From a young age, Laura M. Labovich knew she was meant to help people find fulfilling work. “While my friends dreamed of being doctors, lawyers, or rockstars, I wanted to work in human resources,” she says. That early calling led her to earning a degree in Employment Relations from Michigan State University and launching a career in talent acquisition and HR, working first at Walt Disney World, and then America Online.
During the AOL-Time Warner merger, Labovich’s role changed dramatically. She was tasked with laying off many employees, some of them close friends. “One day, I watched a group of displaced employees walk into a room full of outplacement (career transition) consultants and, although they didn’t leave happy, they left with hope. I immediately knew then that I was meant to do that work,” Labovich said.
That moment inspired her to start The Career Strategy Group, a firm helping people navigate through tough career transitions with hope and heart. What began as a passion project grew into a nationally recognized woman-owned company that has assisted more than 150 nonprofits, associations, B corps, and social impact companies with compassionate downsizing. “Our award-winning job search coaches and resume writers help individuals land faster and move forward with confidence. This work is rooted in empathy and driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, not just when they join a company but also when they leave it,” Labovich said.
What sets her company apart is its combination of professional writing, certified expertise and smart tech. “We’re proudly traditional in all the ways that matter. We offer empathy, expertise and customized care at a time when the industry is rapidly shifting away from it,” she noted.
In addition to running her business, Labovich is president of Women Business Owners of Montgomery County. “When I first joined WBO over a decade ago, I was drawn to the opportunity to learn from confident, accomplished women who generously share their wisdom. That sense of support and connection is what makes WBO so special,” Labovich shared.
Her goals for WBO include growing membership, boosting member visibility through social media and speaking opportunities, and diversifying offerings for entrepreneurs at every stage. WBO hosts monthly networking breakfasts and workshops on topics like data-driven growth. “One standout success was our recent wellness event led by our member Rachel Christy of Smart Street Beauty. We gathered at the stunning Kharis Lavender Fields, run by member Claudia Tess, to journal, connect, reflect, and work without pressure, or judgement,” Labovich said.
Challenges persist, especially in funding. “According to a 2024 county-level disparity study, women and minority-owned businesses earn significantly less than their white male counterparts,” she said. “Sometimes it can reach up to 46% in industries such as construction.”
Childcare access also limits women’s time. “The lack of accessible and affordable childcare limits the hours women can devote to their businesses,” Labovich said.
Despite rising costs and proposed taxes in Montgomery County, resources like MOVE grants, MFD certifications, and support from the Maryland Women’s Business Center offer relief. “Proposed policy changes like service taxes could further strain small business owners operating on tight margins,” she said.
For women entrepreneurs, today’s business world poses real challenges but also real opportunities.
