On a typical overcast day in Birmingham, it’s easy to daydream about starting fresh somewhere new. For Laura Best, that daydream turned into reality when she left her PR career behind and embraced a new life in Minnesota.
“There was something about the vastness of the United States—the idea that you could be anything you wanted—that made me feel like people were truly savoring life,” Laura shared from across the Atlantic with BirminghamLive.
Her journey began at 19 during a three-month university exchange program in America. After completing her studies and initial career in the UK, the pull to return to Minneapolis was strong. In 2000, she made the leap: settling in, gaining her green card, marrying a fellow Brit, and building a family.
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Facing the challenge of being an outsider, Laura realized the vital role friendships played in her well-being. She saw that many women share a deep need for connection and have passions waiting to be uncovered—a discovery that inspired her to start the Passion Collective. This community empowers women to connect, explore new interests, and embrace passion without fear.
“I understand what it’s like to feel a bit isolated and long for meaningful friendships,” Laura said. “Passion Collective is my way of helping women support each other in that journey.”
Through coaching events, keynote speeches, and an online network, Laura inspired thousands—all eager to ‘feel more like themselves.’ She even launched a grant program with the Bank of America and Cornell University, attracting over 10,000 applicants from 50 countries.
This momentum led her to write Born to Buzz: How to Spark Your Passions (Without Quitting It All), published in March 2026. Her research uncovered alarming global statistics: up to 80% of employees are disengaged at work, and burnout is rampant. Yet, integrating more passion into daily life can transform motivation and energy—benefitting not just individuals but their families and communities.
Laura advocates a ‘passion-first’ approach—making hobbies and interests a priority rather than a luxury.
“One truth became clear: the need for passion is universal, and when we make room for it, everything shifts,” she said. “It’s not about dropping everything but weaving what you love into everyday life.”
Her book combines warmth and encouragement, urging readers to fight for their passions despite life’s demands.
“Living a passion-first life isn’t about perfection. When we show up for ourselves, it benefits everyone around us—kids, co-workers, friends,” Laura explained. “Sometimes life wears us down, but reconnecting with what lights us up changes how we parent, create, and collaborate.”
One exercise Laura recommends is the ‘Passion Post-it’—writing down three things you’d love to do if you had an hour free and placing it somewhere visible. This simple step helps reignite dormant interests. From a woman rediscovering her violin in the attic to a banker returning to water skiing after a loss, Laura’s approach showcases how passion rekindles joy and builds authentic relationships.
Loneliness is a silent epidemic—killing more people than cigarettes in the US, according to AP News. By reaching out and pursuing passions, we not only heal ourselves but also uplift those around us.
Born to Buzz highlights 12 ‘sparks’—mindset shifts, habits, and practices—that help readers light up their lives without sacrificing responsibilities. “Passion isn’t some lofty ideal requiring sacrifice; it’s simply about doing more of the good stuff,” Laura remarked.
Her message is clear: anyone feeling ‘fine’ but yearning for more can rediscover vibrancy through passion.