A Bit About Laura

Laura Bernardini knows that leadership rarely comes with a handbook. 

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After spending more than three decades at CNN, Laura worked her way from an entry-level role to vice president of global planning — while navigating some of the most intense, high-stakes moments in modern news history. From presidential elections and 9/11 to natural disasters, economic shifts, and a global pandemic, she spent her career making decisions under pressure and leading teams in constantly changing environments. 

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Along the way, colleagues often turned to Laura for guidance. Those conversations sparked something deeper. When Laura transitioned into management, leading the White House reporting team and managing the DC newsroom, she experienced firsthand what many leaders do: being promoted into leadership without being taught how to lead. Wanting to do better for her teams, she returned to school while working full time during the pandemic and  earning an Executive master’s in leadership from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. 

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That experience changed everything. It set her on the path to find her next chapter. In 2025, Laura left CNN to pursue an executive coaching certification and devote herself fully to this work.  

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Today, Laura is the founder of Lead with Laura, where she partners with executives and emerging leaders who want to grow with intention, confidence, and authenticity. Her coaching focuses on practical leadership skills, inclusive team building, and helping people step into senior roles without losing sight of who they are. 

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Laura understands it can take time to decide what is next or how to handle transition; her philosophy that you are the CEO of your own career has helped many clients deal with unexpected job loss or figuring out that next chapter. She brings real-world experience, empathy, and a deep belief that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about learning how to ask better questions.