suite, boards, executives, and leadership teams who want to grow by thinking differently, focusing on what matters, and moving forward intentionally.

Through a thoughtful blend of coaching, consulting, and connecting, we work with clients to identify goals, navigate complexity, and achieve meaningful, measurable results.

Our work spans strategic advisory, planning and implementation, executive coaching, revenue growth, development, talent acquisition, philanthropic advising, and strategic partnerships.

Clients come from a wide range of industries including entertainment, private equity, financial services, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector.

About

Laura Gilman has spent her career helping people and organizations recognize and reach their potential. As a trusted coach, consultant, and connector, she has guided founders, executives, teams, philanthropists, artists, and innovators through moments of transformation and growth.

Laura founded The Honest Advisor on a simple but powerful belief: every leader needs an unbiased thought partner who listens deeply, asks the hard questions, and offers honest insight. Her work is rooted in experience, authenticity, strategy, and partnership.

Laura began her career working for fortune 50 companies including Morgan Stanley and Citigroup, where she led client engagement and revenue generating initiatives before shifting her focus to mission-driven work. She went on to lead teams that raised over $100 million for pioneering cancer research and partnered with founders, CEOs, boards, and leadership teams to drive innovation, build sustainable revenue models, expand reach, and strengthen leaders and organizations.

Her extensive experience working alongside patients, families, and philanthropists navigating a cancer diagnosis profoundly shaped her belief that working with an unbiased thought partner to identify purpose and priorities accelerates growth.

Laura holds certifications in Co-Active Leadership Coaching, ICF Coaching, and Hogan Personality Assessment.

Born and raised on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Laura now divides her time between New York City and Westport, Connecticut, where she lives 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